To be eligible for a Trainee Bridge Fund, the applicant must:

• Be an ISRHML member in good standing (no pending dues at application deadline date) at the time of application deadline and at the time of the proposed expansion (bridge). For applicants from LMIC countries according to the World Bank list, membership is currently free but might be covered by grant funds in case membership fees are added.
• Fulfill at least one of the following criteria at application deadline:
  • Be enrolled in an academic program for a Master’s, PhD or MD (or equivalent) that will be completed by start date of the TBF project, OR
  • have completed an academic program for a Master’s, PhD or MD (or equivalent) within the last 5 years, OR
  • be enrolled in a postdoctoral training program, clinical training program, medical residency, medical fellowship or other suitable training programme, OR
  • have completed a postdoctoral research program, clinical training program, medical residency or medical fellowship or other suitable training programme within the last 12 months
  • be enrolled in an academic program as mentioned above in other fields, such as Public Health, Health Economics and other health-related topic in the field of human milk and lactation
• Propose a project that is relevant to research in human milk and lactation
• For those transitioning into the field: demonstrate a commitment to the field of human milk and lactation in earnest

Awardees are selected based on evidence that the proposed project and hosting environment will provide the necessary training to support her/him to progress through early career transitions on the way to an independent position in the field of human milk and lactation. Awardees will also be selected based on evident potential for career growth in the field of human milk and lactation.

Applicant:

• The applicant’s academic record is of high quality.
• The applicant’s career goals are related to, and have the potential to advance, human milk and lactation research and/or practice.
• The applicant is able to both excel at and benefit from the proposed project.
• The applicant has the potential to develop into a productive, independent scholar in the field of human milk and lactation.
• Evidence of service to the field of human milk and lactation research is advantageous.

Proposed project:

• The project plan is clearly and logically articulated. The applicant’s role in the project is explicitly stated.
• The need for, and value of, the proposed project for advancement of the field of human milk and lactation is clear.
• The project timeline is logically justified in relation to both learning objectives and project specific aims.
• The project is feasible, given the applicant’s academic and research background and proposed timeline.
• The budget is fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed project.
• The list of deliverables (e.g., academic presentation, article, program development) is specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound.
• The project plan includes a suggestion for the field of study/research it is set in to support appropriate selection of reviewers.
• The project plan includes a clear outline of the impact the project and the applicant aim to bring to the scientific fields and practice of human milk and lactation.

Quality of the proposed training expansion:

• The learning objectives document a clear need for, and value of, the bridge expansion program to the applicant.
• It is clear which components of the proposed project were not the focus of the applicant’s previous training.
• The project is specific to the learning objectives and is relevant to the applicant’s career goals in the field of human milk and lactation.
• The application materials show that the outlined project and learning objectives will develop the applicant’s ability to engage in interdisciplinary research in human milk and lactation.
• The candidate articulates how the proposed training activities will enable her/him to become a productive, independent scholar in the field of human milk and lactation.

Career Trajectory:

• Explain how the TBF advances the career in the field of breastfeeding and breastmilk

Environment:

• The applicant clearly and logically justifies the choice of proposed training institution and mentor.
• The hosting supervisor has clearly committed (a) to actively mentor the trainee and (b) to provide a research environment required to successfully complete the bridge expansion program.
• The available space, facilities, equipment, and personnel support are appropriate given (a) the applicant’s academic and research background and (b) the project plan.
• The hosting supervisor has an excellent mentorship track record and provides a clear mentorship plan for the applicant.