The Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine (BCMM) Microbiome Research Grant Support Program helps faculty, researchers, and students secure funding for microbiome-related research. This includes basic, translational, and clinical research. BCMM provides full support during the pre-award grant application process to make sure your proposals meet requirements and stands out. 

Our Services

The BCMM offers the following support:

Funding Opportunity Identification
  • Funding grant opportunities for microbiome research from agencies, foundations, and organizations.
Concept Development
  • Helping you refine your research idea to align with funding opportunities and sponsor interests.
Sponsor Requirements Review
  • Reviewing sponsor guidelines to ensure all requirements are met.
  • Creating task lists for you and your collaborators.
  • Helping prepare all required documentation.
Scientific Reasoning and Scope
  • Helping you clearly explain the scientific rationale and goals of your research.
  • Ensuring your proposal highlights the importance and impact of your work.
Budget and Budget Justification
  • Partnering with RMS to create a detailed budget.
  • Writing a strong budget justification that meets the funding agency requirements.
Communication with Stakeholders 
  •  Coordinating with institutional offices and stakeholders for project approval and documentation.
  • Partnering with RMS to manage submission needs.
Document Copyediting  and Formatting
  • Proofreading for grammar, spelling and accuracy.
  • Formatting proposals to meet sponsor guidelines.
Application Process Time Management
  • Helping you track timelines to ensure timely submission.
  • Setting milestones and deadlines to keep the application process on track.

 

Meet Dr. Slavena Vylkova


 

Dr. Slavena Vylkova leads scientific communications at BCMM. Her expertise includes pre-award research funding operations, scientific writing and editing, and project development. 

Since joining BCMM in 2023, Dr. Vylkova has helped secure several NIH grants, including a NIAID Clinical Trial Implementation Cooperative Agreement (U01 Clinical Trial Required) and a Biomedical Research Facilities (C06 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) grant.

Before BCMM, Dr. Vylkova was a research assistant professor at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany. There, she led a research group studying how the fungal pathogen Candida albicans adapts to the host environment and interacts with microbiota.

 

Why Choose Us?

Expertise: Dr. Vylkova has extensive experience in microbiome research and scientific writing.

Comprehensive Support: We provide assistance throughout the entire process - from concept development to grant submission.

Personalized Service: Our support is tailored to meet your specific research goals and needs.

 

Initial Consultation and Priority Support

Mandatory Initial Consultation: We require an initial consultation to understand your needs and how we can best support your grant application.

Priority for Junior Faculty: Support is provided based on availability, with priority given to junior faculty members.

 

Get Started


Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.

Ready to secure funding for your microbiome research? Fill out the service request form or share details and supporting documentation here.

Need help with manuscript preparation? Contact Slavena Vylkova directly.

Book your initial consultation here.