Ivan Moskowitz, MD PhD, Pediatrics (Jordan Porter-Woodruff)

Research

Community for Advancement of Physician-Scientists (CAPS)

The BSD Community for Advancement of Physician-Scientists (CAPS) is an umbrella program that builds on the long-standing tradition of exceptional research by physician-scientists at the University of Chicago. The program spans from training through faculty levels and will foster opportunities for horizontal and vertical community-building and mentorship. The goals are to increase numbers of physician-scientists in training, to recruit and retain physician-scientists on faculty, to enhance diversity of the workforce and research areas, and to grow the impact of our physician-scientists.

Mission: To foster a Division-wide community of physician-scientists through dedicated programming, resources, and mentorship along the entire professional continuum

CAPS is now accepting submissions for a Mock Study Section for the June/July 2026 Cycle

Purpose

The CAPS Mock Study Section provides principal investigators (PIs) with structured feedback on their proposals in an NIH-style study section format. The goal is to improve proposal quality and enhance applicants’ competitiveness for fundable scores.

Eligibility

Proposals must be planned for submission in the June/July 2026 NIH grant cycle. New proposals and resubmissions are eligible.

Eligible proposals include:

Career development awards (e.g., K awards)
Independent research awards (e.g., R awards); priority will be given to 1st time applicants

Review Process

A total of 3 proposals will be selected for review.

Each proposal will be evaluated by a panel of peer and content-specific reviewers using the NIH scoring criteria.
Reviewers will meet via Zoom to discuss each proposal. The PI will not be present during the discussion.
PIs will receive the written critiques from reviewers and a recording of the Zoom meeting.

Submission Requirements

Proposals should be submitted as a single PDF document following the NIH format, including:

Title
Abstract
Summary
Introduction (for revised proposals only)
Specific Aims
Research Strategy
References
PI Biosketch
Budget Justification
For K awards only: Career Development Plan

Additionally, include a list of at least three suggested UChicago faculty reviewers (excluding your mentors or major collaborators).

Important Dates:

Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026, by 11:59 pm

Submission Instructions

Please submit your proposal PDF and suggested reviewers to skupfer@bsd.uchicago.edu

CAPS Scholars Program Request for Applications

Purpose: To increase physician-scientists across BSD Clinical Departments, CAPS will support physician-scientist trainees in competitive research-intensive fellowship positions. This position will be called “CAPS Scholars”. Positions are funded in equal partnership with the clinical Department. Two positions are available with a start date of July 1, 2026.

Eligibility: Physician-scientists in training (MD, MD/PhD) in a clinical Department during or after ACGME-certified clinical training at the time of CAPS scholar appointment.

Protected time: CAPS scholars are required to have at least 75% protected time (50% in surgical specialties) during their appointment period.

Support and terms: Trainees will receive $5,000 in educational funds and PGY level salary plus $25,000 salary supplement/year during their appointment (no roll-over). CAP scholars can be renewed yearly for up to 3 years contingent on adequate progress.

Expectations: Participation in CAPS programming including annual retreats, seminar series, research-in-progress and mock study sections. Attend the ASCI annual meeting in Chicago. CAPS scholars will present their research progress in a CAPS trainee research forum. Written progress reports will be due at the end of each year of support. Scholars will be expected to prepare a career development award for submission at the end of their term.

Application:

Cover sheet (download from Box)
Research statement (1 single-spaced page describing proposed project and aims)
CV
Letter of support from mentor
Letter of support from Department Chair attesting to 50% support of scholar

Submission: Please send application with cover letter as a single pdf to skupfer@bsd.uchicago.edu

Deadline: March 30, 2026 (funding to begin on July 1, 2026)

Selection: CAPS scholars will be selected by the CAPS steering committee. Criteria for selection will be based on trainee track record, research proposal and commitment to a physician-scientist career track.

Questions: Please email skupfer@bsd.uchicago.edu with inquiries