Apply for the GERRAF Grant and Have the Opportunity for Your Research to be Fully Funded
“For well over a quarter of a century, GE Healthcare (GEHC) has collaborated with the Association of University Radiologists (AUR) to create, develop, and implement the GE Radiology Research Academic Fellowship (GERRAF). The initiative began with the objective of providing young promising radiology faculty the tools that they needed to pursue a research career; funding, protected time, and mentoring” according to Dr. Jacob (Bram) Stolk, GM Medical and Scientific Affairs, GEHC.
Up to four individuals are selected by the independent GERRAF Board to enter the three-year program each year. Originally a US focused program, a new trend is emerging. Cynthia Stewart, who manages GEHC Research in Canada has been creating awareness to this very competitive and exclusive radiology research fellowship. To date, four Canadian radiologists have received the GERRAF fellowship.
“I was extremely fortunate as a junior radiology faculty to be one of three North American recipients to receive the prestigious GERRAF award in 1996. This award allowed me to obtain a master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McGill University, by protecting 50% of my time from clinical duties over a two-year period. In addition, the GERRAF mentorship program, by senior academic radiology faculty, was critical for career guidance and networking. It also resulted in forging long-lasting career collaborations and friendships. Overall, the GERRAF award was instrumental in allowing me to pursue a successful and highly rewarding academic career that otherwise would not have been possible. Time is our most precious commodity and a universal challenge in Canadian radiology academic centres. I highly encourage all junior Canadian radiology faculty who are interested in pursuing an academic career to apply for the GERRAF award – a truly unique opportunity.” – Dr. Caroline Reinhold
“I received the GERRAF award in 2011, which allowed me the opportunity to undertake a master’s degree in public health (MPH) at the Harvard School of Public Health. The research knowledge acquired as a result of undertaking this degree has enabled me to successfully obtain further grants, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants. I appreciated the mentorship received at the GERRAF retreats and the Association of University Radiologists meetings as part of this program. The GERRAF program has also enabled me to network with academic radiologists from across North America.
All in all, the award has played a significant role in the success of my academic career. I would like to applaud GE for their continuing support for the GERRAF program. I strongly encourage new faculty in radiology who are interested in an academic career to consider applying for the GERRAF award.” – Dr. Elysa Widjaja
“The GERRAF fellowship is a formative opportunity. After my clinical training in neuroradiology, I was a research fellow in the GERRAF program from 2012-14. The fellowship funding enabled me to complete a PhD in functional MR imaging. But the true highlights of the program were problem-solving research projects with the other research fellows and mentorship from the accomplished academic physicians on the GERRAF Board. The GERRAF retreats were enjoyable and provided a superb opportunity to develop lasting relationships with physicians with a diversity of skills and experiences at other academic institutions. I’ve been successful in obtaining national peer-reviewed funding as a Principal Investigator, and I attribute this success to experience gained through the fellowship. GERRAF is an exceptional program. Highly recommend.” – Dr. Daniel Mandell
“I received the GERRAF award from 2015-2017, which supported me in my pursuit of a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at the University of Toronto. The mentorship and networking opportunities I received through the GERRAF program were unparalleled. Through the GERRAF program, I had access to experienced academic radiologists and researchers who were committed to supporting my research work and offering me career mentorship, as well as like-minded colleagues at a similar stage of academic and career development who were willing to share their insights and expertise. These opportunities have enhanced my development as an independent researcher and have led to ongoing collaborations that enrich my academic career and deepen my involvement in radiology research and education. It continues to be a great honour and privilege to be a part of the GERRAF community and I strongly recommend the program to early-career radiologists who are committed to a research career.” – Dr. Sapna Rawal
The GERRAF fellowship applications are due on Jan 15, 2021. The announcement of the successful candidates will be made at the annual AUR meeting in April 2021.
For information on the application process please see:
2020 GERRAF Guidelines & Application Instructions
Or contact Cynthia Stewart at [email protected]