Reference Letters and Certifications

Mentors/Research Supervisors

If the applicant is a mentored research scientist, they must designate a primary mentor in their application. A mentor is an accomplished and trusted advisor who provides guidance and support to a less experienced researcher. In many cases, the primary mentor and research supervisor are the same individual; however, they may be two different individuals in certain situations. The designated mentor will receive an email with instructions for submitting a reference letter in their role as the LRP mentor, as well as for certifying the applicant’s protected research time and research-related documents. While some applicants may have mentoring teams, only one individual should be identified as the primary mentor.

All applicants, whether mentored or independent, must also identify a research supervisor in their application. Although the research supervisor does not participate in the application process, their role becomes critical if an award is made. The research supervisor is responsible for performing the administrative function of confirming, on a quarterly basis, that the applicant is meeting the terms and conditions of their LRP contract. The research supervisor must be employed at the applicant’s institution.

Referees/Recommenders

LRP applications require 3 to 5 reference letters submitted in support of their applications by the submission deadline.  Instructions for submission of these reference letters are provided to the applicant in the “Welcome Email” when they start an application in ASSIST.  Applicants should forward these instructions to their referees/recommenders.  Each referee/recommender is expected to address an applicant’s research capabilities and commitment to a research career.

A referee/recommender submits a reference letter via the online LRP Reference Letter Submission portal by the published deadline. The reference letter (2 pages limit) is expected to include the following information about the applicant:

• Previous training and experience to prepare for a research career
• Commitment to a career in research
• Potential for a successful career in research
• Research related strengths and weaknesses
• Overall recommendation

For renewal applicants, information about the applicant’s recent accomplishments and development as an independent investigator should be included in addition to the above.

Institutional Business Officials

All LRP applications are required to have their employer certify their application by the submission deadline.  Certifications are done by an Institutional Business Official (IBO), who represents the LRP applicant's employing institution in an official capacity. IBOs will receive a DLR email containing instructions on how to certify an LRP applicant. To certify an applicant, IBOs must log into their eRA Commons account with their eRA Commons ID. IBOs should contact the Division of Loan Repayment at [email protected] if they need assistance with the certification process.