New Connections: Increasing Diversity of RWJF Programming seeks early to mid-career scholars who have been underrepresented in research activities. This includes researchers who are historically underrepresented ethnic or racial minorities, first-generation college graduates, and individuals from low-income communities.

Through an annual Call for Proposals (CFP), New Connections provides up to sixteen $75,000 grants per year to support experienced Senior Consultants and early career Junior Investigators to address specific research questions posed by RWJF program teams. This round will consider questions from the Health Insurance Coverage, Building Human Capital, Childhood Obesity, Public Health, Quality/Equality, and Vulnerable Populations teams. To date, New Connections has awarded over $2.2M in grants to early and mid-career scholars.

Senior Consultants
Senior Consultants are individuals who have 10-15 years experience and the expertise and/or research skills necessary to address various relevant issues in health and health care. Senior Consultants are eligible to receive up to $75,000 in either contracts or grants. Senior Consultants must address the program team questions through projects that are primarily qualitative.

Junior Investigators
Junior Investigators are those who have completed their doctorates within the last seven years (June 1, 2002). Junior Investigators are eligible for grants of up to $75,000, which includes funding for a consultant and methodological training. Junior Investigators must address the program team questions through secondary analysis of existing datasets.

All grantees are expected to commit between .25% - .75% FTE. All funding is expected to last 24 months.