Should You Apply for the Bridging the Gap Research Award? Current Awardees Say Yes — Here's Their Advice

Michael Diefenbach, PhD, FSBM, with special thanks to Taynara Formagini, PhD, Chelsey McGill, PhD, Brenna Mossman, PhD, Yuliana Soto, PhD, Adati Tarfa, PharmD, PhD, and Astrid Zamora, PhD, who generously shared their advice with us.

If you have been thinking about applying for SBM’s Bridging the Gap Research Award but are not sure whether to take the leap, you are not alone. Many of the program's current awardees had the same hesitation. We asked them what they wish they had known before applying and what they would tell a fellow member considering today.

Just apply.

The most consistent piece of advice? Submit the application. Several awardees admitted they doubted their own competitiveness before applying, citing the strength of the SBM community or the scope of their project as reasons to hold back. They are glad they did not. Dr. Astrid Zamora put it best when she said, "Even if you are unsure about your competitiveness, it is absolutely worth applying. The process itself is valuable, and the potential return in terms of funding, mentorship, and career development, is significant."

Reach out before you apply.

Past awardees are a resource, and they are eager to be utilized. Dr. Adati Tarfa made a point of contacting former recipients before applying and found them generous with their time and supportive about the process. "I encourage you not to hesitate to ask mentors, past award winners, and SBM staff for information that could support your application," she said, and offered to consult with anyone considering applying.

Set realistic expectations for your project.

Think carefully about the scope of your project relative to your day-to-day capacity because you may be doing most of the work on your own. For those considering applying, Dr. Brenna Mossman recommended considering what data would be most foundational for your broader research program, so the work can inform future applications. Engaging your mentor early to align your project with your long-term goals will help keep the scope intentional and manageable from the start.

Anticipate the logistics.

First-time award recipients should start institutional groundwork early. Past awardees say that IRB approvals, PI designation, and administrative alignment between grant documentation and institutional policies can create unexpected delays, especially for multi-phase studies or research involving community populations. Dr. Yuliana Soto advised that consulting with your research office and mentors before submission, not after, can save significant time down the road.

Engage your SBM mentor early and often.

Mentorship is built into the award, and nearly all awardees say it's one of its greatest strengths, but only if you make use of it. Dr. Chelsey McGill recommended having consistent check-ins to help with troubleshooting, refining ideas, and staying on track. Dr. Taynara Formagini added that future awardees should establish strong connections with mentors early on to enhance the project experience. The mentor will be familiar with the project, can troubleshoot more efficiently, and potentially might prevent problems from happening in the first place. 

The application cycle for 2026–27 is currently open and will close July 15. If you have been on the fence, consider this your nudge. Reach out to a past awardee, talk to your mentor, and put your ideas forward. The award exists for researchers at exactly this stage of their career.  Remember you are applying for a pilot study to demonstrate to future funding agencies that your project is feasible.  This is not the “be all, end all” of studies.

Not a postdoc but want to be a part of it?

Mentor. The program depends on seasoned researchers willing to invest in the next generation. Serving as a mentor is one of the highest-impact ways to contribute to the field and to SBM's future. If you're an SBM Fellow who is interested in being matched with a current or incoming awardee, fill out a quick application on the Volunteer Impact Hub: https://www.sbm.org/volunteer-impact-hub/train-and-mentor

Give. The Bridging the Gap Award is donor-supported, and every contribution directly funds a postdoctoral scholar's ability to pursue their research. If you've ever benefited from the generosity of mentors or funders early in your career, this is a meaningful way to pay it forward. Please consider making a donation to the Bridging the Gap Research Award. https://www.sbm.org/ways-to-give