NIH Highlights Support for Data Science Research through the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) Program

Notice Number: NOT-GM-19-021

Key Dates
Release Date: March 14, 2019

Related Announcements

PAR-18-714
PAR-19-133

Issued by
National Institute of General Medical Sciences ( NIGMS )
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Purpose

Modern biomedical research is becoming increasingly quantitative and reliant on computational methods, with growing use of large and complex datasets to address biomedical research questions and advance human health.NIH recently released its Strategic Plan for Data Science that highlighted the need for the next generation of researchers to be equipped with the skills of this interdisciplinary field.This Notice highlights the role of the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) program in exposing undergraduate students to data-science research and engaging a broader community in this area of science and serves to encourage applications from PD/PIs with expertise in biomedical data science and related disciplines with research questions that are within the mission of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.

The goals of the AREA Program are to: (1) provide support for meritorious research at undergraduate-focused institutions or institutional components; (2) strengthen the research environment at these institutions/components; and (3) give undergraduate students an opportunity to gain significant biomedical research experience through active involvement in the research.

NIH recognizes that diversity at all levels contributes to excellence in research training environments and strengthens the research enterprise. AREA applications are encouraged to include faculty and students from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first generation college students, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities (see NIH's Interest in Diversity).

Applicants are encouraged to consult the Frequently Asked Questions on the R15 website. To learn more about the NIH plans for data science consult the Data Science website.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Alexandra Ainsztein, Ph.D.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: Alexandra. Ainsztein@nih.gov

Christopher L. Hatch, Ph.D.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: 240-276-6454
Email: ch29v@nih.gov

Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D.
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Telephone: 301-496 7531
Email: Bettie_graham@nih.gov

Rene Etcheberrigaray, Ph.D.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-451-9798
Email: re4f@nih.gov

Mahua Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Telephone: 301-435-6886
Email: mukhopam@mail.nih.gov

Hua-Chuan Sim, M.D.
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Telephone: 301-594-4882
Email: simh@mail.nih.gov

Jane Ye, Ph.D.
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Telephone: 301-594-4927
Email: yej@mail.nih.gov

Alan Vanbiervliet, Ph.D.
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Telephone: 301-594-1297
Email: alan.vanbiervliet@nih.gov