SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program

The submission period for the 2021 SMSNA Research Grants is now closed.

The Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) “Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program” offers young investigators interested in sexuality research the opportunity to obtain funding to support their research while engaged in qualifying research in sexuality.

It is the purpose of the SMSNA to increase public awareness of healthy sexuality and sexual problems, to foster the finest care for individuals suffering from sexual debility, and to encourage scholarship and research in human sexuality. It is our hope that this program will encourage young people to become interested in sexuality research and make it a focal point of their careers.

Funding is available for graduate or medical students, residents in graduate medical education training programs, and post-doctoral/post-residency fellows. Because sexual medicine is a multi-disciplinary field and sex impacts almost every aspect of human endeavor in some way, we encourage applications from aspiring researchers representing diverse backgrounds including but not limited to urology, psychology, psychiatry, gynecology, internal medicine, geriatrics, public health, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, social work, and law. Research projects must be carried out within North America to qualify for funding.

The size of awards will be commensurate with the experience of the scholar, the proposed duration of funding, and the scope and quality of the proposed research project. Maximum award amounts are:

$5,000 for Undergraduate/Medical/Graduate School Students
$7,500 for Resident or Post-Doctoral/Fellows.

The primary purpose of the grant is to support research related expenses. Grant funding is not intended to be the primary source of funding for travel, lodging, meals, or other costs associated with attending SMSNA meetings, but may supplement those expenses. The grant may supplement the grantee’s salary if not already fully funded. Proof of grant expenditure is required upon request.

Application and Review Process:

Complete the online application form by September 30, 2020.

Applications will require the following attachments:

• Detailed proposal of the research question (Four-page required for undergraduate, medical school and/or graduate level students, Six-page required for residents or post-doctoral fellows) describing the following: Specific Aims and Hypothesis, addressing the aims of the research and scope of grant; Background of the problem being addressed; Preliminary data; Experimental Design with an outline of the proposed investigation including potential alternatives and problems that may be encountered; Estimated time to complete the proposed study.
• Budget (cannot include overhead or indirect costs)
• Documentation regarding other funding (if any) supporting the proposed project (Must be verified by the mentor with their signature)
• One-page career development plan addressing how grant will influence future endeavors in sexual medicine
• Letter of support from a faculty mentor (must be an SMSNA member)
  *Link is available upon request for submitting letter independent from this application.
• Two additional letters of recommendation (at least one must be an SMSNA member)
  *Link is available upon request for submitting letters independent from this application.

*Research under a suitable mentor outside of the society may be acceptable in some extraordinary circumstances for appropriate projects. If a proposed mentor is not a member of the SMSNA, we strongly encourage that s/he join the SMSNA prior to inception of the research project.

Applications are reviewed by the Research and Awards Committee and funding must be approved by the SMSNA Board of Directors. Awards will be announced in December, prior to the award year. Funding decisions are based primarily on the merit of the proposed study, applicant and mentor credentials, and the feasibility of the proposed study. All funded applicants will receive membership in the SMSNA at no charge for 2 years.

Payment and Reporting Requirements:

Awards will be disbursed in two payments, with the first paid at the beginning of the grant period when all payment information has been received, and the second paid at the midpoint of the grant following receipt of a mid-term progress report and approval by the Research and Awards Committee. Customized disbursement of funds for projects and no-cost extensions can be arranged by request from the applicant/mentor and approved at the discretion of the SMSNA Research and Awards Committee.

Awards will be paid to the sponsoring institution (medical school, hospital, university). Awards cannot be paid directly to the successful applicant or mentor.

Awardees are required to submit both a mid-term and final progress report to the SMSNA Research and Awards Committee.

Post Award Requirements:

The SMSNA will be credited as a sponsor in any presentations and publications that result from the research project. Awardees will also be required to submit an abstract based on their research to the SMSNA Annual Fall Scientific Meeting. All accepted abstracts are published in a special edition of the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

For questions or information about this grant, please contact the SMSNA Executive Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.