BIODEFENSE RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES - NIAID RELEASE DATE: July 8, 2003 NOTICE: NOT-AI-03-047 Application Types and Standard Receipt Dates: T32, T35, F32, F31, and K mechanisms. (For all receipt dates, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (http://www.niaid.nih.gov) PURPOSE To expedite research training and career development in research areas focusing on biodefense, including prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases caused by potential bioterrorism agents. BACKGROUND As concern grows about the use of biological agents in acts of bioterrorism or war, the NIAID is evaluating and accelerating measures to protect the public from the health consequences of such events. Recent events have reminded us that bioterrorism can be a major contributor in disease emergence. NIAID biodefense research focuses on the need for basic studies on the biology of the microbe, the host response, as well as basic and applied research aimed at the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines against these agents. In addition, NIAID recognizes the need to enhance the areas of research resources, facilities, and biosafety. Further, it is clear that a growing cadre of highly trained investigators is needed in order to address the biodefense research agenda proposed by the NIAID. NIAID recognizes that in order to effectively conduct research on this rapidly evolving area of emerging infectious disease, new researchers will need to be trained to work with special agents, reagents, and animals necessary to pursue this line of research. In addition, expertise in a wide variety of areas including structural biology, medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, diagnostics, and therapeutic and vaccine candidate production is needed. NIAID BIODEFENSE INFORMATION NIAID maintains comprehensive information on its programs in Biodefense and emerging infectious diseases at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/ NIAID RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES NIAID encourages applications for research training and career development in the following areas: Pathogen replication and pathogenesis o Study of pathogens and their interactions with their hosts, including genomic and proteomic analyses. These studies can also include the development of innovative technologies. o Identification and characterization of pathogen and host molecular targets for interventions. o Identification and evaluation of new targets for development of passive antibody therapies. Development of genetic systems to study pathogens. o Basic and comparative studies on microbial physiology. Animal models of infection and immunity o Development and use of animal models of infection to characterize mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interactions. These include studies of pathogenesis and comparative pathogenesis, studies of pathogen- host gene expression, and characterization of host genetic risk factors for disease susceptibility. o Development of animal models to define protective immune mechanisms and to allow for validation of vaccines, diagnosis, and treatment regimens for pathogens. Investigators are encouraged to use gene profiling to assess disease progression and unique host cellular signatures indicative of initial infection. o Development of animal models to define mechanisms of immunopathology and immune evasion. o Development of animal models to study mechanisms of vaccination adverse events to include (but not limited to) eczema vaccinatum and atopic dermatitis (associated with smallpox vaccination), methods for avoiding the introduction of adventitious agents during vaccine manufacture, and novel methods of vaccine production to enhance vaccine safety. Host response o Research into the mechanisms of mucosal immunity to pathogens, including natural and bioengineered agents. Special emphasis on mechanisms of immunoregulation in the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. o Identification and characterization of immunoregulatory pathways in the very young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. o Development of novel vaccine strategies that will optimize specific protective primary and secondary immune responses. These include new strategies for adjuvants, vaccine formulation, identification of protective B- and T-cell epitopes, and their optimal delivery in vaccines. o Development of novel vaccine technologies and delivery systems. o Identification and characterization of innate immune pathways as targets for passive immunotherapy. o Identification and analysis of genetic variations and polymorphisms in human hosts associated with resistance and susceptibility to infection, including innate and adaptive immunity, and responses to vaccines and therapies. Use of microarray technology is encouraged. o Studies of factors that influence the innate and adaptive immune responses such as age-specific receptor expression, synergy and regulation of multiple responses, optimization of antigen presentation and immune memory, and adjuvants. o Mechanistic studies of the molecular and cellular connections between nutrition, host immunity, and infections. o Use of imaging and other emerging technologies to study pathogenesis and immune response in vivo. o Use and development of mathematical models focused on characterization of host immune responses, pathogenesis, and infectivity. Epidemiology and natural history of Categories A-C organisms and the diseases they cause o Studies of the natural history of microbial pathogens in natural non-human and human hosts, including disease spectrum and distribution, prognostic indicators and characterization of risk factors, host and environmental factors related to disease acquisition and severity, and outcome. o Characterization of population immunity, correlates of immunity, and immunopathogenesis. o Studies of the distribution and determinants of microbial pathogens in human populations. o Studies and modeling of vehicles and mechanisms of transmission of pathogens in human populations in endemic areas. o Studies of the natural rates of horizontal gene transfer, especially of plasmid-encoded toxins and resistance factors, in the microbial ecosystems likely to be most exposed to agents of bioterrorism. o Identification of the biotic and abiotic factors that are necessary for the maintenance of these pathogens in the external environment and the factors that support the maintenance and expansion of the pathogen population in the environment. Laboratory Containment o Research experience using BL3 or BL4 facilities o Design and improvement of BL3 or BL4 facilities In addition, NIAID encourages applications from individuals in which both academic and private sectors are engaged in addressing areas of biodefense research. MECHANISMS OF SUPPORT Institutional Training Grants o Institutional National Research Service Award (NRSA) Training Grants (T32) in the area of biodefense research. Applicants for T32 training grants should refer to the Program Announcement (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-109.html). Please note that NIAID has a single receipt date: September 10. o Supplements to NIAID grantees for additional trainee slots in biodefense- related areas will not be accepted. o Applicants for training grants in biodefense research should include the following criteria: 1. Principal Investigators (PIs) should address, describe, and justify biodefense research relevance throughout their grant applications. 2. Applications should include didactic features such as courses and seminars specific to biodefense research topics. 3. Applications should have faculty onboard with relevant expertise in biodefense research, either on-site or through collaborative efforts. Expertise can be in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, immunology, structural biology, genomics, pharmacology, or other relevant areas. 4. Scientists with microbiology and infectious diseases backgrounds are strongly encouraged to collaborate with researchers working in the field of immunology. o Short Term Institutional Research Training Grants (T35) for health professional students. Applicants for T35 training grants should refer to this page for instructions (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-027.html). Individual Fellowships o Individual NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowships (F32). Applicants for F32 fellowships should refer to this page for instructions (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-104.html). o Individual Pre-Doctoral Fellowships (F31) for minority students or for students with disabilities. Applicants for F31 fellowships should refer to the appropriate Program Announcement for instructions: for minority students (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-069.html) or for students with disabilities (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-068.html) Career Development (K) awards o K02 Independent Scientist Award (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-020.html) for early mid-career independent investigators. o K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-003.html) intended for individuals with clinical degrees who wish to pursue basic research careers. o K22 Research Scholar Development Award (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-02-018.html) intended for postdoctoral trainees who wish to move to positions of assistant professor at academic institutions. o K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-004.html) intended for individuals planning research careers involving direct contact with patients. o K24 Mid-Career Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-005.html) intended for well-established mid-career independent investigators with strong records of achievement patient-oriented research and training. INQUIRIES Inquiries are strongly encouraged and, in the case of supplements to existing T32 grants, required. Opportunities to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants are welcome. o Direct programmatic inquiries to: Milton J. Hern ndez, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Room 21233, MSC-7610 6700-B Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Bethesda, MD 20817-7610 (for express/courier service) Telephone: (301) 496-3775 FAX: (301) 496-8729 Email: mh35c@nih.gov Susan Garges, Ph.D. Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Room 5009, MSC-6603 6610 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-6605 Telephone (301) 402-8584 FAX: (301) 480-1260 Email: sg9g@nih.gov Lawrence J. Prograis, M.D. Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Room Number 3065, MSC-6601 6610 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-6601 Bethesda, MD 20817-6601 (for express/courier service) Telephone:(301) 496-1886 FAX: (301) 402-2571 Email: lp13r@nih.gov o Direct fiscal and grants management inquiries to: Barbara Huffman Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Room Number 2132, MSC-7610 6700B Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Bethesda, MD 20817-7610 (for express/courier service) Telephone: (301) 496-3821 FAX: (301) 496-8729 Email: bh23q@nih.gov


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