Supporting Innovative Research in Stuttering

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The NSA Graduate Student Research Award is a $5,000 funding opportunity dedicated to supporting groundbreaking research on stuttering by graduate students. Previously known as the NSA Research Fund Award, this grant has been awarded annually since Summer 2022, thanks to the generosity of the NSA community.

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This year, we proudly present the award in memory of Diane Games, honoring her lifelong dedication to the field of speech-language pathology and stuttering research.

 

Who Can Apply?

We encourage applications from graduate students conducting research on stuttering that aligns with the NSA’s mission. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Research Focus: The project must be focused on stuttering research. Applications for non-research activities (e.g., program evaluations, curriculum development, professional development, scholarships, or capital projects) will not be considered.

• Graduate Student Status: The Principal Investigator (PI) must be enrolled in a graduate program and in good academic standing.

• Institutional Affiliation: The PI must be affiliated with a non-profit organization or public/government institution that will serve as the administering organization. The NSA does not provide funding directly to individuals.

• U.S.-Based Research: The research institution must be based in the United States.

• IRB Approval: Award recipients must submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval within 45 days of receiving the award notification.

 

Award Details & Restrictions

• Funding Amount: Up to $5,000

• No Indirect Costs: Overhead expenses are not permitted.

• Project Timeline: Must be completed within two years.

• One Active Award Per Student: Graduate students may only hold one active NSA research grant at a time. However, institutions may submit multiple applications for different projects.

• New Research Only: This award cannot be used to extend a study that is already receiving external funding.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Significance: Contribution to stuttering research

• Innovation: Novelty in speech-language pathology research

• Alignment with NSA’s Mission: Relevance to the stuttering community

• Research Design: Methodological rigor and feasibility

• Investigator Merit: PI’s research potential

• Resources & Environment: Institutional support for the project

• Budget Justification: Clear explanation of funding needs

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Key Dates

• Application Opens: February 17, 2025

• Submission Deadline: March 17, 2025

• Award Notification: Early May 2025

 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit one single-spaced PDF document containing the following sections in the order outlined below:

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1. Abstract (1 page limit)

   • Concise summary of the study’s focus, aims, methodology, and relevance to the NSA mission.

2. Research Plan (8 pages limit)

   • Specific Aims & Significance: Overview of existing research, study goals, and relevance to NSA’s mission.

   • Design & Methodology: Study design, participants, data collection, analysis methods, and reliability measures.

   • Facilities & Resources: Available research resources, collaboration, and participant access.

3. References & Appendix (6 pages limit)

   • Includes blank data collection tools (e.g., questionnaires, interview guides).

   • No additional content beyond outlined sections is allowed.

4. Management Plan (2 pages limit)

   • Study timeline, submission of reports, and dissemination of research findings.

5. Itemized Budget (2 pages limit)

   • Detailed breakdown and justification of requested funds.

6. Investigator Biographical Sketch (5 pages limit)

   • NIH-style biographical sketch. A sample form is available on the NIH website.

7. Human Subjects (If IRB is not yet approved) (3 pages limit)

   • Description of participant population, recruitment, consent procedures, potential risks, and mitigation strategies.

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Additional Documents

• Unofficial Transcripts: Proof of current enrollment and academic standing.

• Cover Letter (Optional): Applicants may request inclusion/exclusion of specific reviewers, with justification.

• IRB Approval (if available): Submit IRB approval letter and consent forms.

 

Incomplete or improperly formatted applications will not be reviewed.