June 15, 2023
- Notice of Change in Eligibility Criteria for PAR-21-277 "Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Institutionally-Focused Research Education Award to Promote Diversity (UE5 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)". See NOT-GM-23-005.
- August 17, 2021 - Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Institutionally-Focused Research Education Award to Promote Diversity. See PAR-21-277.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
The purpose of this Notice is to change and clarify award information and related application instructions in PAR-21-277 "Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Institutionally-Focused Research Education Award to Promote Diversity (UE5 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)". These changes are in response to the growth in the MOSAIC K99/R00 program, and:
- Reflect updated expectations regarding the number of potential scholars that will be assigned to each UE5 recipient and when scholars will be assigned;
- Add a direct cost limit of $500,000; and,
- Clarify that recipients may hire or re-direct staff to administer the program.
Part 2. Section II. Award Information
Award Budget
Current language:
Although the size of award may vary with the scope of the research education program proposed and there are no specific budget limitations, average award size is expected to be $250,000 in direct costs per year. The requested direct costs must be reasonable, well documented, fully justified and commensurate with the scope of the proposed program.
Award budgets should reflect the fact that the number of MOSAIC scholars is expected to grow through time. Each UE5 recipient will be assigned a cohort of approximately five MOSAIC scholars each year. The scholars are expected to participate in the UE5 activities for the entirety of their K99 and R00 awards. Thus, it is expected that each UE5 will grow to support 25 scholars by the fifth year of the award.
Revised language (changes in bold italics):
Application budgets should reflect the actual needs of the proposed project and are limited to $500,000 per year in direct costs, excluding consortium F&A costs. The requested direct costs must be reasonable, well documented, fully justified, and commensurate with the scope of the proposed program.
Award budgets should reflect the fact that the number of MOSAIC scholars is expected to grow through time. Each UE5 recipient will be assigned a cohort of approximately ten MOSAIC scholars each year, and these scholars will have staggered start dates (i.e., after each advisory council round). The scholars are expected to participate in the UE5 activities for the entirety of their K99 and R00 awards. Thus, it is expected that each UE5 will grow to support approximately 50 scholars by the fifth year of the award.
Part 2. Section II. Other Award Budget Information
Personnel Costs
Current language:
Individuals designing, directing, and implementing the research education program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated cap.
Program coordinators are allowed as long as their role is clearly defined and significantly different from the roles of the PD(s)/PI(s).
Revised language (changes in bold italics):
NIH recognizes that the development and management of the MOSAIC UE5 activities will require staff and these costs are allowable as described below. Individuals designing, directing, and implementing the research education program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated cap.
Program coordinators are allowed as long as their role is clearly defined and significantly different from the roles of the PD(s)/PI(s).
Part 2. Section IV. Application and Submission Information
PHS 398 Research Plan
Research Education Program Plan
Proposed Research Education Program
Current language:
- Cohort formation and activities: NIH intends to fund ~5 MOSAIC scholars per UE5 per year (i.e., cohorts of 5 scholars). The length of funding is up to 5 years per scholar. Accordingly, the UE5 will begin with ~5 MOSAIC scholars and grow to ~25 at steady-state. Describe activities that will enhance the sense of community among the MOSAIC scholars, who will be conducting research at institutions across the nation. Describe how each year the newly selected MOSAIC scholars will be integrated into the program and how the activities will align with the needs of the scholars according to their career development stage. Describe strategies that will be used to develop a strong, mutually supportive network within and among each cohort of MOSAIC scholars.
Revised language (changes in bold italics):
- Cohort formation and activities: NIH intends to fund ~10 MOSAIC scholars per UE5 per year (i.e., cohorts of 10 scholars). The length of funding is up to 5 years per scholar. Accordingly, the UE5 will begin with ~10 MOSAIC scholars and grow to ~50 at steady-state. Describe activities that will enhance the sense of community among the MOSAIC scholars, who will be conducting research at institutions across the nation. Describe how each year the newly selected MOSAIC scholars will be integrated into the program and how the activities will align with the needs of the scholars according to their career development stage. Describe strategies that will be used to develop a strong, mutually supportive network within and among each cohort of MOSAIC scholars.
All other aspects of the NOFO remain the same.
Note: Effective for due dates on or after January 25, 2023, a Data Management and Sharing Plan is not applicable for this NOFO.
Kenneth D. Gibbs, Jr., Ph.D.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: kenneth.gibbs@nih.gov
and Human Services (HHS)
