The Precise Center

PACES FAQ

• How long is the program?

  PACES runs for 12 months, with one 90-minute virtual seminar each month, followed by ongoing engagement through the PACES Alumni Community.

• Is PACES in-person or virtual?

  PACES is primarily virtual to support broad participation and cross-institutional networking. Any optional in-person opportunities (if offered) will be communicated in advance.

• Who is eligible?

  PACES is designed for junior investigators, including late-stage graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty (or equivalent), who are pursuing work aligned with precision rehabilitation and can commit to the monthly seminar schedule.

• How many scholars are selected?

  We expect to select a competitive cohort of approximately 10 scholars per year.

• What is the main focus of PACES?

  PACES is a skills-building program in precision rehabilitation research. It emphasizes multidisciplinary exchange, mentorship, and practical learning through works-in-progress discussion and expert input, including input from people with lived experience (PWLE).

• Do I need to have a specific project ready?

  There is no requirement to have a specific project ready. Applicants need to have a learning, skill development or project goal. Applicants often benefit from having a project, idea, or a “work-in-progress” that would benefit from structured feedback (e.g., aims, a proposal concept, manuscript direction, pilot idea, measurement plan, analytic strategy, or a methods/design challenge).

• What kinds of topics fit?

  We welcome projects spanning rehabilitation research domains (e.g., motor, cognitive, psychosocial, speech/language), involving children and/or adults, and conducted in clinical and/or laboratory settings, as long as the work aligns with precision rehabilitation and whole- person function across the lifespan.

• How is the cohort balanced?

  Through the selection process, we aim for equitable representation across research domains, populations, and settings to expose scholars to the broad spectrum of precision rehabilitation research.

• What do you mean by engagement?

  In PACES, engagement happens at multiple levels. First, participants engage with Precise Center investigators and are connected to relevant resources and tools. Second, participants engage with one another as part of a learning community. Finally, participants are guided in engaging with research stakeholders and/or people with lived experience (PWLE) to strengthen the relevance, feasibility, and impact of their research.

• What is the time commitment?

  At minimum: monthly, 90-minute seminars, preparation for your share-out, and light peer engagement (discussion and feedback). PACES also includes brief pre-seminar preparation (e.g., short readings/materials) and a short post-seminar reflection to reinforce learning and application.

• Is PACES a pipeline to other opportunities?

  Yes. PACES is intended to serve as a potential pipeline for Precise Center Pilot Program applications and other collaborative funding opportunities.

• Is there a cost?

  There is no participation fee. Any optional, self-paid travel or in-person opportunities would be clearly communicated in advance.