Do I have to use the PHSSR datasets from the National Library of Medicine’s Health Services?

No, however you must provide rationale for using another data resource in order to conduct PHSSR.

Am I required to have a mentor?

While it is preferred that you have a mentor before applying for funding, it is not required. If you do not have a mentor when applying, please contact the UK Center for Public Health Systems & Services Research Program Coordinator who will help match you with a mentor for the project. 

As a mini-grantee, am I required to present at conferences or publish my research?

Sharing research methods and learning is an integral part of this project and as part of the grant agreement, grantees will be requested to participate in and present   research findings in the Annual Keeneland Conference held in Lexington, KY. Mentors are also required to attend the Keeneland Conference and participate in a Mentor/Mentee session. To see conference details please visit the Keeneland Conference webpage. Grantees may also be asked to present their research at other public health conferences, as well.

Am I required to publish a manuscript based on the results of my research?

Yes, you must submit a manuscript of your research findings to a peer-reviewed journal.  We will ask that you first submit to the Center’s PHSSR Special Issue of the Health Services Research Journal,  before submitting to another journal.

What deliverables are associated with the mini-grant funding?

In addition to publishing and presenting research findings, all mini-grant recipients will be asked to submit a workplan (i.e., detailed schedule of project-related activities with key deadlines and milestones), quarterly reports discussing progress of their work, and at the end of the grant period, all mini-grantees will be required to summit a final report summarizing their research findings.

How long will the grant period be?

The grant period will be 12 months.

Will the grant funds be awarded directly to me?

No, the funds will be disseminated to your university/organization. You and your university/organization must complete a contract agreeing to certain terms and conditions regarding the distribution of funds.

What can I purchase with the grant monies?

Grant funds may be used for data related costs such as purchase of datasets, research assistant time, data processing, data analysis, meetings, supplies, project-related travel and other direct project expenses.  A portion of funding may be used as a stipend for the applicant. However; the majority of the funding must be used to conduct PHSSR research and may not be used to purchase capital equipment, or indirect costs.