National Institutes of Health Funding Opportunities Panel

The Research Solutions Institute (RSI) invites you to the 

National Institutes of Health Funding Opportunities Panel 

Seeking fundamental knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness 

January 8th, 2025  
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm  

This workshop will provide a brief overview of the NIH institutes, funding mechanisms, and application process timelines. Following this introduction will be a panel discussion of successful NIH awardees; they will share tips on writing competitive proposals for different funding streams as well as discuss strategies on engaging with clinical collaborators.  

Speaker Information:  
Dr. Robert Dempski 
Dr. Dempski is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at WPI. Dr. Dempski’s research integrates investigating the structure and function of targeted membrane proteins with the development of mixed reality tools for workforce development. He will discuss his success with the NIH R21 mechanism. 
Dr. Nathaniel Hafer (UMass. Chan Medical School) 
Dr. Hafer is the Director of Operations for the University of Massachusetts Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UMCCTS). Previously Dr. Hafer was an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Hafer will discuss his approach to engaging with the NIH and share tips on seeking collaborations with clinicians at the UMass Chan Medical School.   
Dr. Inna Nechipurenko 
Dr. Nechipurenko, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at WPI, studies primary cilia to better understand their role in neurodevelopmental disorders. She will discuss her success with the NIH MIRA R35 mechanism. 
Dr. George Pins 
Dr. Pins is a Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at WPI with over 25 years of experience in biomaterials and tissue engineering. His research focuses on developing materials that aid tissue healing and regeneration. A dedicated educator, he enjoys teaching biomaterials science, guiding student projects, and mentoring graduate students to become leaders in medical innovation. He will discuss his success with the NIH R15 mechanism 

Please register for the workshop here:  
https://wpi.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ii916nKMQn23mMRfn_539g  

We look forward to seeing you at the workshop!  
Antje Harnisch                                       Sujatha Koduvayur  
Asst. Vice Provost for Research             Director of Research Development