Description:

The Center for Population Science & Aging “Aims-in-a-Day” Workshop will provide selected Northwestern faculty with the opportunity to strengthen their grant proposals by working directly with an expert grant consultant.

This seven-hour virtual workshop will be led by Sarah Dobson, a nationally recognized grant consultant with more than 15 years of experience helping investigators secure NIH funding. During the workshop, awardees will learn effective strategies to sharpen their Specific Aims page, increase their likelihood for funding, and translate innovative ideas into competitive applications. Through an interactive session with Sarah and peer faculty, attendees will receive tailored feedback and practical advice to refine their aims, not only for their next submission, but also for future grant applications.

Note: The application deadline is October 18, 2025.

BACKGROUND:

This event is hosted by The Center for Population Science and Aging in the Potocsnak Longevity Institute. Our Center applies rigorous research methods to advance the science of healthy aging. By leveraging large-scale observational datasets and state-of-the-art epidemiological approaches, our investigators seek to identify the biological, social, and environmental factors that shape health and longevity across the lifespan and across generations.

WHO SHOULD APPLY:

This workshop is open to Northwestern University faculty at all career stages who are actively engaged in research aligned with The Center for Population Science and Aging and preparing for a grant submission within the next 6–12 months. 

Priority will be given to faculty who are Early-Stage Investigators, but all faculty may apply. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

> Must be a member of Potocsnak Longevity Institute, or must have applied to become a member of the Potocsnak Longevity Institute at the time of application submission.
> Must have a drafted aims page to work on during the session 
> Must commit to attending the full 7-hour workshop (9:30 AM - 4:30 PM CST)

WHAT TO EXPECT:

> Opening Lecture: 30-minute session on what makes aims persuasive, followed by discussion
> Hands-On Writing: Guided drafting of each section of the aims page with time to revise
> Peer Review: Small-group exchange and feedback on drafts
> Expert Review: Live instructor feedback on volunteer drafts to demonstrate persuasive strategies
> Takeaway: Leave with a polished aims page and actionable feedback for future submissions

ABOUT SARAH DOBSON & CO:

Sarah Dobson & Co are research grant consultants specializing in NIH R01 and equivalent grants. Since 2018, they’ve helped researchers secure over $75 million in funding across nearly every NIH institute, federal agencies, and private foundations. Their strategic frameworks equip researchers to communicate the value of their work clearly and persuasively, with clients from leading institutions including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, and UCLA.

APPLY NOW:

Seats are limited to ensure personalized attention. Applications are due October 18, 2025.

Click the Register button below to apply.