GUIDELINES FOR CFXF SHORT-TERM FELLOWSHIPS

Short term fellowships are intended to support researchers who wish to spend 2 weeks to 2 months working in a laboratory in another country to learn new fragile X research techniques, develop new collaborations in fragile X research, or to become familiar with equipment not readily available in the applicant's home country. Applicants must offer a plan to expand their knowledge and experience in fragile X research during the fellowship period, and suggest how that experience will enhance their on-going research in their home country.

A) GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS

1. Length of Short Term Fellowships
   Short-term fellowships are awarded for periods of two (2) weeks to 2 (two) months. The duration must be based on the time needed to perform experiments, learn techniques or use facilities that are only available at the host institution. Fellowships will not be awarded for a series of multiple visits to the host lab during the period of award.
   
2. How to Apply
   
   1. Applications may be submitted year round, at least six weeks prior to proposed start date in the format described below in Section F.
   2. Application cover page and budget sheets are available at www.cfxf.org
   3. All copies should be submitted according to the specific directions at www.cfxf.org.
   4. Decisions on awards will be announced approximately one month after receipt of the completed application.
   5. Please provide at least six weeks before the anticipated fellowship start date as no retroactive funding will be provided.

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Research Areas
   CFXF's goal for all of its fragile X research is to support basic research that is focused on one or more of its priority areas as identified by the CFXF Board of Scientific Advisors and the broader Fragile X research community. Those areas include:
   
   • The study of FMRP/RNA/Protein interaction
   • Reactivation of the FMR1 gene, and the epigenetic mechanisms that cause inactivation
   • Transcription and translation of FMR1
   • Translational work merging science and medicine
   • Neuroimaging
   • Neuropsych studies
     
     
   CFXF encourages applicants experienced in fields of basic science research other than fragile X-related to use Short Term Fellowships to broaden their experience and interest in fragile X.
   
2. Applicant Guidelines
   
   1. A scientist from any country may apply for a Short Term Fellowship to work in a research institution in another country. These fellowships encourage affiliations with new research supervisors and collaborators at labs in countries other than the applicant's research home.
   2. Applicants must have a research doctorate (Ph.D.) or a doctoral degree with equivalent experience in research at the time of application.
   3. Short Term Fellowships are for those who wish to work for the specified period of time in a facility in another country, in order to learn about or develop new techniques, to use instruments or technology not available in their own country, or to obtain pilot results to establish a new international collaboration. Candidates should provide assurance they will return to their home country at the end of the fellowship.
   4. The primary goal of these fellowships is to enable investigators to move into a new research area by establishing new research collaborations or learning new techniques. Short Term Fellowships are not intended to enable researchers to travel to conferences, workshops, courses or symposia. A series of CFXF Travel Mini-Grants are available for such purposes.

C) ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

1. Round Trip Travel
   Round trip travel expenses to the host institution (the shortest route and the most economical means of travel) and back to the point of origin. Travel expenses must be estimated by a travel agency and submitted on company letterhead with the application.
2. Living expenses
   A living allowance will be provided for the days spent in the host country and for each day of travel. The daily allowance is $70.00 (USD or its equivalent).

D. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS

1. Review Process
   All applications will be reviewed for completeness and technical requirements by CFXF staff. Incomplete applications and those that do not meet the technical criteria listed herein will not be considered. A CFXF Review Committee will review all other applications.
   
2. Review Criteria
   The main review criteria are the originality and quality of the fragile X research proposed, the accomplishments/potential of the applicant, the commitment of the host facility to the applicant and the project and the potential for the applicant to continue fragile X research.
   
3. Notification of Award
   Applicants will receive notification of award within 60 days of submission

E) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS OF AWARD

1. Each recipient must submit a report to CFXF within one month of completing the fellowship
2. CFXF may request reimbursement of any part of the award in the event that the applicant is unable to fulfill his/her commitment or the fellowship is shorter than originally planned.

F) APPLICATIONS
All applications must be submitted in the following format:

          Section I

1. CFXF Grant Cover Page (Form CFXFC1) at www.cfxf.org
   
2. Curriculum vitae
   A short CV, covering recent time period, a list of the names of scientific supervisors, the dates of study and complete name of the institution.
   
3. List of Publications
   List no more than three publications in order of date.
   
4. Past and Present Fellowships
   List any other fellowships, the duration, names of host institutions, supervisors and funders.
   
   Section II
   
5. Research Project Narrative
   In the narrative section of the application, please explain the research project in a simple, concise summary page.
   
   Then, please describe the research plan in further detail including:
   • the CFXF priority addressed from Section B.1
   • the significance of the project to fragile X research
   • the skills to be gained, experiments to be completed, equipment to be used, etc.,
   • the reason for selecting the host institution
     
6. Host Institution/Supervisor
   Please indicate the name of the host institution/university, department/laboratory and city and country. Also, please provide the name, nationality, title and address of the supervisor. Please provide a brief biographical sketch of the supervisor.
   
   The research supervisor at the host institution should provide a letter of recommendation discussing the applicant's qualifications and nature of the proposed research. The supervisor should describe the specific role of the applicant in the research and the contribution the applicant is likely to make. The supervisor should also identify the specific skills the applicant will gain by the fellowship and the overall contribution to the fragile X research that will result.
   
   Section III
   
7. Budget - Please complete Form CFXFB2


1. Travel Expenses
   Economy class travel must be estimated by a travel agency. A written estimate directly from the company must be submitted with the application.
2. Living Expenses
   Please indicate the proposed start date and end date of the Fellowship, including two travel days.
   

Application Cover Page	CFXFC1
Conference Travel Fund Budget Form	CFXFB1
Short-Term Fellowship Budget Form	CFXFB2
Budget For Initial Budget Period	CFXFB3
Budget for Proposed Project Period	CFXFB4
Budget Narrative	CFXFB5