All full applications must include the following components in an NIH-style application. All sections should conform to page limits and be single-spaced in Arial 11 pt font. Scholars selected to submit full applications will be notified by email with instructions on how to submit the full application.

• Abstract; no more than 30 lines (1 page)
• Proposed Specific Aims (1 page) and Research Plan (limited to 5 pages): The goal of the research plan is to describe the research question and outline the approach that will be used to conduct the research. The 6-page limit includes one page for Specific Aims and 5 pages for the research plan. This page limit does not include references. The Research Plan should include a brief description of the research environment.
• Individual Career Development Plan signed by the Applicant and the two primary Mentors (limited to 3 pages): The individual development plan should describe in detail how the applicant will be mentored, what training is planned and the anticipated timeline for preparation of academic products such as manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals during the period of support. To ensure that you and mentors have a clear understanding of your respective roles, responsibilities, and research goals, we ask that you describe expectations for the mentoring/collaborative experience, including the time and frequency of meetings. Expectations about collaboration on this project (i.e., authorship on presentations and publications) should also be addressed.
• Letters of Support from 2 Primary Mentors: Each K12 Scholar is expected to receive research and career mentoring from at least two mentors who have excellent training records and who are committed to extending close interactions with the Scholar. At least one mentor should have experience with HIV research and at least one mentor should have experience with NHLBI-related diseases. The mentor's background and expertise should be described in the letter. Review a list of mentors with relevant experience or email Mary Thielen to request help finding a mentor. 
• Letter of Support from the Applicant's Department or Division Chair committing to the provision of 75% protected time for career development activities for the duration of the award (2 years): This signed letter must be prepared on letterhead and indicate the following: A desire to have the applicant considered for this K12 program; a commitment to the candidate specifying that the scholar will spend no more than 25% of their effort on clinical or other activities during the 2-year duration of the award; and a space and resource plan for the applicant's eventual emergence from the mentored setting when independent federal funding is secured.  If the chair is also one of the two primary mentors, he or she should indicate this in the letter, which will suffice for both chair/mentor letter. We recommend that scholars meet with your mentor frequently to review progress, identify and develop a plan to address any obstacles to the conduct of your research, discuss presentations, abstracts, and grant applications.
• NIH Biosketches for the Applicant and the 2 Primary Mentors:  Refer to the UAB CCTS website to link to the NIH biosketch form with instructions and sample biosketches from UAB investigators.
• Letters of Support from any other Collaborators or Mentors: These letters are in addition to the letters from the two primary mentors and the Department/Division Chair. 
• NIH Budget Form (Form Page 4) with full Justification: The 2-year budget should not exceed $100,000 in annual costs.