IAFN Research Grants

The International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) solicits applications annually for the IAFN Research Awards. Application deadline is the first Monday of April annually. Evaluation of grant applications will be peer-reviewed by an internal review panel through IAFN Research Committee and notifications on funding will be made by the first Monday of June each year.

Eligibility: IAFN members are eligible to apply. Research conducted to fulfill requirements for a degree is eligible. Novice forensic nursing researchers are particularly encouraged to apply for the $5,000 grant. Applicants for the $25,000 grant should demonstrate previous research experience. A grant will only be awarded once in a three-year period to the same investigator. International applications are encouraged, but applications must be submitted in English. Members of the IAFN Board are not eligible to apply for grants during their tenure.

Purpose: The IAFN is committed to responsible forensic nursing research. IAFN grants are intended to encourage exploratory, interventional, developmental forensic nursing research studies or evidence-based practice projects. Key focus areas for IAFN include research and scholarship exploring health outcomes, including the cost of care for individuals experiencing violence when forensic nurses are involved in their care and research to guide the care of those affected by violence. Funding may be used as seed money for a pilot study, completion of a full study or project, or to augment existing funding on an established project. The policy and procedural guidelines contained in this document are designed to:

1. Identify eligible applicants,
2. Outline the level of grant support that may be given,
3. Define the format for applications, and
4. Describe the review and approval process for awarding IAFN Research grants.

AWARD REQUIREMENTS
Researchers are required to submit an abstract for either a podium or poster presentation at the annual IAFN International Conference on Forensic Nursing Science and Practice within three years of their award date, allowing awardees two years after their grant funding to prepare a presentation on their study. Related conference materials must state that the research or QI/EBP project was supported through IAFN research grant funding.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Funding awards are received in April of each year. By the following June, two months after the one-year funding award has been completed, awardees are to submit a one-page, single-spaced report to the home office summarizing the research, findings, and application(s) to forensic nursing practice.

AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
All Research Committee members will be expected to complete the IAFN online conflict of interest training and acknowledgment of policy prior to being accepted as a reviewer.