UCLA CTSI K-to_R Workshop, October 29, 2015 Presenter: Scott G. Filler, MD Professor-in-Residence of Medicine at UCLA and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Co-leader, CTSI Center for Translational Technologies

1. Key points about specific
aims page
• Will determine most of the reviewer’s
score
• Should convey your excitement
• Should make the reviewer want to read
more

2. Key points about specific
aims page
• Must be easily understood
oAvoid jargon and abbreviations
oUse simple declarative sentences
oShould provide a clear description of
what you hope to do

3. Typical layout
• 1-2 paragraphs of background
o Importance of topic/overall goal
o Prior research, especially your own
o Gaps in current knowledge
o Overall hypothesis
• Specific aims in bullet points
• Importance and impact of
knowledge to be gained (optional)

4. Things to avoid
• Jargon and abbreviations
• Dense, hard to understand writing
• Potential pitfalls of the proposed
research
• Criticisms of others’ work
• One aim that depends on another*

5. Things to do
• Make sure that the research will
address your hypothesis
• Have people outside your field
read your specific aims page