Preparing an application for the Duke CTSA K12?
The CTSA will be accepting applications for the K12 Application Prep Program (KAPP), a special program designed for Duke and NCCU CTSA K12 applicants. This program will assist investigators with preparing their applications for the 2026 deadline (for funding to begin July 1, 2027).
KAPP Registration is open Monday, July 20, 2026.
Prior to the Duke CTSA K12 application deadline, KAPP participants meet as small groups for targeted discussions focusing on specific sections of the grant application. These meetings will be facilitated by a senior faculty member.
Space in this program is limited. Those individuals accepted are expected to commit to completing all program requirements.
It is required that you attend orientation and all KAPP workshops.
It is also required that you submit drafts of your sections 5-7 days prior to the workshop so your senior mentor can review prior to meeting with participants.
2026-2076 KAPP Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 20 – August 17 | KAPP Registration is open. |
| August 24 | KAPP applicants will be notified of acceptance |
| August 31 | KAPP virtual orientation (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) |
| August 31 – October 9 | KAPP participants will be assigned a senior faculty mentor who will lead a small working group. Each group will meet three times throughout this time period. Each meeting will have a specific focus to help you create a purposefully crafted and clearly communicated career development and research proposal. In the KAPP application, applicants will rank the series of sessions that work best for his/her schedule. Participants will be notified of assigned senior mentor and workshop by August 24 if accepted into the program. |
| August 31 – September 11 | Specific Aims Workshop |
| September 14 – September 25 | Significance & Innovation Workshop |
| September 28 | Intent to Submit to KAPP for Internal Review Due |
| September 28 – October 9 | Career Development Plan Workshop |
| October 14 | Full proposal submitted for KAPP internal review |
| October 26 | Required K12 LOI Due |
| December 4 | CTSA K12 Application due |
To Apply to KAPP
KAPP applications are submitted via Duke’s MyResearchProposal online application software.
- To apply visit http://bit.ly/myresearchproposal, click on “Create New User” (or log in if you already have an account).
- Download a step-by-step user’s guide for applying via the MyResearchProposal software.
- Enter Access Code ‘CTSI’ then select the “Duke CTSA K12 Application Preparation Program (KAPP) 2026-2027” and follow the instructions.
- For any questions concerning MyResearchProposal passwords or system issues, please contact myresearchproposal@duke.edu
Submit the completed online application form and provide all supporting documents.
A complete KAPP application includes:
- Completed application form
- Brief Project Description (1 paragraph)
- Specific Aims
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): This must be signed by the KAPP applicant.
- Professional Effort Commitment Letter (Template)
You must provide a letter indicating an approved plan for protecting 75% of your total professional effort (at least 30 hours per week) for the CTSA K12. For surgeons or others in procedural-based specialties, effort requirements may be reduced to at least 50%. If you are a senior research fellow, this letter must also provide assurance that you will have received a faculty appointment prior to or by the start of the CTSA K12.
If you are applying from NCCU, the Dean must sign this letter.
If you are applying from Duke, your Department Chair/Division Chief must sign the letter.
Questions? Contact Stephanie Molner at stephanie.molner@duke.edu