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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please see below for answers to common questions about the NIH Environmental Justice Scholars Program.
For all other questions, please email: ejscholars@nih.gov.
Application
Are there templates for the application elements?
No, there are no templates for the application materials. The required application elements and details are outlined in the application instructions, including a cover letter, resume/CV, biosketch, and two letters of reference.
Should applications be written with a focus on a specific institute, center, or office (ICO) or more generally?
It depends. If an applicant identifies an ICO, from the interest statements document, that resonates with their knowledge, skills, and interests, the applicant could address their application towards that specific ICO. If an applicant doesn’t come across a specific ICO that lines up with their interests and knowledge, the applicant could write their application more broadly by emphasizing the skills, knowledge, and expertise they bring to NIH and how they can advance EJ at the NIH more generally. The interest statements document is there to provide guidance for applicants and offer clarity about ICO needs and interests.
Should applications be submitted directly by applicants or through applicants’ research offices/organizations?
The application package should be submitted via email by the applicant to ejscholars@nih.gov. Applicants should ensure they have the support of their institution/organization/employer to participate in the program prior to applying.
Are there page limits for the application elements (cover letter, resume/CV, biosketch, and reference letters)?
No. There are no page limits.
Eligibility
Am I eligible?
Please review the eligibility criteria written in the application instructions. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in environmental justice-related research, outreach, training, publications, and/or other contributions and accomplishments. Applicants should be able to describe how their skills, experiences, and expertise can build NIH EJ capacity and contribute to NIH or the ICO of interest’s mission. Please keep the program goals listed on the EJ Scholars Program webpage in mind as you complete your application.
How do you define mid-career?
We are looking for someone who has experience in environmental justice who can demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and expertise to build NIH capacity in EJ. Overall, their CV and biosketch should show their expertise and time in the environmental justice space.
Can you define or measure a strong publication record?
The NIH wants to ensure that the applicant will bring knowledge and skills to the table to help advance the NIH and participating ICOs’ environmental justice goals. Gray-literature materials (contributing to blog posts, articles, webinars, podcasts, etc.) are considered as part of the applicant’s publication record, in addition to traditional academic journal articles and working papers
Are advanced degree students eligible for the program?
Yes. We are looking for mid-career to senior-level candidates to help us build our capacities in EJ. While advanced degree students are eligible, they must demonstrate that they have extensive experience, skills, and expertise in environmental justice-related topics to meet the goals of the EJ Scholars program.
Stipend
Can the stipend be used to “buy-out” scholars’ time at their institution?
The stipend, if approved, would be sent directly to the scholar. We ask that you discuss the program arrangement and address any regulations with your institution to ensure you have their support prior to applying.
Can the stipend be used for professional development?
The stipend is not intended to be put towards professional development funds, but rather to compensate scholars for their time and effort. Professional development should not be provided as justification for a stipend.
If I request a stipend, does that impact the favorability of my application?
No, requesting a stipend will not adversely impact your application.
Is the stipend subject to taxes?
Yes, the stipend is subject to taxes.
Is the stipend directly applied to research costs?
The stipend, if approved, would be sent directly to the scholar and is intended to reimburse the scholar for their time and participation in the program.
Can I include indirect costs in my stipend justification?
No, this is a stipend to compensate scholars for their time and effort.
What level of specificity or language around the justification of stipend amount is expected?
It is important to acknowledge your financial and/or non-financial needs in your cover letter. For example, applicants should use specific examples of what the stipend would be going toward, e.g., “I would need X amount to buy out Y% of my teaching schedule.”
Is it possible to endorse the stipend amount to the community-based organization the scholar works for?
The stipend, if approved, would be sent directly to the scholar and is intended to reimburse the scholar for their time and participation in the program. If the scholar, then wishes to provide the funds to the CBO they work for, that is their decision.
Projects & Commitment
Where can I learn more about ICO interests and possible projects?
Read the ICO interest statements to learn more about ICO’s interest areas in environmental justice.
Can scholars use program time, equipment, or facilities to work on their own independent research/work?
No, scholars should not be working on their own research or work during their approved hours as a scholar or while using government equipment or facilities. While scholars may continue their own work for their institution or organization during their time as a scholar, there should be a separation between scholars’ work supporting their host ICO and scholars’ primary employment. We recognize that there will likely be some synergies between your regular work and your work as a scholar. Your time as a scholar should be focused to meet the goals of the program and the agreed upon deliverables of the host ICO.
What is the time commitment and start/end dates of the program?
The time commitment and start/end dates can vary depending on scholars’ arrangements with their ICO. After finalists are announced, scholars and their host ICO will discuss and agree upon the specific work arrangement.
ICOs may be flexible depending on scholars’ schedules and what they are able to devote to the program, but scholars should expect to contribute about 25% of their time on their work plan as general guidance. Work with ICOs could start as early as January 2025 and last up to 10 months (including summer months). There may also be EJ Scholars Program events and activities (e.g., cohort meetings, events, etc.) that scholars will be expected to participate in.
Is this program virtual or in-person?
This is a predominantly virtual program (unless otherwise arranged between the scholar and their host ICO) with the potential of attending occasional in-person/hybrid EJ Scholars Program events and activities.
Other Questions
How might this program benefit me and the other scholars?
The EJ Scholars Program is an opportunity to build a cohort of scholars that will continue to interact with one another during and after the program. It is also an opportunity to engage with various ICO representatives, further building scholars’ networks.
Will participating in the EJ Scholars program lead to a permanent position at the NIH?
That is not the intent of the program. However, there is always a possibility that a scholar may encounter job opportunities at the NIH through the network that they build in the program.
Are there resources for travel for scholars who are outside of the DMV area?
Yes, there are travel funds set aside to cover the cost for scholars to attend in-person EJ Scholars Program meetings. This would not come out of the stipend.
Will accommodations be provided for individuals with physical disabilities for in-person meetings?
Yes, accommodations will be provided upon request.
Is there a list of previous scholars who can share their experience?
No. The 2024-2025 EJ Scholars Program cohort is the inaugural cohort.
This page last reviewed on November 6, 2024