The 2026 application cycle closed September 4, 2026. 

The Academy of Medical Educators (AME) is pleased to encourage innovation in medical student teaching and evaluation by faculty members of the University of Kansas School of Medicine (KUSOM). The priority for this funding cycle is to encourage innovation and effective use of resources in medical education research and scholarship.

The Principal Investigator must identify a mentor who is a member of the AME as a collaborator on the project. This mentor may act as a co-PI or in a mentorship capacity only. See the current AME membership list.

For the 2026 funding cycle, the maximum funding per proposal was $3,500. A total of $7,000 was available. Funds for selected projects will be available on November 1, 2026, and must be spent by May 30, 2027.

Eligibility

• The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a full- or part-time faculty member in University of Kansas School of Medicine.
• The PI must schedule a meeting with Senior Associate Dean for Finance by contacting Ashley Martin at amartin9@kumc.edu prior to submission for budget review. Ashley will work with faculty to schedule a meeting with Dean Hinano Gray.

Application Submission Guidelines

Proposals must be:

• No longer than five (5) single-spaced pages.
• Complete, yet concise descriptions of the project in the required format (see application).
• A minimum of 12-point font (excluding cover page, letter(s) of support, and appendices).
• Prepared in partnership with a mentor from the Academy of Medical Educators.
• Submitted as a single PDF to the AME via (ame@kumc.edu).

Proposals must include:

• A letter of support from an associated project faculty member (e.g., clinical skills lab director, clerkship director, etc.).

Required format:

1. Cover Sheet
2. Project Summary / Abstract (maximum 300 words)
3. Background / Literature Review
4. Relevance to KUSOM Curriculum
5. Methodology
6. Outcomes and Evaluation Plan
7. Budget Worksheet
8. Feasibility and Scalability
9. Up to 10 References

Download AME Proposal Application Template

Criteria for Selection

The primary assessment criterion is the articulation of a project that makes a valuable contribution to the KUSOM curriculum. The proposal must concisely explain the need for the project and why it merits priority among the multiple competing aspects of curriculum change and innovation. Reviewers consider evidence of best practices and sound theoretical basis, valid educational/scientific methodology, consideration of potential problems and strategies to address them, valid outcomes, a reasonable budget, and potential for publication or presentation as educational scholarship.

Past projects have made substantial contributions to curriculum transformation at KUSOM. View past recipients and their projects.

KUMC IRB/Human Subjects approval will be required for funded proposals.