From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Mon Feb 05 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 4 Febrary 1996 Date: 6 Feb 1996 12:08:16 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 73 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4f8cfg$89l@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system in the previous week. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 96-40 Dear Colleague Letter File size (bytes): STIS Filename: nsf9640.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: Physical Science Administrator (Lower Atmospheric Observing Facilities Manager) File size (bytes): STIS Filename: vex969.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: Phone Book Title: NSF Alpha Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 113194 STIS Filename: phnalpha.txt Also available: phnalpha.dlm Title: NSF Organization Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 125281 STIS Filename: phnorg.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS system. If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet). You will receive a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail. If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to retrieve these files: Documents via E-mail: Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet). Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command. For example, to retrieve phnorg.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get phnorg.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve phnorg.txt, you would enter: ftp> get phnorg.txt WAIS or Gopher: Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary. If you want a *printed* copy of a document: Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet). If you have problems with the above procedures: Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet). From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Thu Feb 08 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: kcowing@aibs.org (Keith L. Cowing) Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NASA Space Life Science Proposal Solicitation Date: 8 Feb 1996 20:34:36 -0800 Organization: American Institute of Biological Sciences Lines: 58 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4feiss$3ui@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 7,1996 A -- RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN SPACE LIFE SCIENCES SOL NRA-96-OLMSA-O1A DUE 051596 POC Dr. Ronald J. White tel: 202/358-2530 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Life Sciences Division solicits proposals to participate in research opportunities in space life sciences and in research and development opportunities in advanced life support and environmental technologies for Human Exploration and Development of Space. This solicitation is open to U.S. and foreign proposers in all categories of Governmental and private sector organizations, agencies, and institutions. It will be open for the period through May 15, 1996; proposals may be submitted at any time throughout the period. This solicitation is available electronically via the Internet at http://peer1.idi.usra.edu/. Paper copies of the Announcement are available to those who do not have access to the Internet by calling 202-358-4180. Specific questions concerning this annoucement should be directed to: Ms. Victoria Thorne, Life Sciences Division, Code UL, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001; telephone (202) 358-2530, email: vthorne@gm.olmsa.hq.nasa.gov. (0036) COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 7,1996 A -- ADV. LIFE SUPPT & ENVIRON. TECH. FOR HUMAN EXPLOR. & DEVELOP. OF SPACE SOL NRA-96-OLMSA-01B DUE 051596 POC Dr. Ronald J. White tel: 202/358-2530 ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR HUMAN EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPACE. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Life Sciences Division solicits proposals to participate in research opportunities in space life sciences and in research and development opportunities in advanced life support and environmental technologies for Human Exploration and Development of Space. This solicitation is open to U.S. and foreign proposers in all categories of Governmental and private sector organizations, agencies, and institutions. It will be open for the period through May 15, 1996; proposals may be submitted at any time throughout the period. This solicitation is available electronically via the Internet at http://peer1.idi.usra.edu/. Paper copies of the Announcement are available to those who do not have access to the Internet by calling 202-358-4180. Specific questions concerning this announcement should be directed to: Ms. Victoria Thorne, Life Sciences Division, Code UL, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001; telephone (202) 358-2530, email: vthorne@gm.olmsa.hq.nasa.gov. (0036) -- Keith L. Cowing - Manager of Planning and Operations American Institute of Biological Sciences 10700 Parkridge Blvd Suite 380 - Reston, VA, USA 22091 703-758-1212 voice - 703-758-1222 fax kcowing@aibs.org - gopher://aibs.org From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Thu Feb 08 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: "Marvin.Stodolsky" Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: DOE Human Genome Program Announcement R&D Date: 8 Feb 1996 20:49:19 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 123 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4fejof$61s@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net Office of Energy Research Notice 96-08 Human Genome Program - Technological Advances DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF ENERGY RESEARCH Energy Research Financial Assistance Program Notice 96-08: Human Genome Program - Technological Advances AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications SUMMARY: The Office of Health and Environmental Research (OHER) of the Office of Energy Research (ER), U.S. Department of Energy, hereby announces its interest in receiving grant applications in support of the DOE Human Genome Program (HGP). This program is a coordinated, multidisciplinary, goal-oriented research effort to obtain a detailed understanding of the human genome at the molecular level. The objective of this notice is to promote substantive improvements in high-throughput, integrated approaches to large-scale human genome sequencing and its analysis. The solicited topics are: (1) supportive instrumentation and automation systems; (2) assembly of multi-megabase scale, ordered and sequence-ready DNA clones; (3) informatics for the rapid assembly, analysis, and annotation of data from high-throughput sequencing; and (4) informatics for facile submission, retrieval, and visualization of data for single or multiple related databases, specifically including the Genome Data Base and the Genome Sequence Data Base. Applicants must address clearly how the proposed work will help achieve the sequencing goals of the HGP. Collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts are specifically encouraged. DATES: Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a brief preapplication. All preapplications, referencing Program Notice 96-08, should be received by DOE by 4:30 P.M. E.S.T., March 28, 1996. A response discussing the potential program relevance of a formal application generally will be communicated to the applicant within 30 days of receipt. The deadline for receipt of formal applications submitted in response to this notice must be received by 4:30 p.m., E.D.T., July 11, 1996, in order to be accepted for merit review in September 1996 and to permit timely consideration for awards in fiscal year 1997. ADDRESSES: All preapplications, referencing Program Notice 96-08, should be sent to Ms. Joanne Corcoran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, ER-72, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874- 1290. After receiving notification from DOE concerning successful preapplications, applicants may prepare formal applications and send them to: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Research, Grants and Contracts Division, ER-64, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, ATTN: Program Notice 96-08. The above address for formal applications also must be used when submitting formal applications by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, any commercial mail delivery service, or when handcarried by the applicant. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Gerald Goldstein, if referencing topic (1); Dr. Marvin Stodolsky, if referencing topic (2); and Dr. Jay Snoddy, if referencing topics (3) or (4) at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, ER-72, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, by telephone (301) 903-6488, by facsimile (301) 903-8521, or preferably by E-mail, joanne.corcoran@oer.doe.gov. General HGP information can also be obtained on the World Wide Web (WWW) Internet browsers at: http://www.er.doe.gov/production/oher/hug_top.html, http://www.ornl.gov/techresources/human_genome/home.html, and sites linked to these WWW pages. The 5-year goals of the U.S. HGP are published in the journal, Science, volume 262, pages 43-46. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The brief preapplication, in accordance with 10 CFR 600.10(d)(2), should consist of two to three pages of narrative describing the research objectives and methods of accomplishment. The preapplications will be reviewed for relevance to the notice, and further instructions will be provided with the response. Preapplications determined by staff of the Office of Health and Environmental Research to be insufficiently directed at the goals of this notice will be returned without further review to the applicant. Telephone and FAX numbers are required parts of the preapplication, and electronic mail addresses are desirable. It is anticipated that approximately $2,000,000 will be available for grant awards in this area during FY 1997, contingent upon availability of appropriated funds. Multiple year funding of grant awards is expected, and is also contingent upon availability of funds, progress of the research, and continuing program need. Projected awards will be in the range of $50,000 per year up to $1,000,000 per year with terms of 2 to 3 years. Information on the development and submission of applications, eligibility, limitations, evaluation, selection process, and other policies and procedures may be found in 10 CFR Part 605, and in the Application Guide for the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program. The Application Guide is available from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, Health Effects and Life Sciences Research Division, ER-72, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290. Telephone requests may be made by calling (301) 903-6488. Internet requests can be made to: joanne.corcoran@oer.doe.gov. Electronic access to ER's Financial Assistance Guide is possible via the Internet using the following E- mail address: http://www.er.doe.gov The Office of Energy Research, as part of its grant regulations, requires at 10 CFR 605.11(b) that a grantee funded by ER and performing research involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with the National Institutes of Health "Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules" (59 FR 34496, July 5, 1994) or such later revision of those guidelines as may be published in the Federal Register. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 81.049, and the solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR part 605. Issued in Washington, D.C. John Rodney Clark Associate Director for Resource Management Office of Energy Research Published in the Federal Register February 7, 1996, Vol. 61, No. 26, pages 4630-4631. ----------------------------- This document is also available as at: http://www.er.doe.gov/production/grants/fr96_08.html From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Thu Feb 08 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: "Marvin.Stodolsky" Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: DOE Human Genome Program Announcement, ELSI Date: 8 Feb 1996 20:50:06 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 185 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4fejpu$648@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net Office of Energy Research Notice 96-09 Human Genome Program - Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF ENERGY RESEARCH Energy Research Financial Assistance Program Notice 96-09: Human Genome Program - Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications. SUMMARY: The Office of Health and Environmental Research (OHER) of the Office of Energy Research (ER), U.S. Department of Energy, hereby announces its interest in receiving applications in support of the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) subprogram of the Human Genome Program (HGP). This program is a coordinated, multidisciplinary, directed research effort aimed at obtaining a detailed understanding of the human genome at the molecular level. This particular research notice encompasses research grants that address ethical, legal, and social issues that may arise from the use of information and knowledge resulting from the HGP. DATES: Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a brief preapplication. All preapplications referencing Program Notice 96-09, should be received by DOE by 4:30 P.M. E.S.T., March 28, 1996. A response discussing the potential program relevance of a formal application generally will be communicated to the applicant within 30 days of receipt. The deadline for receipt of formal applications submitted in response to this notice must be received by 4:30 p.m., E.D.T., July 11, 1996, to be accepted for merit review in September 1996 and to permit timely consideration for award in fiscal year 1997. ADDRESSES: Preapplications referencing Program Notice 96-09 should be sent to Dr. Daniel W. Drell, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, ER-72, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290. After receiving notification from DOE concerning successful preapplications, applicants may prepare formal applications and send them to: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Research, Grants and Contracts Division, ER-64, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD, 20874-1290, ATTN: Program Notice 96-09. The above address for formal applications also must be used when submitting formal applications by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, and commercial mail delivery service, or when handcarried by the applicant. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Daniel W. Drell, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, ER-72, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, by telephone (301) 903-6488, by FAX (301) 903-8521, or preferably by E-mail, joanne.corcoran@oer.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DOE encourages the submission of applications to conduct research on privacy and confidentiality issues from the creation, use, maintenance, and disclosure of genetic information. This may include (but is not limited to) issues of ownership, commercialization, and control of genetic information, and the protection of the privacy of genetic information in various settings, including the workplace. Applications should demonstrate knowledge of the relevant literature and should include detailed plans for the gathering and analysis of factual information and the associated ethical, legal, and social implications. All applications should include, where appropriate, detailed discussion of human subjects protection issues, e.g., storage of, manipulation of, and access to data. Provisions to ensure the inclusion of women, minorities, and potentially disabled individuals must be described, unless specific exclusions are scientifically necessary and justified in detail. All proposed research applications should address the issue of efficient dissemination of results to the widest appropriate audience. All applications involving collaborations should include letters of support from the potential collaborators; these letters should specify the contributions the collaborator intends to make if the application is accepted and funded. The DOE also solicits applications for the preparation and dissemination of educational materials in any appropriate medium that will enhance understanding of scientific, as well as the ethical, legal, and social aspects of the HGP among public or specified groups. If an educational effort for a specific group is proposed, the value to the HGP of that group or community should be explained in detail. In addition, the DOE encourages applications for the support of conferences focusing on the ethical, legal, and social implications of the HGP. Issues to be examined may include (but are not limited to) implications of advances in the genetic characterization of complex traits (e.g., disease predisposition or susceptibility genes) and the impacts of advances in knowledge about polygenic conditions for various communities potentially faced with these impacts (e.g., courts, schools, etc.). Educational and conference applications should demonstrate awareness of the relevant literature and include detailed plans for the accomplishment of project goals. In applications that propose the production of series for broadcast, audio-visuals, or other educational materials, the DOE requests that samples of previous similar work by the producers and writers be submitted along with the application. In applications for the support of educational activities, the DOE requests inclusion of a plan for assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed activities. For conference applications, a detailed and largely complete roster of speakers is necessary. At the completion of the conference, a summary or report is required. Educational and conference applications must also demonstrate awareness of the need to reach the widest appropriate audience. Ordinarily, DOE does not encourage applications dealing with issues consequent to genetic testing protocols. Additionally, DOE does not encourage survey-based research, unless a compelling case is made that this methodology is critical to address an issue of uncommon significance. For applications that propose the development of college-level curricula, DOE requests both detailed justification of the need for external support beyond normal departmental and college resources, evidence of commitment from the parent department or college, and a dissemination plan. Applications for the writing of scholarly publications or books should include justifications for the relevance of the publications or book to the goals of the HGP as well as discussion of the estimated readership and impact. DOE ordinarily will not provide unlimited support for a funded program and, thus, strongly encourages the inclusion of plans for transition to self-sustaining status. The brief preapplication, in accordance with 10 CFR 600.10(d)(2), should consist of two to three pages of narrative describing the research project objectives and methods of accomplishment. The preapplications will be reviewed for relevance to the notice, and further instructions will be provided with the response. Preapplications determined by staff of the Office of Health and Environmental Research to be insufficiently directed at the goals of the notice will be returned without further review to the applicant. Telephone and facsimile numbers are required parts of the preapplication, and electronic mail addresses are desirable. It is anticipated that approximately $1,300,000 will be available for grant awards in this area during FY 1997, contingent upon availability of appropriated funds. Multiple year funding of grant awards is expected, and is also contingent upon availability of funds. Previous awards have ranged from $50,000 per year up to $500,000 per year with terms from 1 to 3 years; most awards average about $200,000 per year for 2 or 3 years. Similar award sizes are anticipated for new grants. Information about development and submission of applications, eligibility, limitations, evaluation, selection process, and other policies and procedures may be found in 10 CFR Part 605, and in the Application Guide for the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program. The Application Guide is available from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, Health Effects and Life Sciences Research Division, ER-72, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290. Telephone requests may be made by calling (301) 903-6488. Internet requests can be made to: joanne.corcoran@oer.doe.gov. Electronic access to ER's Financial Assistance Guide is possible via the Internet using the following E- mail address: http//www.er.doe.gov The Office of Energy Research, as part of its grant regulations, requires at 10 CFR 605.11(b) that a grantee funded by ER and performing research involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with the National Institutes of Health "Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules" (59 FR 34496, July 5, 1994), or such later revision of those guidelines as may be published in the Federal Register. The dissemination of materials and research data in a timely manner is essential for progress towards the goals of the DOE HGP. The OHER requires the timely sharing of resources and data. Applicants should, in their applications, discuss their plans for disseminating research results and materials that may include, where appropriate, publication in the open literature, wide-scale mailings, etc. Once OHER and the applicant have agreed upon a distribution plan, it will become part of the award conditions. Funds to defray the costs of disseminating results and materials are allowable; however, such requests must be sufficiently detailed and adequately justified. Applicants should also provide timelines projecting progress toward achieving proposed goals. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 81.049, and the solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR part 605. Issued in Washington, D.C. John Rodney Clark Assoicate Director for Resource Management Office of Energy Research Published in the Federal Register February 7, 1996, Vol. 61, No. 26, pages 4631-4633. ----------------------------- This announcement is also available at: http://www.er.doe.gov/production/grants/fr96_09.html From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Mon Feb 12 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 11 February 1996 Date: 12 Feb 1996 22:45:53 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 154 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4fpc31$d4k@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system in the previous week. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: News Title: Media Tipsheet February 5, 1996 File size (bytes): STIS Filename: tip60203.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: CAREER GRANTS INTEGRATE TEACHING AND RESEARCH File size (bytes): STIS Filename: pr965.txt Title: "LASER TWEEZER" TECHNIQUE MEASURES DNA "MECHANICS" File size (bytes): STIS Filename: pr966.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: VEP 96000 Assistant Director for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) File size (bytes): 5523 STIS Filename: vep96000.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: Committees Title: NSF Advisory Committee Meetings File size (bytes): 9328 STIS Filename: cmmtg.txt Document Type: International Document Title: INT 96-02 - STATUS ON RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND MACHINE TOOLS INDUSTRY IN JAPAN File size (bytes): 25184 STIS Filename: int9602.txt Also available: int9602.doc Title: INT 96-03 . Emerging Manufacturing Technologies and Research Activities in Japan File size (bytes): 23750 STIS Filename: int9603.txt Also available: int9603.doc Document Type: Letter Title: Current List of REU Sites File size (bytes): 83906 STIS Filename: reulist.txt Document Type: News Title: Geometry and Cosmology File size (bytes): 1173 STIS Filename: mpslect.txt Document Type: Phone Book Title: NSF Alpha Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 113419 STIS Filename: phnalpha.txt Also available: phnalpha.dlm Title: NSF Organization Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 125281 STIS Filename: phnorg.txt Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 93-116 RESEARCH COLLECTIONS IN SYSTEMATICS AND ECOLOGY File size (bytes): 25692 STIS Filename: nsf93116.txt Title: NSF 94-66 Biotic Surveys and Inventories File size (bytes): 30678 STIS Filename: nsf9466.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: VEP 96000 Assistant Director for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) File size (bytes): 5523 STIS Filename: vep96000.txt Document Type: Report Title: NSF-car95 Fiscal Year 1995 Career Program Awards File size (bytes): 45946 STIS Filename: nsfcar95.txt Also available: nsfcar95.xls nsfcar95.dlm Title: NSF-car95 Fiscal Year 1995 Career Program Awards File size (bytes): 45946 STIS Filename: nsfcar95.txt Also available: nsfcar95.xls nsfcar95.dlm Document Type: STIS Title: Document Types on STIS File size (bytes): 2532 STIS Filename: stistype.txt Title: Document Types on STIS File size (bytes): 2532 STIS Filename: stistype.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS system. If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet). You will receive a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail. If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to retrieve these files: Documents via E-mail: Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet). Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command. For example, to retrieve stistype.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get stistype.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve stistype.txt, you would enter: ftp> get stistype.txt WAIS or Gopher: Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary. If you want a *printed* copy of a document: Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet). If you have problems with the above procedures: Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet). From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Sat Feb 17 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 25, no. 03, pt. 1of2, 9 February 1996 Date: 18 Feb 1996 14:27:16 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 1499 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4g8944$cak@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID NIHGUIDE 19960209 V25N03 P1O2 ************************************ X-comment: RFAS described: ES-96-004, PA-96-022, PA-96-023, PA-96-024, PA-96- X-URL: gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-guide/guide-files/96.02.09 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 25, No. 3 - February 9, 1996 $$INDEX BEGIN ******************************************************* NOTICES $$INDEX N1 ********************************************************** RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS TO PROMOTE THE RECRUITMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES INTO BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CAREERS National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX N2 ********************************************************** RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITIES National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX N3 ********************************************************** ANIMAL CARE AND USE: HOT ZONES, GRAY ZONES, AND GO SLOW ZONES National Institutes of Health Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH; PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY IN MEDICINE & RESEARCH; TUFTS UNIVERSITY $$INDEX N4 ********************************************************** NATIONAL HUMAN SUBJECT PROTECTIONS WORKSHOPS National Institutes of Health Food and Drug Administration INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH; FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$INDEX R1 ********************************************************** ELECTRODES FOR FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (RFP NIH-NINDS-96-03) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke INDEX: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE $$INDEX R2 ********************************************************** INSULATING BIOMATERIALS (RFP NIH-NINDS-96-04) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke INDEX: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE $$INDEX R3 ********************************************************** CHANGES IN CLEARANCE OF ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS DURING PUBERTY (RFP NIH-NINDS-96-05) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke INDEX: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE $$INDEX R4 05/08/96 ************************************************* LINKING OF ENVIRONMENTAL AGENTS AND DISEASE (RFA ES-96-004) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences INDEX: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES $$INDEX P1 ********************************************************** HUMAN MODELS AND MARKERS OF SKELETAL AGING (PA-96-022) National Institute on Aging National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Dental Research National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases INDEX: AGING; ARTHRITIS, MUSCULOSKELETAL; SKIN DISEASES; DENTAL RESEARCH; DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY DISEASES $$INDEX P2 ********************************************************** PILOT PROJECT RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE NIA (PA-96-023) National Institute on Aging INDEX: AGING $$INDEX P3 ********************************************************** NIDCD PROGRAM FOR POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH TRAINING IN CLINICAL TRIALS (PA-96-024) National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders INDEX: DEAFNESS, OTHER COMMUNICATIONS DISORDERS $$INDEX P4 ********************************************************** NICHD SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM (PA-96-025) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development INDEX: CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ERRATA $$INDEX E1 ********************************************************** NOVEL PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR COCAINE AND OTHER PSYCHOSTIMULANT DEPENDENCE (RFA DA-96-003) National Institute on Drug Abuse INDEX: DRUG ABUSE THE NIH GUIDE IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET, BY SUBSCRIPTION, AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (GOPHER.NIH.GOV). ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE VIA MODEM (DATA LINE 301/402-2221); CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/435-2801 FOR DETAILS. THE PHS STRONGLY ENCOURAGES ALL GRANT AND CONTRACT RECIPIENTS TO PROVIDE A SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE AND PROMOTE THE NON-USE OF ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS. IN ADDITION, PUBLIC LAW 103-227, THE PRO-CHILDREN ACT OF 1994, PROHIBITS SMOKING IN CERTAIN FACILITIES (OR IN SOME CASES, ANY PORTION OF A FACILITY) IN WHICH REGULAR OR ROUTINE EDUCATION, LIBRARY, DAY CARE, HEALTH CARE OR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PHS MISSION TO PROTECT AND ADVANCE THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. ALL COMPETING GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MUST BE SENT TO: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) THE GRANTS INFORMATION OFFICE, DRG, HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES, OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, NIH. REQUESTS FOR APPLICATION FORMS, PUBLICATIONS, AND OTHER INFORMATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING: OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, MSC 7910 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7910 TELEPHONE: (301) 435-0714 EMAIL: GIRG@DRGPO.DRG.NIH.GOV $$INDEX END ********************************************************* NOTICES $$N1 BEGIN NOT-96-002 *********************************************** RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS TO PROMOTE THE RECRUITMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES INTO BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CAREERS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 3, February 9, 1996 P.T. 34, DD; K.W. 0710030, 0720005 National Institutes of Health BACKGROUND A recent report, titled "Changing America: The New Face of Science and Engineering" and issued by the President's Task Force on Women, Minorities, and the Handicapped in Science and Technology, December 1989, has documented a very low participation rate for Americans with disabilities in the science and engineering workforce. To address this problem for the biomedical and behavioral research workforce, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its awarding components have developed an initiative that is designed to extend opportunities to individuals with qualifying disabilities who are capable of entering or resuming research careers. Under this initiative, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to pursue biomedical research careers in areas within the missions of all the awarding components of the NIH through supplemental awards to certain ongoing research grants. It is hoped that the plan to provide funding at several different stages in a research career will substantially increase the number of individuals with disabilities in biomedical research. The NIH hereby notifies Principal Investigators holding certain NIH research grants of the availability of funds for administrative supplements to existing grants for the support and recruitment of scientists and students with disabilities. Supplemental awards are available to support individuals with disabilities from each of the following population groups: o HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Supplements under this program are designed to foster an interest in biomedical and behavioral research. o UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS. This program provides support for undergraduate students to encourage them to continue on to graduate level training in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. o GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS. Graduate students can receive support under this program to develop their research capabilities. o INDIVIDUALS IN POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING. This program provides support during postdoctoral training to enable the development of an independent career in biomedical research. o INVESTIGATORS DEVELOPING INDEPENDENT RESEARCH CAREERS. Staff and faculty members with a doctoral degree can receive short-and long-term support for participation in an ongoing research project while further developing their own independent research potential. o ESTABLISHED INVESTIGATORS WHO BECOME DISABLED. This program will provide additional support for established NIH investigators and project leaders on components of program projects and center grants who become disabled. The additional support may be requested for assistants or special equipment that will facilitate a continuing contribution to the goals of the parent grant. Because this program differs in substantial ways from the other supplemental awards listed here, it is described in a separate section below. GENERAL PROVISIONS For all of the supplemental programs listed above, the proposed research experience must be an integral part of the approved, ongoing research of the parent grant. Also, with the exception of the supplemental program for Established Investigators Who Become Disabled, which is described in a separate section, individuals with disabilities must be given the opportunity to interact with individuals on the parent grant, to contribute intellectually to the research, and to enhance his/her research skills and knowledge regarding the particular area of biomedical science. Furthermore, the Principal Investigator must demonstrate a willingness and understanding that the purpose of the award is to enhance the research capability of the student or faculty member with a disability, and that the research experience is intended to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop into independent, competitive research investigators. All awards made under these programs will be consistent with the goals of strengthening the existing research program and the overall programmatic balance and priorities of the funding component at the NIH . Awards will be made according to the policies and provisions stated in this announcement. Applicants are encouraged to contact the NIH institute staff identified in the INQUIRIES section below prior to submission in order to obtain specific information about application characteristics and requirements. It is also recognized that individual circumstances vary and, for unusual situations, NIH program administrators should be consulted for a determination of eligibility. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS As a part of these awards, funds may be requested to make changes or adjustments in the research setting that will make it possible for an otherwise qualified employee with disabilities to perform the essential functions associated with his/her role on the project. The accommodations requested under this program must be DIRECTLY related to the performance of the proposed role on the research project and must be appropriate to the disabilities of the individual. Some types of accommodations that might be provided under these awards include: specialized equipment, assistive devices, and personnel such as readers, interpreters, or assistants. In all cases, the total funds for accommodations requested from the supplement must be reasonable in relationship to the direct costs of the parent grant and the nature of the supplemental award. ELIGIBILITY RESEARCH GRANTS ELIGIBLE FOR SUPPLEMENTAL AWARDS: Principal Investigators at domestic institutions who hold an active R01, R10, R18, R22, R24, R35, R37, P01, P20, P30, P40, P41, P50, P51, P60, U01, or U10 grant are eligible to submit a request for an administrative supplement to the awarding component of the parent grant for any of the supplemental programs offered here. Principal Investigators holding an active First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) Award (R29), an Academic Research Enhancement Award (R15) or a Small Grant Award (R03) also may apply for a supplement under this program. An R29 awardee may apply only when the minority candidate is a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student. An R15 awardee or an R03 awardee may apply only when the minority candidate is a high school or an undergraduate student. However, exceptions to these rules may be made. Applicants should check with their awarding component. Minority supplements to R29, R15 and R03 awards may provide support above the established dollar limits. The P20 and P30 award mechanisms are eligible for supplements only when they contain research components. In all cases, the parent grant must have support remaining for a reasonable period at the time of a supplemental award. Principal Investigators are encouraged to submit an application no later than three months before the anniversary date of the last two years remaining on the parent grant. Usually, each parent grant may have only one supplement for a person with disabilities. Appointment of more than one individual to a single grant depends on the nature of the parent grant, the circumstances of the request, and the program balance of the awarding component. Supplemental awards under these programs do not preclude a separate supplement to support an underrepresented minority. CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE FOR SUPPORT BY A SUPPLEMENTAL AWARD: The purpose of the request will be to support a high school student, an undergraduate student, a graduate research assistant, an individual in postdoctoral training, or a staff or faculty member with disabilities to participate in ongoing research projects. Awards will be limited to citizens, non-citizen nationals of the United States, and individuals who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of an Alien Registration Receipt Card) at the time of application. Other specific eligibility requirements relative to each type of award are set forth in the individual program descriptions below. Individuals with disabilities may receive support under these programs on only one grant at any time, but may be supported by more than one grant during the development of their research careers. Support under the supplement programs is not transferable to another individual. The research supplement programs for individuals with disabilities have been designed to attract disabled individuals into research careers and are not intended to provide an alternative means of supporting disabled individuals who already receive support from a research grant or a research training grant or any other PHS funding mechanism. Disabled graduate students or disabled individuals in postdoctoral training who are supported by a National Research Service Award (NRSA) research training grant may not be transferred to supplemental support prior to the completion of their appointed period of training. individuals may not be transferred to supplemental support simply to increase the availability of funds to the parent grant for any other uses. APPLICATION PROCEDURES A request for a supplement may be submitted at any time. IN MAKING REQUESTS, THE GRANTEE INSTITUTION, ON BEHALF OF THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR OF THE PARENT GRANT AND IN COOPERATION WITH THE INDIVIDUAL WITH DISABILITIES, MUST SUBMIT THE REQUEST FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS DIRECTLY TO THE AWARDING COMPONENT THAT SUPPORTS THE PARENT GRANT. The request is not to be submitted to the NIH Division of Research Grants. Principal Investigators are encouraged to obtain the address for submission from the NIH program administrator on the parent grant. The request for a supplemental award must include the following: 1. A completed face page (with appropriate signatures) from Grant Application Form PHS 398. Include the title and grant number of the parent grant in Item 1. 2. A brief three to four page description, prepared by the Principal Investigator of the parent grant, that includes: a. A summary or abstract of the funded grant or project. b. A description of the research experience proposed for the disabled individual. c. A description of how the research experience will expand and foster the training or independent research capabilities of the candidate and how the research experience will relate to the specific research goals and objectives of the parent grant. 3. A signed statement from the candidate with disabilities outlining his/her research objectives and career goals. 4. A biographical sketch of the candidate that includes evidence of scientific achievement or interest. 5. Social security number. The PHS requests the Social Security Number for the purpose of accurate identification, referral, and review of applications and for efficient management of PHS grant programs. 6. A signed statement from the principal investigator establishing the eligibility of the individual with disabilities for support under this program, including information on citizenship, and a description of any previous PHS research grant support the candidate has received. This must include information certifying the individual's citizenship, the nature of the disability, any occupational limitations associated with the disability, and the types of accommodations that will permit the individual to undertake the proposed research experience. Also, the institution must indicate its contribution to aid accommodation of the candidate to the research environment. 7. A proposed budget entered on budget pages from Grant Application Form PHS 398, related to the percent effort (where appropriate) for the research experience in the first and future years. All special accommodations requested must be detailed and justified in the budget section. If the initial budget period requested is less than 12 months, the budget should be prorated accordingly. 8. Documentation, if applicable, that the proposed research experience was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or human subjects Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the grantee institution must be provided. Adherence to the NIH policy for including women and minorities in clinical studies must also be insured if additional human subjects~ involvement is planned for the supplement component. 9. A copy of the most recent official transcript if the candidate is a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. 10. If the individual with disabilities is a student at another institution, the application also must include an appropriately signed letter from a responsible official at the institution of matriculation indicating that participation at the stated level of effort is approved and will not detract from or interfere with his/her course of studies. 11. If any of the research is to be conducted at a site other than the grantee institution, an appropriately signed letter from the institution where the research is to be conducted must be submitted. The request must be signed by the individual with disabilities, the Principal Investigator, and the appropriate institutional business official. REVIEW CRITERIA The staff of the particular awarding component will review requests for supplements using the following general criteria: 1. The qualifications of the individual with disabilities including career goals, prior research training, research potential and any relevant experience. 2. The plan for the proposed research experience in the supplemental request and its relationship to the parent grant. 3. The appropriateness of the proposed accommodations for the candidate and his/her role on the research project. The appropriateness of the costs of the proposed accommodations to be paid from the supplement relative to the cost of the parent project and the nature of the requested supplemental award. Evidence that the proposed accommodations, including those provided by the grantee institution, will be sufficient to enable the candidate to adapt to the research environment. 4. Evidence from the Principal Investigator that the experience will enhance the research potential, knowledge, and/or skills of the candidate. 5. Evidence from the Principal Investigator that the activities of the individual with disabilities will be an integral part of the project. 6. Evidence of educational achievement and interest in science if the candidate is a student. Additional criteria related to the specific programs may also apply and are described below. FUNDING The decision to fund a supplement will take approximately eight weeks from receipt of a completed application. Applicants for summer-only research appointments must submit early enough to ensure that funding and accommodations are in place by the time the summer experience is scheduled to begin. In most cases, during the first budget period, funds will be provided as an administrative supplement to the parent grant. In subsequent years, continued funding for the supplement is contingent on funding of the parent grant and cannot extend beyond the current competitive segment of the parent grant and availability of funds. Continuation of support for the individual with disabilities in the remaining years of the competitive segment of the grant will depend upon a satisfactory review by the awarding component of progress on both the parent grant and the supplemental project, the research proposed for the next budget period, and the appropriateness of the proposed budget for the proposed effort. In non-competing applications, the progress report and budget for the individual with disabilities must be clearly delineated from the progress report for the parent grant. The progress report in both non-competing and competing applications must include information about the research activities supported by the supplement even if support for future years is not requested. In future competing applications, funds for continuation of support of the individual with disabilities will depend on the successful renewal of the parent grant and will be handled as follows: For students who have not yet completed their research experience, funds for the continuation of support must be requested as a research supplement to ensure continued tracking of the individual supported. The request for continued support should not be included in the competing renewal, but instead, should be prepared as a letter with information on research progress and accomplishments of the candidate. The request must be addressed to the program administrator of the parent grant and must be submitted promptly in anticipation of a renewal award to avoid an interruption of support. Support to individual students by this mechanism will be limited to five years. Additional time may be considered, but must be well justified. Funds for the continuation of support for a postdoctoral fellow or an investigator with disabilities must be requested by name in the parent grant application at the time of renewal and may not be requested as a research supplement. Postdoctoral fellows and investigators are expected to be fully integrated in the research laboratory when considered for continuation of support. A Statement of Appointment form (PHS 2271, rev. 1/95), which will be provided by the NIH awarding component, must be completed and sent to the awarding component whenever an individual is appointed to a research supplement. In addition, the Statement of Appointment Form must be completed and submitted each time an individual is reappointed in a new budget period and whenever the name or permanent mailing address of the appointed individual changes. The form must be signed by both the appointed individual and the Principal Investigator of the supplemental research grant. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH SUPPLEMENT PROGRAMS 1. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS The purpose of this program is to provide high school students with disabilities, who have demonstrated an interest and an aptitude for scientific pursuits, with a meaningful experience in various aspects of health-related research to stimulate interest in a career in science. ELIGIBILITY Any qualified high school student with disabilities who is enrolled in good standing at a local high school and is interested in biomedical or behavioral research is encouraged to participate in this program. PROVISIONS This supplement is not to exceed $2,000 in direct cost, including supplies during a summer research experience. A part-time experience during the regular school year would be reimbursed at the same hourly rate. Funds over and above this $2,000 limit may be requested to permit accommodation to the research environment. This may include research equipment if it is directly related to both the project and to accommodating the disabilities of the student. In all cases, equipment may only be purchased with prior approval of the NIH awarding component. Students are expected to devote sufficient effort to the research project and related activities during the period of support to gain insight into the process of scientific discovery. Support may be for a minimum of three months during any one year which may include a mixture of full-time summer experience and part-time experience during the school year. Principal Investigators are encouraged to seek high school students who will devote at least two years to this program (i.e., equivalent to two three-month, full-time, periods).Exceptions to the latter will be considered, depending on the circumstances of the applicant, the parent grant, and the specific request. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section (above) for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 2. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS DESCRIPTION This supplemental program provides an opportunity for any qualified undergraduate student with disabilities, who is interested in biomedical or behavioral research, to participate in a research project at a research institution during the summer months or during the school year. This experience will be separate and apart from any requirement of the regular academic program. The success of this program is dependent on the ability of the Principal Investigator to identify appropriate students. A number of procedures may be used to match investigators to appropriate college students: (1) the Principal Investigator may identify a student and initiate the request for the supplement; (2) the institution may make the pairing of the student with the Principal Investigator; (3) the student may contact a grantee institution or an investigator and request a research experience. ELIGIBILITY The student may be affiliated with either the applicant institution or any other academic institution. Any qualified undergraduate student with disabilities who is interested in biomedical or behavioral research is encouraged to participate in this program. PROVISIONS This supplement generally should not exceed $6.00 per hour for salary plus $125 per month for supplies and travel. Funds over and above this limit may be requested to permit accommodation to the research environment. This may include research equipment, but only if it is directly related to both the project AND to accommodating the disabilities of the student. In all cases, equipment may only be purchased with prior approval of the NIH awarding component. Students are expected to devote an equivalent of at least three months full-time effort to the research project and related activities in any one year, and in most cases the period of support for any individual should last at least two years. Exceptions to the latter will be considered, depending on the circumstances of the applicant, the parent grant, and the specific request. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section (above) for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 3. GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS DESCRIPTION The objective of this program is to offer additional encouragement to graduate students with disabilities who have the potential to become researchers in biomedical or behavioral sciences and give them an opportunity to develop their research capability further. ELIGIBILITY Any graduate student with disabilities who is enrolled in a masters or a doctoral degree program in biomedical or behavioral sciences is eligible for consideration. PROVISIONS The NIH will provide salary support in addition to other necessary expenses, such as supplies and travel, to enable the individual to participate as a graduate research assistant in funded research projects. As in the past, the NIH will continue to consider the compensation for the personal services of graduate students and other employees rendered to an NIH research project to be allowable as long as the compensation is reasonable and (1) conforms to the established, consistently applied salary and wage policies of the institutions and (2) reflects the percentage of time actually devoted to the PHS-funded project. For graduate students this compensation may include tuition remission paid as, or in lieu of, wages provided that, the student is in a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the institution for the work performed, and payment is conditioned explicitly on the performance of necessary work. Reasonable compensation for graduate students must not exceed the amount allowable for a first year postdoctoral level staff member, at the same institution, performing comparable work. Additional funds up to $3000 per year may be requested for supplies and travel. Funds may not be used to purchase equipment. Funds may also be requested to permit accommodation to the research environment. This may include research equipment, but only if it is directly related to both the project AND to accommodating the disabilities of the student. In all cases, equipment may only be purchased with prior approval of the NIH awarding component. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section (above) for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 4. INDIVIDUALS IN POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING DESCRIPTION These supplements provide support to individuals with disabilities in the postdoctoral phase of training to participate in ongoing research projects that will assist in the development of a career in biomedical or behavioral research. Toward the end of the supplement award, candidates should be encouraged to apply for fellowships, FIRST awards, and sources of independent support. ELIGIBILITY The individual in postdoctoral training may be affiliated with either the applicant institution or any other institution. Only under extraordinary circumstances, that must be well justified in the application, would it be acceptable for the candidate to continue working with his/her former predoctoral mentor. PROVISIONS Support will be provided for a salary in addition to other necessary expenses, such as supplies and travel, to enable the individual to participate as a postdoctoral research assistant in funded research projects. The requested salary must be in accordance with the salary structure of the grantee institution and consistent with the level of effort. Additional funds up to $6,000 may be requested for supplies and travel. Funds may also be requested to permit accommodation to the research environment. This may include research equipment, but only if it is directly related to both the project AND to accommodating the disabilities of the individual. In all cases, equipment may only be purchased with prior approval of the NIH awarding component. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section (above) for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 5. INVESTIGATORS DEVELOPING INDEPENDENT RESEARCH CAREERS DESCRIPTION These supplements provide either short- or long-term research support for staff or faculty members with disabilities to enhance their research skills leading to an independent research career. o Short-term Investigator Research Supplement. This supplement provides short-term support for staff or faculty members to conduct full-time research for three to five months each year, during the summer or another portion of the academic year, over a maximum period of four years. o Long-term Investigator Research Supplement. This supplement provides long-term research support for staff or faculty members to conduct research in the biomedical or behavioral sciences. Support is provided for up to four years at a minimum of 30 percent effort during each 12-month period. ELIGIBILITY The investigator with disabilities may be affiliated with either the applicant institution or any other institution. The investigator must have a doctoral degree, be beyond the level of a research trainee, be a member of the staff or faculty, and have at least one year of postdoctoral experience. The investigator may have received prior research or research training support from the NIH or support under the Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS), Minority- Research Infrastructure Support Program (M-RISP), Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC), Career Opportunities in Research Education and Training (COR), small grants, or Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA) programs. But, an individual who has received independent research support as a Principal Investigator on an individual research grant (e.g., R01, R29) or as a project leader on a program project or center grant (e.g., P01, P50), or as a Principal Investigator on an individual research career award (e.g., K01, K02, K08) is not eligible for support under this program. PROVISIONS The faculty or staff supplemental award is for a maximum of $50,000 in direct costs per year. A maximum of $40,000 may be requested for salary and fringe benefits. Funds up to $10,000 may also be requested for research supplies and travel. Funds over and above this $50,000 limit may be requested to permit accommodation to the research environment. This may include research equipment, but only if it is directly related to both the project AND to accommodating the disabilities of the investigator. In all cases, equipment may only be purchased with prior approval of the NIH awarding component. The maximum period of support for any investigator is four years. The amount of salary requested must be consistent with the policies of the parent grantee institution (and, if applicable, the disabled investigator's employing institution) and must be related to the percent effort of the investigator. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section (above) for application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 6. SUPPLEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHED INVESTIGATORS WHO BECOME DISABLED DESCRIPTION Established investigators on NIH research, program project, or center grants, who become disabled during the current project period, may request special accommodations to permit completion of the currently funded research project. ELIGIBILITY Any currently funded Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator or other senior staff (hereinafter referred to as Established Investigator) on an NIH research project grant, program project grant, or center grant may request support for special equipment, an assistant, or other modifications to facilitate accommodation to a disabling injury or illness that has occurred during the current project period. PROVISIONS Support will be limited to items that will permit the investigator to complete the remaining years of a currently funded research project. This might include: salary support for an individual who can assist the Established Investigator in meeting the goals of the research project, specialized equipment, or modifications of the working environment. In all cases, the requested support must be consistent with the type of disability and the nature of the approved research. The total amount of support requested under this supplement must be reasonable in relationship to the direct costs of the parent award and the Established Investigator's role and effort on the project. In future competing applications, funds for continuation of the accommodations provided under this supplement must be requested in the parent grant application and may NOT be requested as a research supplement. APPLICATION PROCEDURES A request for a supplement may be submitted at any time. In making requests, the grantee institution, on behalf of the Established Investigator, must submit the request for supplemental funds directly to the awarding component that supports the parent grant. The request must include the following: o A completed face page from Grant Application Form PHS 398 with the title and grant number of the parent grant and a statement that specifies which type of supplement is being requested. o A statement by the Established Investigator describing the nature of the disability and the attendant limitations on his/her capacity to complete the goals established for the current project period. o A statement from the institution certifying the disability and describing the types of accommodations requested and their relationship to the research project and the disabilities of the Established Investigator. o A proposed budget entered on budget pages from Grant Application Form PHS 398. The budget must reflect all special accommodations to support the adaptation of the Established Investigator to the research environment. The request must be signed by the Principal Investigator, the Established Investigator with disabilities (if other than the Principal Investigator), and the appropriate institutional business official. REVIEW CRITERIA The staff of the particular awarding component will review requests for supplements using the following criteria: o The appropriateness of the proposed accommodations for the Established Investigator regarding his/her role on the research project and the nature of the disability. o The appropriateness of the cost of the proposed accommodations to be paid from the supplement in relationship to the total direct cost of the parent project. FUNDING See the section on funding in the GENERAL PROVISIONS section, above. INQUIRIES Principal Investigators interested in participating in any of these supplemental programs are encouraged to contact NIH staff administering the parent grant. For general information about the Supplements for Individuals with Disabilities, contact the following staff person in the appropriate awarding component: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM Director, Alcohol Research Centers Program Willco Building, Room 402 Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 Telephone: (301) 443-1273 FAX: (301) 594-0673 Email: tvanderv@willco.niaaa.nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING Deputy Associate Director, Office of Extramural Affairs Gateway Building, Suite 2C218 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9322 FAX: (301) 402-2945 Email: rb42h@nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES Director, Office of Science Training and Manpower Development Solar Building, Room 3C21 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-7291 FAX: (301) 402-0369 Email: mh35c@nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES Director, Centers Program Natcher Building, Room 5AS-19F Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-5052 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: freemanj@ep.niams.nih.gov NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE Deputy Director, Division of Extramural Activities Executive Plaza North, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-4218 FAX: (301) 402-0956 Email: grayp@dea.nci.nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Special Assistant to the Deputy Director Building 31, Room 2A03, MSC 2425 Bethesda, MD 20892-2425 Telephone: (301) 496-0104 FAX: (301) 402-1104 Email: topperh@hd03.nichd.nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS Deputy Director, Division of Human Communication 6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400C, MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 496-5061 FAX: (301) 402-6251 Email: Judith_Cooper@nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL RESEARCH Assistant Director for Program Development Natcher Building, Room 4AN-24B, MSC 6402 Bethesda, MD 20892-6402 Telephone: (301) 594-2089 FAX: (301) 480-8318 Email: bravemann@de45.nidr.nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES Assistant Director for Grants 45 Center Drive, Room 6AS-49E, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8842 FAX: (301) 480-3504 Email: garthunej@ep.niddk.nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE Chief, Special Populations Office 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10A-10 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-0441 FAX: (301) 443-9127 Email: Lula_Beatty@nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES Director, Division of Extramural Research and Training Building 3, Room 301A P.O. Box 12233 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7723 FAX: (919) 541-2843 Email: sassaman@niehs.nih.gov NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE Research Resources Officer 6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 350, MSC 7164 Rockville, MD 20892-7164 Telephone: (301) 496-5301 FAX: (301) 402-0528 Email: rjh@eps.nei.nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES Assistant Director, Referral and Liaison 45 Center Drive, Room 2AN-18F, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-3833 FAX: (301) 402-0156 Email: renea@gm1.nigms.nih.gov NATIONAL HEART, LUNG AND BLOOD INSTITUTE Director, Division of Extramural Affairs 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 7100, MSC 7924 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 435-0260 FAX: (301) 480-3460 Email: rg33k@nih.gov NATIONAL CENTER FOR HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH Chief, Mapping Technology Branch Building 38A, Room 610 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-7531 FAX: (301) 480-2770 Email: bettie_graham@nih.gov NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Acting Associate Director, Division of Extramural Programs Building 38A, 5N505 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-4621 FAX: (301) 402-0421 Email: corn@1hc.nlm.nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH Deputy Associate Director for Special Populations 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 17C-14 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-2847 FAX: (301) 443-8552 Email: sragland@nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE Deputy Director, Division of Extramural Activities Federal Building, Room 1016 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-4188 FAX: (301) 402-4370 Email: ed25b@nih.gov NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH Director, Extramural Programs 45 Center Drive, Room 3AN-12, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-6906 Fax: (301) 480-8260 Email: depdir@ep.ninr.nih.gov NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES Senior Advisor to the Director Building 12A, Room 4007, MSC 5662 Bethesda, MD 20892-5662 Telephone: (301) 496-5795 FAX: (301) 402-0006 Email: rogere@od12a.ncrr.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS The statutory authorities for these grant awards are sections 301, 510, 515, and 504 of the Public Health Service Act. Federal regulations at 42 CFR Part 52, "Grants for Research Projects" and 45 CFR Part 74, "Administration of Grants," are applicable to these awards. Grants must be administered in accordance with the Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement. $$N1 END ************************************************************ $$N2 BEGIN NOT-96-003 *********************************************** RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITIES NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 3, February 9, 1996 P.T. 34, FF; K.W. 0710030, 0720005 National Institutes of Health BACKGROUND During 1987 and 1988, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) held a series of regional meetings throughout the United States. At these meetings, testimony was presented by concerned individuals and organizations regarding the underrepresentation of minorities in biomedical and behavioral research. Although the NIH currently provides opportunities for minorities through the traditional research grant programs and through special initiatives supported by various components of the NIH (see APPENDIX for listing), the testimony indicated that efforts of the NIH should be increased. In addition, the NIH recognizes the need to increase the number of underrepresented minority scientists participating in biomedical and behavioral research. In response to these concerns, the NIH is emphasizing the use of administrative supplements to attract underrepresented minorities into biomedical and behavioral research. The mechanisms described in this announcement have been endorsed by all the awarding components of the NIH and are designed to provide support for research experiences at grantee institutions for minorities throughout the continuum from high school to the faculty level. The NIH hereby notifies all Principal Investigators holding NIH research grants that funds are available for administrative supplements to existing grants for the support and recruitment of underrepresented minority investigators and students. The aim of these supplements is to attract and encourage minority individuals to enter and pursue biomedical and behavioral research careers in areas within the missions of all the awarding components of the NIH by providing supplemental funds to certain ongoing research grants (see the Eligibility section under GENERAL PROVISIONS). For the purpose of this announcement, underrepresented minority students and investigators are defined as individuals belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group that has been determined by the grantee institution to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research. Awards will be limited to citizens or non- citizen nationals of the United States or to individuals who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of an Alien Registration Receipt Card) at the time of application. In awarding supplements, the NIH will give priority to projects involving African American (Black), Hispanic American, Native American and Alaskan Natives, and Pacific Islander or other ethnic or racial group members who have been found to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research nationally. Before submitting an application for a research supplement, applicants are encouraged to call their program administrator at the NIH to discuss any aspects of this program that need clarification. The NIH anticipates, that by providing scientific opportunities such as those listed below the number of minorities entering and remaining in biomedical research careers will increase. o MINORITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: This program will support minority high school students who have expressed an interest in biomedical or behavioral sciences. o MINORITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: This program will support minority undergraduate students who have demonstrated an interest in biomedical or behavioral sciences and wish to pursue graduate level training in these areas. o MINORITY GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: This program will provide support to assist minority predoctoral students who wish to develop research capabilities in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. o MINORITY INDIVIDUALS IN POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING: This program will provide support for minority individuals who wish to participate as postdoctoral researchers in ongoing research projects in preparation for independent careers in biomedical or behavioral research. o MINORITY INVESTIGATORS: This program will provide short- and long-term opportunities for minority staff and faculty who wish to participate in ongoing research projects while further developing their own independent research potential. GENERAL PROVISIONS In all cases, the proposed research experience must be an integral part of the approved ongoing research of the parent grant. As part of this research experience, the minority individual must be given the opportunity to interact with individuals on the parent grant, to contribute intellectually to the research, and to enhance her/his research skills and knowledge regarding the particular area of biomedical science. Furthermore, the Principal Investigator must demonstrate a willingness and understanding that the purpose of the award is to enhance the research capability of the minority student or faculty member and that the research experience is intended to provide opportunities for minority individuals to develop as independent, competitive research investigators. Supplemental awards will be consistent with the goal of strengthening the existing research program and with the overall programmatic balance and priorities of the funding component of the NIH. Awards will be made according to the policies and provisions stated in this announcement or as further specified by the NIH component funding the parent grant. Applicants are encouraged to contact the NIH institute staff listed under INQUIRIES prior to submission to obtain specific information about preparing and submitting an application. It is also recognized that individual circumstances vary, and for unusual situations, NIH program administrators should be consulted for a determination of eligibility. ELIGIBILITY Principal Investigators at domestic institutions who hold an active R01, R10, R18, R22, R24, R35, R37, P01, P20, P30, P40, P41, P50, P51, P60, U01, U10, U41, or U42 grant are generally eligible to submit a request for an administrative supplement to the awarding component of the parent grant for any of the supplemental programs offered here. Principal Investigators holding an active First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) Award (R29), an Academic Research Enhancement Award (R15) or a Small Grant Award (R03) also may apply for a supplement under this program. An R29 awardee may apply only when the minority candidate is a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student. An R15 awardee or an R03 awardee may apply only when the minority candidate is a high school or an undergraduate student. However, exceptions to these rules may be made. Applicants should check with their awarding component. Minority supplements to R29, R15 and R03 awards may provide support above the established dollar limits. The P20, P30 and P60 award mechanisms are eligible for supplements only when they contain research components. In all cases, the parent grant must have support remaining for a reasonable period at the time of a supplemental award. Principal Investigators are encouraged to submit an application no later than three months before the anniversary date of the last two years remaining on the parent grant. The purpose of the application is to request support for an underrepresented minority high school student, undergraduate student, graduate research assistant, individual in postdoctoral training, or a staff or faculty member to participate in an ongoing research project. Specific eligibility requirements relative to each type of award are set forth in the description of the individual supplement programs (below). Usually, each parent grant may support only one minority supplement. Appointment of more than one individual to a single grant depends on the nature of the parent grant, the circumstances of the request, and the program balance of the NIH awarding component. Minority individuals may receive support from only one of these supplement programs at a time, but may be supported by more than one minority supplement during the development of their research careers. Support under the supplement programs is not transferable to another individual or transportable to another institution. The minority supplement programs have been designed to attract underrepresented minority individuals into research careers and are not intended to provide an alternative means of supporting minority individuals who already receive support from a research grant or a research training grant or any other PHS funding mechanism. Minority graduate students or individuals in postdoctoral training who are supported by a National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional research training grant may not be transferred to supplemental support prior to the completion of their appointed period of training. Individuals may not be transferred to a minority supplement to increase the availability of funds to the parent grant for any other uses. APPLICATION PROCEDURES A request for a supplement may be submitted at any time. In making requests, the grantee institution, on behalf of the Principal Investigator of the parent grant and in cooperation with the minority individual, must submit the request for supplemental funds directly to the awarding component that supports the parent grant. The request should not be submitted to the NIH Division of Research Grants. Principal Investigators are encouraged to obtain the address for submission from the NIH program administrator on the parent grant. The request for a supplemental award must include the following: 1. A completed face page (with appropriate signatures) from grant application form PHS 398. Include the title and grant number of the parent grant on line 1 and the type of supplement being requested on line 2. 2. A brief three to four page description, prepared by the Principal Investigator of the parent grant, that includes: a. a summary or abstract of the funded grant or project. b. a description of the research experience proposed for the minority individual. c. a description of how the research experience will expand and foster the independent research capabilities of the minority individual, and how the proposed experience relates to the specific research goals and objectives of the parent grant. 3. A signed statement from the minority individual outlining her/his research objectives and career goals. 4. A biographical sketch of the minority individual that includes evidence of scientific achievement or interest. 5. Social security number of the minority individual. (The PHS uses the Social Security Number for the purpose of accurate identification, referral, and review of applications and for efficient management of PHS grant programs. Although provision of the Social Security Number is voluntary, it will facilitate the processing of your request.) 6 A signed statement from the Principal Investigator establishing the eligibility of the minority individual for support under this program including information on ethnicity, citizenship, and a description of any previous PHS research grant support the minority individual has received. 7. A proposed budget entered on budget pages from grant application form PHS 398, related to the percent effort (where appropriate) for the research experience of the minority individual during the first and future years. If the initial budget period requested is less than 12 months, the budget must be prorated accordingly. 8. Documentation, if applicable, that the proposed research experience was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or human subjects Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the grantee institution must be provided. Adherence to the NIH policy for including women and minorities in clinical studies must also be insured if additional human subjects' involvement is planned for the supplement component. 9. A copy of the most recent official transcript, if the minority candidate is a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student. 10. If the minority individual is a student at another institution, the application must include an appropriately signed letter from a responsible official at the institution of matriculation indicating that participation at the stated level of effort is approved and will not detract from or interfere with the students course of studies. 11. If any of the research is to be conducted at a site other than the grantee institution, an appropriately signed letter from the institution where the research is to be conducted must be submitted. The request must be signed by the minority individual, the Principal Investigator, and the appropriate institutional business official. REVIEW CRITERIA The staff of the particular awarding component will review requests for supplements using the following general criteria: 1. The qualifications of the minority individual including career goals, prior research training, research potential and any relevant experience. 2. Evidence of educational achievement and interest in science, if the minority candidate is a student. 3. The plan for the proposed research experience in the supplemental request and its relationship to the parent grant. 4. Evidence from the Principal Investigator that the experience will enhance the research potential, knowledge and/or skills of the minority individual, and that adequate mentorship will be provided. 5. Evidence from the Principal Investigator that the activities of the minority individual are an integral part of the project. FUNDING The decision to fund a supplement will take approximately eight weeks from receipt of a complete application. Applicants for summer-only research appointments must submit early enough to ensure that funding is in place by the time the summer experience is scheduled to begin. In most cases, during the first budget period, funds will be provided as an administrative supplement to the parent grant. In subsequent years, continued funding for the supplement is contingent on continued funding of the parent grant and cannot extend beyond the current competitive segment of the parent grant and the availability of funds. Continuation of support for the minority individual in the remaining years of the competitive segment of the grant will depend upon satisfactory review by the NIH awarding component of progress for both the parent grant and the supplemental project, the research proposed for the next budget period, and the appropriateness of the proposed budget for the proposed effort. In non-competing continuation applications, the progress report and budget for the minority supplement must be clearly delineated from the progress report and budget for the parent grant. The progress report must include information about the research activities supported by the supplement, even if support for future years is not requested. In future competing applications, funds for continuation of support of the minority individual will depend on the successful renewal of the parent grant and will be handled as follows: For minority students who have not yet completed their research experience, funds for the continuation of support must be requested as a research supplement to ensure continued tracking of the individual supported. The request for continued support should not be included in the competing renewal, but instead, should be prepared as a letter with information on research progress and accomplishments of the minority individual. The request must be addressed to the program administrator of the parent grant and must be submitted promptly in anticipation of a renewal award to avoid an interruption of support. Support to individual students by this mechanism will be limited to five years. Additional time may be considered, but must be well justified. Funds for the continuation of support for a minority postdoctoral fellow or a minority investigator must be requested by name in the parent grant application at the time of renewal and may not be requested as a research supplement. Minority postdoctoral fellows and investigators are expected to be fully integrated in the research laboratory when considered for continuation of support. A Statement of Appointment form (PHS 2271, rev. 1/95), which will be provided by the NIH awarding component, must be completed and sent to the awarding component whenever an individual is appointed to a Research Supplement for Underrepresented Minorities. In addition, the Statement of Appointment Form must be completed and submitted each time an individual is reappointed in a new budget period and whenever the name or permanent mailing address of the appointed individual changes. DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH SUPPLEMENT PROGRAMS 1. RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DESCRIPTION The purpose of this program is to provide minority high school students an opportunity to obtain a meaningful experience in various aspects of health-related research to stimulate their interest in careers in biomedical or behavioral science. ELIGIBILITY Any minority high school student who is currently enrolled and in good standing at her or his high school and is interested in biomedical or behavioral research is encouraged to participate in this program. PROVISIONS This supplement is not to exceed $2,000 per student in direct cost, including supplies, for a summer experience. A part-time experience during the regular school year would be reimbursed at the same hourly rate. Equipment may not be purchased using these funds. Students are expected to devote sufficient effort to the research project and related activities during the period of support to gain insight into the process of scientific discovery. Support for at least three months is encouraged during any one year, which may include a mixture of full-time summer experience and part-time experience during the school year. Principal Investigators are encouraged to seek minority high school students who will devote at least two years to this program (i.e., equivalent to two three-month, full-time periods). Exceptions to the latter will be considered, depending on the circumstances of the applicant, the parent grant, and the specific request. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 2. RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS DESCRIPTION This supplemental program provides an opportunity for minority undergraduate students interested in biomedical or behavioral research to participate in a research project at a research institution during the summer months or during the school year. This experience will be separate from any requirement of the regular academic program. ELIGIBILITY The student may be affiliated with either the applicant institution or another academic institution. Any undergraduate minority student interested in biomedical or behavioral research is encouraged to participate in this program. PROVISIONS This supplement generally should not exceed $6.00 per hour for salary plus $125 per month for supplies and travel. Institutional rates for undergraduate salary which exceed $6.00 per hour must be strongly justified. Equipment may not be purchased from these funds. Students are expected to devote the equivalent of at least three months full-time effort to the research project and related activities in any one year and, in most cases, the period of support for any individual should last at least two years. Exceptions to these requirements will be considered, depending on the circumstances of the applicant, the parent grant, and the specific request. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 3. RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS DESCRIPTION The objective of this program is to reach out to minority graduate students already in biomedical and behavioral sciences and provide an opportunity to further develop their research capabilities. ELIGIBILITY Any minority graduate student who is enrolled in a masters or a doctoral degree program in biomedical or behavioral sciences is eligible for consideration. Students enrolled in a masters degree program in nursing sciences or social work may also be eligible. Minority students in medical school are encouraged to use this program to gain research experience. PROVISIONS The NIH will provide salary support in addition to other necessary expenses, such as supplies and travel, to enable the individual to participate as a graduate research assistant in funded research projects. As in the past, the NIH will continue to consider the compensation for the personal services of graduate students and other employees rendered to an NIH research project to be allowable as long as the compensation is reasonable and (1) conforms to the established, consistently applied salary and wage policies of the institution and (2) reflects the percentage of time actually devoted to the PHS-funded project. For graduate students this compensation may include tuition remission paid as, or in lieu of, wages provided that, the student is in a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the institution for the work performed, and payment is conditioned explicitly on the performance of necessary work. Reasonable compensation for graduate students must not exceed the amount allowable for a first year postdoctoral level staff member, at the same institution, performing comparable work. Additional funds up to $3000 per year may be requested for supplies and travel. Funds may not be used to purchase equipment. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 4. RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY INDIVIDUALS IN POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING DESCRIPTION These supplements provide research support to permit minority individuals in the postdoctoral phase of their training to participate in ongoing research projects as a means of assisting them in their development into independent biomedical or behavioral researchers. Toward the end of the supplement award, candidates should be encouraged to apply for fellowships, FIRST awards, and other sources of independent support. ELIGIBILITY The minority individual in postdoctoral training may be affiliated with either the applicant institution or some other institution. Only under extraordinary circumstances, which must be well justified in the application, would it be acceptable for the postdoctoral candidate to work with his or her former predoctoral mentor. PROVISIONS The NIH will provide support for salary in addition to other necessary expenses, such as travel and supplies, to enable the minority individual to participate as a postdoctoral research assistant or associate on the funded research project. The requested salary must be in accordance with the salary structure of the grantee institution and consistent with the level of effort. Additional funds, up to $6000, may be requested for supplies and travel. Support may not be used to purchase equipment. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section for application procedures, review criteria and funding. 5. RESEARCH SUPPLEMENTS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY INVESTIGATORS DESCRIPTION These supplements provide either short- or long-term research support for minority staff or faculty members to enhance their research skills leading to an independent research career. o Short-term Minority Investigator Research Supplement. This supplement provides short-term support for minority staff or faculty members to conduct full-time research for three to five months each year during the summer or another portion of the academic year, over a maximum period of four years. o Long-term Minority Investigator Research Supplement. This supplement provides long-term research support for minority staff or faculty members to conduct research in the biomedical or behavioral sciences. Support is provided for up to four years at a minimum of 30 percent effort during each 12-month period. ELIGIBILITY The minority investigator may be affiliated with the applicant institution or some other institution. The investigator must have a From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Sat Feb 17 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-022 - V25(03) 02/09/96 Date: 18 Feb 1996 14:29:51 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 473 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4g898v$cli@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA PA96022 PA-96-022 P1O1 *************************************** HUMAN MODELS AND MARKERS OF SKELETAL AGING NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 3, February 9, 1996 PA NUMBER: PA-96-022 P.T. 34; K.W. 0755020, 0710010, 0715031 National Institute on Aging National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Dental Research National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases PURPOSE The National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) invite research grant applications to develop or refine models and markers using human bone, bone marrow or bone cell constituents which more accurately reflect those age-related and/or pathophysiological processes occurring within the mature human skeleton that lead to osteoporosis and other age-related skeletal diseases. It is expected that improved human models and markers of age-related changes in skeletal tissue structure and function will enhance the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic and prognostic capabilities and serve to expedite the development of more effective, targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies. Model development and refinement should be conducted from the perspective of facilitating a) the identification of better prognostic indicators of the occurrence, progression, cessation or reversal of skeletal involution (due to aging, menopause, age- related morbidity, drugs); b) the identification of age-related pathologies/co-morbidities contributing to compromises in peripheral, axial and craniofacial skeletal integrity; c) the prediction of response or non-response to various therapeutic agents and/or d) further epidemiologic studies of risk factors for age-related bone disease and bone loss and fracture outcomes. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA, Human Models and Markers of Skeletal Aging is related to the priority area of osteoporosis. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People 2000" (Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-783-3238). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Applications may be submitted by single institutions or by a consortia of institutions. Foreign institutions are not eligible for First Independent Research and Support and Transition (FIRST) awards (R29), but may submit applications for individual research project grants (R01): foreign applicants may also participate in laboratory or clinical programs through subcontract or consortium arrangements. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting the proposed research. If so, a letter of agreement from either the GCRC Program Director or Principal Investigator should be included with the application. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This program announcement will use the NIH investigator-initiated research project grant (R01) and FIRST (R29) award mechanisms. It is anticipated that the size of an award will vary due to the nature and scope of the proposed research, with the R01 award ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 in total (direct plus indirect) costs per year. FUNDS AVAILABLE Approximately $900,000 from NIA and up to $500,000 from NIAMS in total costs for the first year of funding will be made available in Fiscal Year 1997 to specifically fund applications submitted in response to this PA for the February/March 1996, June/July 1996 and October/November 1996 application receipt deadlines. An additional $300,000 from NIA and $200,000 from NIAMS will be made available in Fiscal Year 1998 to fund applications for this PA which are submitted by the February/March 1997 deadline. NIDR maintains a special interest in research focused on oral/craniofacial hard tissues, including related model systems and intends to fund 2-4 additional high quality applications in FY 1997. NIDDK also maintains an active interest in research questions related to the hormonal regulation of bone in health and disease and anticipates funding of 2-3 additional applications as funds warrant in FY97. This funding level is dependent on the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of the NIA, NIAMS, NIDR and NIDDK, the award of grants pursuant to this PA is contingent upon the availability of funds at the time the awards are made. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Our ability to predict, prevent, slow or reverse age-related bone loss and bone diseases such as osteoporosis is limited because so few studies have focused on cells and skeletal tissue from the aging human skeleton. Although osteoporosis and age-related diseases such as Paget's disease occur primarily in the mature, aging human skeleton, in vitro models used to study bone biology have consisted primarily of transformed cell lines from human or rodent osteosarcomas, or cell systems derived from fetal or neonatal rodent bone. In addition to marked differences in the chemical composition and macro- and microarchitectural organization of bone, other anomalies imposed by current models that reflect inappropriate age, species and other phenotypic characteristics limit the generalizability of putative biological mechanisms to those occurring in the human skeleton. Appropriate model systems are needed to develop markers that are more sensitive and specific in predicting changes in bone mass, bone competence and fracture susceptibility. Significant improvements in techniques to assess the status of bone cell activity in the skeleton are necessary to provide answers to key clinical questions such as 1) is a given individual currently losing bone?, 2) by which mechanisms is bone being lost? 3) at what anatomic site/compartment(s) is bone being lost?, 4) at what rate is bone being lost?, 5) is a promising new treatment likely to be effective, and if so, for which patients and 6) if a treatment is initially effective, for how long will it continue to be effective? Models and markers which better reflect the proliferative capability, differentiated function and qualitative features of bone cells in the mature human skeleton will facilitate improved techniques to assess the cellular and metabolic status of skeletal tissue. Such advances will further enhance the accuracy of diagnoses, prognoses and decision-making with respect to available and future treatment options and also facilitate the evaluation and targeting of potential new therapies (based on an understanding of how responses to these therapies are modified by age, gender, genetics and ethnicity). The acceleration of advances in bone biology and related fields as well as the development of many new promising technologies (such as transgenic animal models, in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in conjunction with histomorphometric, densitometric, qualitative, etc. techniques) provide improved capabilities to address these problems. A Workshop on Human Models of Skeletal Aging was organized and sponsored by the NIA and the NIDR in Washington, D.C., on March 1-2, 1994. Its objective was to address methodological issues integral to facilitating clinically relevant studies on the causes and consequences of bone loss and osteoporosis at the cellular and tissue levels in the aging human skeleton. The proceedings of this Workshop have been published [Calcif Tissue Int (1995) 56(Suppl 1); pp S1-S56; eds., Gehron Robey P and Sherman S]. Research Goals and Scope The purpose of this initiative is to stimulate studies to develop or refine and validate models and markers which more accurately reflect processes mediating aging or age-related skeletal diseases of the axial, peripheral and craniofacial skeleton, such as osteoporosis. Research applications submitted in response to this PA must combine all three of the following components in the research plan proposed for the project period of the application (maximum five years): 1. Development of model systems for human skeletal aging and age-related disease, using human bone, bone marrow or other bone cell constituents. 2. Use of these model systems to define new markers for diagnosis and/or prognosis of age-related physiologic and pathologic changes, and/or prediction of responsiveness to specific therapies AND, 3. Validation of these models and markers against in vivo parameters of skeletal status such as changes in bone mass, bone strength, architecture, histomorphometric indices of bone turnover, or the occurrence of fractures. The validation of models and markers against in vivo parameters of skeletal status is a required component for projects submitted in response to this PA. The validation component must include a plan to determine the extent to which proposed models and markers reflect changes due to age and/or age-related skeletal disease. Validation of markers should also include an assessment of their sensitivity, specificity, intra- and inter-individual variability (including effects of age, gender, and ethnicity). Types of models and markers that might be developed include, but are not limited to: o Models of mature osteoblast, osteoclast, osteocyte, and bone lining cell function o Models of osteoprogenitor cell recruitment, proliferation, differentiation and function o Validated peripheral blood cell models (e.g. monocytes, CD 34+ cells) of osteoclast or osteoclast-like function o Markers of bone cell phenotype and stage of differentiation o Models that reflect embryonic origin (e.g., neuroectoderm versus mesoderm) o Models using bone from multiple anatomic (peripheral, axial and craniofacial) sites, and different types of bone, bone matrix, bone marrow and other cellular constituents; development of techniques requiring minimal amounts of skeletal material or constituents o Models derived from or synthesizing lamellar bone (of cortical or trabecular origin) o Models that can reconstitute the "BMU" (basic multicellular unit) which contains osteocytes, lining cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, vascular components, etc. In vivo parameters that could be used to validate these models and markers include but are not limited to: o In vivo responses of bone (changes in bone mass, strength, etc) to regulatory factors (hormones, cytokines, etc.) and pharmacologic agents (measured by existing or new imaging techniques) o Bone cell or bone marrow progenitor proliferative capacity, morphology, surface markers, gene expression, and/or expression of differentiated function o Rates of bone formation and bone resorption (e.g., using histomorphometric techniques) o In vivo/in vitro or in situ spatial organization of cells and temporal sequence of events during the bone remodelling process o Qualitative and quantitative changes in organic and inorganic skeletal tissue components (structure, extent of mineralization, etc.) Because age-related bone loss and osteoporosis are heterogeneous and multifactorial in nature, applicants are encouraged to adopt interdisciplinary approaches, establishing or strengthening interactions and integration of efforts between clinical and basic science investigators. Research teams should include, where possible, a diverse range of expertise in areas such as bone biology, molecular biology, bone densitometry, orthopedics, histomorphometry, endocrinology, geriatrics, epidemiology and biostatistics. Because the current state of knowledge on skeletal aging and therapeutics in men is extremely limited, research proposing to include men (as well as women) as participants is strongly encouraged. In their application(s), applicants are encouraged to request funds for one to two participants to meet annually in Bethesda, Maryland with investigators of similar projects. Program directors from participating institutes will coordinate these meetings which will provide the opportunity for principal investigators to share findings, discuss their work in progress and to raise cross-cutting methodological and scientific issues. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results >From the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the Federal Register of March 20, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513) and reprinted in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) and will be accepted at the standard application deadlines as indicated in the application kit. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Grants Information Office, Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov. The title and number of this program announcement must be typed in Section 2 on the face page of the application. Applications for the FIRST (R29) award must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. FIRST (R29) award applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review. The completed original application and five legible copies must be sent or delivered to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817-7710 (for express/courier service) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established Public Health Service referral guidelines. Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the appropriate national advisory council. The review criteria to be used in the evaluation of applications submitted in response to this program announcement are: o Scientific, technical, or medical significance and originality of proposed research; o Appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research; o Inclusion of all three required research components described under Research Goals and Scope o Qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the proposed research; o Availability of the resources necessary to perform the research; o Appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; o Adequacy of the provisions for the protection human subjects and safety of the research environment; and o Adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for available funds with all other approved applications assigned to that IC. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review; o Availability of funds; and o Program priority. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this PA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Sherry Sherman, Ph.D. Geriatrics Program National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 3E327 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-1033 FAX: (301) 402-1784 Email: ShermanS@gw.nia.nih.gov Joan A. McGowan, Ph.D. Bone Diseases Program National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Natcher Building, Room 5AS-43E 45 Center Drive, MSC 6500 Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-5055 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: mcgowanj@ep.niams.nih.gov Joseph E. Ciardi, Ph.D. Craniofacial Development and Disorders Program National Institute of Dental Research Natcher Building, Room 4AN-24E 45 Center Drive, MSC 6402 Bethesda, MD 20892-6402 Telephone: (301) 594-2337 FAX: (301) 480-8318 EMail: ciardiJ@de45.nidr.nih.gov Ronald Margolis, Ph.D. Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 5AN-12J, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8819 FAX: (301) 480-3503 Email: rm76f@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Mr. Joseph Ellis Grants and Contracts Management Office National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 2N212 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-1472 FAX: (301) 402-3672 Email: EllisJ@gw.nia.nih.gov Ms. Vicki Maurer Grants Management Office National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Natcher Building, Room 5AS-49A 45 Center Drive, MSC 6500 Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 594-3504 FAX: (301) 480-5450 Email: maurerv@ep.niams.nih.gov Mr. Martin R. Rubinstein Grants Management Office National Institute of Dental Research Natcher Building, room 4AN-44A 45 Center Drive MSC 6402 Bethesda, MD 20892-6402 Telephone: (301) 594-4800 FAX: (301) 480-8308 Email: Martin.Rubinstein@NIH.GOV AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Nos. 93.866, 93.846, 93.847 and 93.121. Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Sat Feb 17 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA ES-96-004 - V25(03) 02/09/96 Date: 18 Feb 1996 14:29:23 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 390 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4g8983$cgr@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA ES96004 ES-96-004 P1O1 *************************************** LINKING OF ENVIRONMENTAL AGENTS AND DISEASE NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 3, February 9, 1996 RFA: ES-96-004 P.T. 34; K.W. 1007001, 0705048 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Letter of Intent Receipt Date: April 5, 1996 Application Receipt Date: May 8, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) supports research to identify the role of environmental agents in perturbations of normal physiologic processes leading to human disease. Although direct links between environmental agents and health outcomes have been established for some diseases, there are numerous chronic dysfunctions and diseases where there are minimal scientific data to substantiate a role for the environment in their etiology or progression, despite the plausibility of these hypotheses. Therefore, the goal of this Small Grants Program (R03), Request for Applications (RFA) is to encourage research that will establish whether there is sufficient evidence either mechanistically or from epidemiologic studies to justify further investigations into the role of environmental agents in the initiation or exacerbation of human diseases. Research is specifically encouraged to determine the sound scientific connection between environmental agent and the initiation or progression of disease. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA, Linking of Environmental Agents and Disease, is related to the priority area of environmental health. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000: (Full Report: Stock no. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone: (202) 512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State or local governments and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Foreign institutions and organizations are not eligible. Applications from minority individuals and women are encouraged. Submission of an application precludes concurrent submission of a regular research projfect grant application (R01 or R29) containing the same research proposal. In addition, small grant research support may not be used to supplement research projects currently supported by Federal or non-Federal funds or to provide interim support for projects under review by the Public Health Service. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the NIH Small Grants Program (R03) awards. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. The requested costs and project period will be $50,000 (direct cost) for a maximum of one year. Small grants are not renewable but may be extended at the discretion of the applicant organization. FUNDS AVAILABLE The total estimated funds available for this small grants program is $750,000 which will support approximately 10 to 12 awards. This level of support is dependent on the receipt of sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. Although this program is provided for within the financial plans of the NIEHS, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Objectives and Scope A major goal of the NIEHS is to improve our understanding of the contribution of environmental factors to the development of disease. In order for NIEHS to successfully carry out this mission, it is imperative to have information on the role of the environment in a wide variety of disease states. Preliminary data are needed to foster the development of mechanistically-based research on the relationship between environmental agents and diseases. This RFA is designed specifically to develop preliminary data on the possible role of the environment in diseases in which links to exposure are suggested but remain unproven. It is anticipated that these preliminary data will support development of hypothesis-based research to establish the cause and effect relationship between environmental exposures and disease etiology. Research Goals The goals and scope of the RFA are two-fold. The first is to encourage and support mechanistically-based research designed to establish the linkage between exposure to an environmental agent, tested at environmentally relevant concentrations, and the initiation or exacerbation of diseases. The second area of emphasis is to utilize human populations studies to develop hypotheses relating environmental exposure to the initiation or exacerbation of diseases. In either situation, emphasis should be placed on developing the preliminary data that would lead to the development of an R01 or R29 application. The role of environmental agents in disease may be approached using animal models, human tissue/cell-lines or human epidemiologic studies. In any case, environmentally relevant concentrations using dose-response data is encouraged. The effect of age and the timing of exposure relative to the toxicity or effect should also be included as part of the experimental design. The purpose of this RFA is to expand data on non-cancer diseases. Therefore, research on the role of environmental agents in the initiation or exacerbation of cancers of any type will be considered nonresponsive. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Animal Welfare Considerations Investigators are encouraged to consider alternative methods and approaches in their research applications that do not require the use of whole animals, that use alternative species such as nonmammals or invertebrates, that reduce the number of animals required, and that incorporate refinements to procedures that will result in the elimination or further minimization of pain and distress to animals. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103 43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research, which have been published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 58 14508-14513) and reprinted in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by April 5, 1996, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research, the name, address and telephone number of the Principal Investigator, the identities of other key personnel and consultants, the participating institutions, and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of subsequent application, the information that it contains is helpful in planning for the review of applications. It allows NIEHS staff to estimate the potential review work load and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Ethel B. Jackson, D.D.S. Extramural Division National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences P.O. Box 12233, MD 17-09 104 T.W. Alexander Drive, Building 17, Room 1717 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7826 FAX: (919) 541-2503 EMAIL: jackson4@niehs.nih.gov APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Grants Information Office, Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0715, email: girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov. The following supplemental instructions are given: Only one small grant application may be submitted by a principal investigator. Due to the limited size of awards, no specific budget categories and percent efforts will be required. This will be a $50,000 award - direct cost. Equipment will be limited to $5,000. The applicant must be explicit in describing the proposed interface between an environmentally relevant agent and the induction or exacerbation of a specific disease. Background information must suggest, or at least not preclude, a possible interaction between these parameters. Since this award is to support pilot studies, preliminary data are not required except to indicate the expertise of the PI to carry out the proposed studies. The Research Plan (Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Preliminary Studies, Research Design and Methods sections) is not to exceed 10 pages. Tables and figures are included in the 10 page limitation. Applications that exceed page limitations or PHS 398 requirements for font size (height or letters), type density (characters per inch), and margins (see PHS 398 directions) will be returned to the investigator. Do not submit an appendix. The RFA Label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the a