RISE APPLICATION FOR 2025-2026 AY

RISE APPLICATION FOR 2025-2026 AY

Overview: The Research Intensive Scholarly Emphasis (RISE) program is a one-year, on campus fully funded opportunity for students who desire an intensive mentored research experience as a springboard to exploring careers as physician-scientists.

Student eligibility: All M1-M3 students who are not enrolled in MSTP are eligible; this includes MD/MPH and MD/MA students. MD/MBA students are eligible to apply but cannot take the RISE year at the same time as their MBA year. Students are not permitted to take coursework toward an additional degree during the RISE year nor to pursue any other full-time ventures, as the purpose of the year is for full time research on campus.

Mentor eligibility: Funding is provided via a cost-share model between FSM/AWOME and research mentor/PIs. The mentor/PI must have an active research program.

If accepted to RISE, you are committing to participate in the program fully.

For questions, please email matthewjfeinstein@northwestern.edu

Applicant Legal Name Applicant Legal Name First Last
Applicant preferred name (if different from above) Applicant preferred name (if different from above) First Last
Applicant Email
NETID (as a unique identifier)
Current year at FSM

Current year at FSM M1 M2 M3
Primary Mentor's Name
Primary Mentor's Email
Primary Mentor's Department
Co-mentor's name (if applicable)
Co-Mentor's Email (if applicable)
Co-Mentor's Department (if applicable)
Mentor's Division (if applicable; e.g., endocrinology as a division within Department of Medicine).
Department Administrator(s) if known
Project Title/Topic of Research Project
SPECIFIC AIMS

Length and formatting: 1 page maximum, Arial (or similar), 11-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins at minimum

Content: Outline the scientific rationale and clearly define the aims to be accomplished over the RISE year. Please include: main hypotheses, methods, analytic/experimental plan, timeline, goals, and expected challenges and alternative approaches, as well as any outputs including abstracts, presentations, and potentials manuscript publications. A single aim or project is acceptable, as are multiple aims or projects. The specific aims should demonstrate focus, feasibility, and alignment with the goals of RISE.

Attach Files
CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

Length and formatting: no page limit, no set formatting no page limit, no set formatting

Content: Submit an updated CV. Components may include:
Education history and academic achievements
Relevant skills (prior research experience is not required to be a competitive RISE applicant)
Publications, presentations, or other scholarly contributions (if applicable)
Any awards, honors, or recognitions received
Relevant extracurricular activities or professional memberships.

Attach Files
MENTOR RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT AND TRAINING PLAN

Length and formatting: 2 pages maximum, Arial (or similar), 11-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins at minimum.

Content: Outline the specific training activities and mentor research infrastructure for the student. This should include frequency of laboratory/research group meetings, planned meetings with the mentor and co-mentors/collaborators (e.g., postdocs, analysts, technicians), relevant didactics, and oversight plan (who will be the primary and/or secondary individuals responsible for overseeing the student’s progress, and how will they ensure progress is being made?). Finally, this document must explicitly state the portion of the RISE salary that the mentor will provide (50%/~$17,500 is the norm and strengthens the application). The Mentor Research Environment and Training Plan must be signed by the student applicant and the mentor.

Attach Files
The official RISE dates for the 2025-2026 academic year are June 2, 2025 to May 29, 2026. Will you be able to commit a minimum of 10 consecutive months to RISE within these date ranges?

The official RISE dates for the 2025-2026 academic year are June 2, 2025 to May 29, 2026. Will you be able to commit a minimum of 10 consecutive months to RISE within these date ranges? Yes No Other Other
When do you expect to take Step 1? The date must precede your RISE start date. When do you expect to take Step 1? The date must precede your RISE start date. / MM / DD YYYY
When do you expect to take Step Step 2 CK? The date must precede your RISE start date. When do you expect to take Step Step 2 CK? The date must precede your RISE start date. / MM / DD YYYY
Please note your proposed RISE dates for AY25-26. It's ok if they are adjusted later prior to your start date.

Criteria:
For students taking RISE year between M3 and M4 year:
- Complete all Phase 2 core clerkships (including ECMH requirements and 2 week rotation) prior to start of RISE year
- Complete and pass any missing clerkship components (OSCE, Shelf exam, additional time, etc.) prior to the start of RISE year
- Must sit for Step 2CK prior to beginning Independent Study (IS) for RISE
- Must attend Intro to Phase 3 (IP3; 4/27/26-5/1/26) in person by either being excused from research for the week or by finishing the RISE year by 4/24/26

For students taking RISE year between M2 and M3 year:
- Complete all Phase 1 requirements
- Must sit for Step 1 prior to beginning Independent Study (IS) for RISE
- Must attend Intro to Phase 2 (IP2; 4/27/26-5/1/26) in person by either being excused from research for the week or by finishing the RISE year by 4/24/26
RISE Start Date
(Block 1 begins: 5/4/26
Block 2 begins: 6/1/26 ) RISE Start Date
(Block 1 begins: 5/4/26
Block 2 begins: 6/1/26 ) / MM / DD YYYY
RISE End Date (IP2/IP3 must be attended in person on campus week of April 27-May 1, 2026. RISE End Date (IP2/IP3 must be attended in person on campus week of April 27-May 1, 2026. / MM / DD YYYY
ATTESTATIONS
Please attest that you and your mentor have both signed the Mentor Research Environment and Training Plan Document.

Please attest that you and your mentor have both signed the Mentor Research Environment and Training Plan Document. I attest to the above Other Other
If accepted, you are expected to participate in RISE during the 2025-2026 academic year for a minimum of 10 months and a maximum of 12 months. RISE is a full time, on campus commitment. Please attest that you understand these expectations and are prepared to fully engage with the RISE program if accepted while abiding with other mandatory curricular requirements.

If accepted, you are expected to participate in RISE during the 2025-2026 academic year for a minimum of 10 months and a maximum of 12 months. RISE is a full time, on campus commitment. Please attest that you understand these expectations and are prepared to fully engage with the RISE program if accepted while abiding with other mandatory curricular requirements. I attest to the above Other Other
Students in RISE may not pursue a separate degree during the RISE year (e.g., MBA, MS, etc) nor any other full-time ventures. Please attest that you will not pursue a separate degree during your RISE year nor any other full-time ventures.

Students in RISE may not pursue a separate degree during the RISE year (e.g., MBA, MS, etc) nor any other full-time ventures. Please attest that you will not pursue a separate degree during your RISE year nor any other full-time ventures. I attest to the above Other Other
Students in RISE must attend in-person events such as seminar series and check-ins which take place approximately once a month. Attendance at most events is required. Please attest that you will comply with the in-person requirements of the RISE program.

Students in RISE must attend in-person events such as seminar series and check-ins which take place approximately once a month. Attendance at most events is required. Please attest that you will comply with the in-person requirements of the RISE program. I attest to the above I do not attest to the above Other Other
Additional comments
Determination

Determination Accepted Rejected