Nominations sought for second McGuigan prize

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) is seeking nominations for its second Frank J. McGuigan Young Investigator Research Prize, a $25,000 award bestowed biennially by APF to support empirical research to explicate the concept of the human mind. The prize--to be given in 2004--recognizes a promising young investigator with a strong research portfolio and potential for outstanding research over the next five years.

According to the bequest made by Frank Joseph McGuigan, PhD, the prize-winning research should be primarily psychophysiological, but physiological and behavioral research also qualify for support. The prize is awarded to the recipient's institution to fund his or her research. Faculty salaries and indirect costs may not be requested.

Nominees must have earned a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field within nine years of the nomination deadline. Nominees must also have an affiliation with an accredited college, university or other research institution.

The nomination deadline is March 1. Nomination materials must include six copies of: a nomination letter written by a senior colleague (no self-nominations); a one- to two-page statement of accomplishments to date and plans for the next five years, written by the nominee; a curriculum vitae; and photocopies of two representative publications. Send materials to: APF Frank Joseph McGuigan Young Investigator Prize, APA Science Directorate, at the APA address. For more information, contact APA's Science Directorate at APA Science Directorate.

Funds available for family-focused research

APF is inviting academicians and practitioners to apply for the 2004 Randy Gerson Memorial Grant--a $5,000 grant that aims to advance research on family dynamics, couple dynamics and multigenerational processes. Work that advances theory, assessment or clinical practice in these areas is eligible. Preference will be given to projects that are using or contributing to the development of Bowen family systems. Applicants, including co-investigators, must have a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field.

Application materials should include a:
* Statement that describes the project.
* Description of how the project meets the fund goals.
* Line-item project budget.
* Statement on how project results will be disseminated.
* Curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation.

Applications must not exceed eight pages, not including the curriculum vitae and recommendation letters. Submit seven copies of the application packet. The application deadline is Feb. 1. Send applications to the APF awards coordinator at the APA address. Applicants will be notified on or after April 15. For more information, contact APF at (202) 336-5843 or American Psychological Foundation.

Apply for LGB research grants

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) is accepting proposals for the 2004 Wayne F. Placek Research Awards and the Wayne F. Placek Small Grants program. Both programs support research to increase the public's understanding of homosexuality and aim to alleviate the stress that gay men and lesbians experience.

* Two Wayne F. Placek Research Grants are available for empirical research on lesbian, gay or bisexual issues from all fields of the behavioral and social sciences. Applications should propose new studies that can be completed in two years with the grant. Researchers may request up to $40,000 for expenses associated with the research, including salary for the applicant or assistants, equipment ($5,000 limit), supplies, travel, photocopying, postage and payment of participants. The award does not pay institutional indirect costs. Special preference for one grant is given to applicants who have completed their doctorates within the last seven years. The application deadline is March 12. Awards will be announced in August, and funding will begin on or after Sept. 15.

* The Wayne F. Placek Small Grants program awards up to $5,000 for an original empirical research project on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues. Applications should propose a study that can be completed in one year with the grant. Funds are not to be used to pay for stipends of principal investigators, travel to conventions, manuscript preparation or institutional indirect costs. The application deadline is Jan. 28. Awards will be announced in April.

APF encourages research proposals that address prejudice, discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation; family and workplace issues relevant to lesbians and gay men; and subgroups of the lesbian and gay population that have historically been underrepresented in research, including racial and ethnic minorities.

Applicants for both awards must have a doctoral-level degree and be affiliated with a college, university or research institution that meets federal requirements for administering research awards. Funds are not available for dissertation research or other predoctoral studies. For application guidelines and forms for both grant categories, visit www.hookerprograms.org.

--COMPILED BY APF STAFF