The Indiana CTSI Postdoc Challenge received a record number of applications in 2026
The Indiana CTSI Postdoc Challenge set a record this year, receiving 46 applications from postdoctoral researchers across Indiana CTSI partner institutions. This is the highest number of applications that event organizers have ever received, despite a change in leadership and a tightened planning timeline this year.
The Postdoc Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity that provides up to $5,000 for postdoctoral researchers and eligible early-career scientists to access Indiana CTSI-designated core facilities across its partner organizations. The program also provides important professional development opportunities.
In December 2025, organizers learned that longtime program leader and former Purdue University navigator, Tommy Sors, PhD, would be leaving Purdue. This created an urgent need for new leadership for what program manager Aaron Zych, MPH, described as a “cornerstone award mechanism and training opportunity” for the Indiana CTSI. Matt Allen, PhD, assumed the role of principal investigator.
Organizers quickly prepared the request for applications, scheduled workshops, and recruited reviewers ahead of the March 12 application deadline. The effort resulted in unprecedented participation from postdoctoral researchers across Indiana CTSI partner institutions, resulting in a record high 46 applications.
A key feature of this year’s mock study section event was the involvement of 2016 Indiana CTSI K12/KL2 scholar Jeni Prosperi, PhD, who served as chair of the study section review panel. Prosperi helped to guide participants through the review alongside Allen, which for many participants was the first time they were experiencing an NIH-style grant review process. The program is unique in that it allows applicants to also serve as reviewers while being blinded to competing applications.
In addition to applicant reviewers, 20 postdoctoral researchers volunteered to take part solely for the professional development experience. Per Zych, it was an “incredibly successful preliminary review and study section.” Ultimately, seven proposals were selected for funding, with all Indiana CTSI partner organizations represented in the awardees. Award winners will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to the mock study section, the program also provides participants with live workshops on grant writing strategies and peer-reviewed training sessions. Zych said the successful 2026 cycle demonstrated strong interest in both translational research funding and structured research training opportunities for postdoctoral scholars.
The request for applications for the 2027 Postdoc Challenge is expected to be released later this year.
