ISSWSH Scholars in Women’s Sexual Health Research Grant

ISSWSH is committed to advancing the science of women’s sexual health and fostering the development of future investigators in the field. The Scholars in Women’s Sexual Health Research Grant Program provides early-career researchers with funding to support meaningful research while encouraging mentorship, scientific collaboration, and continued professional development.

Women’s sexual health is inherently multidisciplinary, intersecting with many areas of healthcare, science, behavior, and human experience. ISSWSH therefore welcomes research proposals representing a broad range of disciplines, including, but not limited to:

• Anatomy
• Education
• Endocrinology
• Genetics
• Geriatrics
• Gynecology
• Internal medicine
• Molecular biology
• Physical therapy
• Physiology
• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public health
• Social work
• Urology

Interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to women’s sexual health research are strongly encouraged.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an undergraduate, graduate, or medical student; a resident enrolled in a graduate medical education training program; or a postdoctoral or post-residency fellow during the award period.
• Conduct a research project relevant to women’s sexual health.
• Have a faculty mentor who is a current ISSWSH member.

International applications are encouraged.

Awards of up to $7,500 are available. Award amounts will be based on the scope, feasibility, budget justification, and scientific merit of the proposed project.

Grant funds are intended to support direct costs associated with conducting the proposed research.

Funding may not be used for indirect expenses or costs unrelated to the direct conduct of the research, including salary or travel.

Applicants must submit a detailed, itemized budget and disclose any other funding supporting the proposed project. Other sources of project funding must be verified by the applicant’s mentor.

Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required materials by the application deadline.

1. 1/2 page Research Abstract including :

• • Background
  • Key objectives
  • Potential impact of the project

2. Detailed Research Proposal addressing the following:

• • Specific Aims and Hypotheses
  • Background and Preliminary Data
  • Experimental Design
  • Significance
  • Timeline

3. 1 Page Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Relevance to Diverse Populations Statement

Describe how diversity, equity, inclusion, health disparities, accessibility, and/or representation have been considered in the proposed research, as applicable.

4. 1 Page Detailed Research Budget

Submit an itemized budget describing how grant funds will be used.

5. 1 Page Career Development Plan describing 

• • Prior research experience
  • Current research interests
  • Career goals
  • How the proposed project and mentorship experience will contribute to your future work in women’s sexual health

6. Curriculum Vitae 

7. Three letters of recommendation

• • One letter of support from the applicant’s ISSWSH-member faculty mentor; and
  • Two additional letters of recommendation.

Letters must be submitted directly to ISSWSH through the online application system.

Applicants will be asked to provide the name and email address of each letter writer as part of the application. The application system will provide instructions to the designated individuals for submitting their letters. Applicants will be notified when letters have been received.

Applicants are encouraged to identify their letter writers well in advance of the application deadline to allow sufficient time for submission.

• Mid-Project Progress Report: Recipients must submit a progress report by December 1 of the award year. ISSWSH will provide recipients with a Progress Report template and submission instructions. The ISSWSH Research Grants Committee will review and approve the report before the second half of the grant funds are disbursed.
• Final Progress Report: A final report summarizing the project’s progress, outcomes, and use of grant funds must be submitted within 30 days following the end of the award term.
• ISSWSH Annual Meeting Abstract: Recipients are required to submit an abstract based on the funded research for consideration for presentation at a future ISSWSH Annual Meeting.
• Publication: Recipients are encouraged to prepare and submit a manuscript reporting the results of their research for publication. Appropriate journals may include The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine, or Sexual Medicine Reviews.
• Acknowledgment of ISSWSH Support: ISSWSH must be acknowledged as a funding sponsor in all presentations, abstracts, manuscripts, and publications resulting from the funded research project.

• First installment: 50% of the total award will be paid at the beginning of the grant period, typically in July.
• Second installment: The remaining 50% will be paid at the midpoint of the grant period, typically in January, contingent upon review and approval of the recipient’s Mid-Project Progress Report by the ISSWSH Research Grants Committee.