High Expectations
Become a Pepper Center Scholar
Pepper Scholars receive exceptional support on their journey to aging research excellence.
Becoming a Pepper Center Scholar is an exceptional opportunity for new or early-career aging researchers. Our Pepper Center selects scholars based on their field of research and several other factors, such as:
- Demonstrated dedication to the theme
- Robustness of academic resume
- Proposed mentor’s success and experience
- Time allocated for professional growth
- Presence of underrepresented groups and clinician-scientists
- Desire to implement a translational research strategy
Potential Pepper Scholars, as determined through recruitment efforts, are initially screened by Center leadership and prospective mentors.
Shortlisted candidates are required to compile a research proposal, career development outline, curriculum vitae, personal statement, and supporting documents from mentors. Each application is assessed by a specialist in the relevant field, with two external reviewers. Top-rated candidates then present their work and undergo an interview with the Executive Committee.
As a final step, endorsed applications are then reviewed and approved by the External Advisory Board of the Pepper Center.
Apply to become a Pepper Scholar
Expectations of Pepper Center Scholars
Individualized expectations are part of formal plans and reports of Pepper Scholars and their Mentoring Committee. These expectations relate to the percentage of effort with the Pepper Center.
Appointment as a Scholar requires a summary of fiscal sources of support and expectations. All supported Pepper Scholars participate in formal mentoring groups and submit six-month progress reports from their bi-annual meetings.
Scholar are expected to:
- Complete progress reports and meet with mentoring committee every six months
- Attend UF Aging Seminar Series in person
- Attend bi-annual Round Table research meetings (Fall-Spring), where we will discuss progress reports, funding expenditures and your grant’s specific aims
- Give a one-hour presentation at the Aging Seminar Series
- Attend monthly Pepper Science Meetings
- Present progress on their study annually to the Pepper Center Executive Committee
- Attend and present at the National Pepper Center Annual meeting
- Participate in related UF research events as appropriate (e.g., College of Medicine Celebration of Research)
- Seek research funding aligned to the UF Pepper Center theme, as recommended by the Mentor Committee
- Demonstrate scholarly productivity as set by the Mentoring Committee, generally at the rate of one or two peer-reviewed publications per year as first or senior author, and collaborative publications
- Acknowledge the UF Pepper Center’s support (“Support was provided by the University of Florida Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center P30AG028740”)
- Abide to the NIH Public Access Policy for peer-reviewed publications. All publications must be in PMCID compliance.
These expectations support Pepper Scholars on their journey to aging research excellence.