More than 120 scientists attended the 2014 Strategies for Funding Opportunities Luncheon on Tuesday, March 25 during the SOT Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Following the Annual Meeting, a survey was sent to these attendees to seek their valuable insights. Survey responses were enthusiastic, noting that “The presentations and discussions in the Research Funding Luncheon matched my expectations.“ The survey results also reported that luncheon attendees (≈80%) found this event very useful to increasing knowledge about research funding opportunities. For more information about this luncheon and two webinars (recorded) that were presented during the meeting, please see the blog article SOT Annual Meeting Strategies for Funding Opportunities Included Two Recorded Webinars.
The survey respondents also indicated they found the Research Funding Information Resource Room was very useful. SOT appreciates the agency representatives who provided their time and expertise to staff the resource room. Scientists from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences included Janice Allen, Linda Bass, Danielle Carlin, Astrid Haugen, Michelle Heacock, Jerry Heindel, Heather Henry, Jonathan Hollander, Mike Humble, Annette Kirshner, Alfonso Latoni, Cindy Lawler, Rose Anne McGee, Pat Mastin, Sri Nadadur, Thad Schug, Carol Shreffler, and Bill Suk. Also representing their agencies were Patricia Greenwell, National Institutes of Health, The Center for Scientific Review; Dana M. van Bemmel, US Food and Drug Administration; and Intaek Hahn, US Environmental Protection Agency.
Based on the responses, there is an appreciation for the Research Funding Blog, which is a resource for research and training opportunities as well as information to enhance grantsmanship. Moreover, there was great interest expressed (83%) in educational webinar(s) relative to research funding conducted outside of the SOT Annual Meeting.
Thanks to those individuals who responded to this survey as this input is helpful as plans are developed for the SOT 54rd Annual Meeting, March 22‒26, 2015, San Diego, California.