Purpose

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) announces the availability of funds for Administrative Supplements. These funds are intended to support NHGRI-funded projects at domestic institutions to provide genomics research experiences for graduates of genetic counseling master’s programs. NHGRI intends the supplements to foster MS-level genetic counselors involvement in genomic research.

Background

Genetic counselors are increasingly working as core members of genomic medicine research teams. There is a desire among many genetic counselors to supplement the research education they received in their master’s programs so that they might become more effective members of the research team, assisting with the conduct of research and at times contributing secondary research questions designed to explore implications of living with genomic risk. Moreover, there is a need for genetic counselors to lead research efforts to inform the most effective delivery of genetics/genomics services, and thus a need for additional skills.

Research Objectives

The research education of the participants supported by the supplements will incorporate didactic, research, and career development elements to prepare individuals for careers that will have a significant impact on the genetic counseling-related research needs of the Nation.

Please address the following:

• The research experience and prior training of the proposed genetic counselor participant.
• Research education activities to be provided to the participant and their potential impact on the career of the participant.
• Institutional environment for genomic medicine (e.g., how will the participant be interacting with other genomic medicine researchers?).

• The research education activities must include at least the five areas mentioned below:

1. Formulating a research question and scientific writing skill2Study design and measurement
2. Data management and analysis
3. Clinical trials management
4. Education in responsible conduct of research. See NIH NOT-OD-10-019
   
   
   Participants funded under this award will be expected to attend and present their research at the NHGRI Research Training and Career Development Annual Meeting.
   
   Award Project Period
   To be eligible, the parent award must be active in June 30, 2021 and not be in an extension period. This supplement is a one year award.
   
5. Budget
   Application budgets are limited to $125,000 total costs per year and must reflect the actual needs of the research experience. Institutions can request a maximum of one year of support. NHGRI anticipates making two awards contingent upon funds available and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
   
   Support in the form of salary and wages is allowed. Program-supported participants may not concurrently hold another federally sponsored stipend, fellowship, or other federal award that duplicates support.
   
   Support for participants can include fringe benefits, and tuition remission and fees (if applicable and necessary for providing fundamental knowledge in genomics and a research experience).
   
   Participants will be required to devote a minimum of 6 person-months (50% of full-time professional effort).
   
   Institutions must request travel funds for the participants to attend the NHGRI Research Training and Career Development Annual Meeting.
   
   These expenses must not duplicate items generally available at the applicant institution.
   
   
   Eligibility
   Individual(s) must hold an active grant or cooperative agreement.
   Individual(s) must have experience in providing research experiences to and research education for genetic counselors.
   An applicant institution, normally identified by having a unique Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number or National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institutional Profile File (IPF) Number, may only submit one application.

Application and Submission Information

Applications must be submitted to PA-18-591 "Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Parent Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional)" by May 1, 2020. Electronic submission is required for this funding opportunity.

All page limitations applicable to the parent award as described in the Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed, with the following exceptions:

The Program Plan is limited to 6 pages.

Follow the application instructions in PA-18-591 "Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Parent Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional), with the following exceptions:

R&R Cover form: In addition to the instructions to select "Revision" in the "Type of Application" field, the following instructions must also be followed for the Agency Routing Identified field:

Agency Routing Identifier:

For funding consideration, applicants must include NOT-HG-20-023 (without quotation marks) in the Agency Routing Identifier field (box 4b) of the SF424 R&R form. Applications without this information in box 4b will not be considered for this initiative.

Selection Process

NHGRI will conduct administrative reviews of applications submitted to their IC and will support the most meritorious applications submitted for consideration, based upon the availability of funds.

Criteria:

• Is the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research
• What is the likelihood that the supplement will exert a sustained, powerful influence in the career of the participants.

Eligible investigators are strongly encouraged to contact the Scientific/Research contact listed below prior to submitting an application.