JSIT Research Competition

Our hope is that you will each submit a research proposal for the JSIT Research Competition, and continue to explore research opportunities with the RDRC over the long-term. 

Overview

At the end of the summer, all scholars are invited to submit a proposal to enter into a research competition of five awards worth $5,000 each. Those five scholars that receive the research awards will have 9-months (October - July) to complete a CFS RDRC working paper.

Proposal Timeline

• Development of Research Proposal with Mentorship: June - August
• Fall Research Workshop:  August 30 (virtual)
• Research Proposal Due to CFS:  September 16
• CFS awards five research awards:  October
  • Draft Working Papers due to CFS: May
  • Final Working Paper and Research Brief due to CFS: July 20232

Scholars will be notified when the submission window opens, with instructions on how to submit their proposals.

Proposal Specifications

Format:  5 Pages Maximum, Double-spaced, ~1" margins. 10 pt minimum font. (Note: References do not count for page count)

Title:  Provide a concise title for the project that describes the analysis

Researcher Name, Title and Affiliation

Keywords: (3-5 words)

Abstract/Specific Aims:  Abstract will be posted publicly and should be written so that a non-technical audience can understand the relevance to  retirement or disability policy.  This serves as a summary of your overall proposal and should be at most one page. You do not need to go into detail supporting your agenda in this section.  

• The first paragraph should state the issue your proposal will address and its importance. 
• The second paragraph should briefly summarize the “gap” this project will fill.  This might be a gap or shortcoming in the existing literature or new opportunities for analysis.
• The third paragraph should briefly explain how you intend to complete the work.  

Significance:  Why is this an important topic and how will completing the project have an impact? What are the shortcomings of existing analyses/data that you will overcome through this project? How do you build on prior work and innovate in new ways? Cite literature to support your claims (use Chicago style internal citations: Author, date).

Data: Indicate data source and how you will work with that data. 

Methods:   Describe the analytical techniques proposed. Be sure to cover the features of your analysis cited in the significance section.   Discuss contributions and limitations of this strategy.

Timeline. The timeline should include significant milestones that conclude with a “deliverable” report by the deadline.

Statement of Complementarity or Overlap: Include any other funding in place or planned for this project.

Potential Challenges. What problems can you foresee and what contingency plans do you have in place if your research plan faces challenges?

Scoring

The top five research proposals will be selected based on the following criteria and weights:

• Compelling research question that can practically be addressed (25%)
• Evidence of researcher capability to conduct the work (25%)
• Clear data analysis plan and methodology (25%)
• Writing clarity and capability to complete a final report on the research (25%)

Scholars awarded the $5,000 will use their funding to write a working paper and a research brief/policy abstract, consistent with CFS RDRC report style, which the CFS RDRC will release as a paper on its website. All written reports will be reviewed by SSA prior to release, as well as two referees from CFS.