- June 12, 2023 - NIH Neuroscience Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce in Translational Neuroscience. See NOFO PAR-23-178.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
This Notice highlights the NINDS’s interest in receiving grant applications focused on translational science within the NINDS mission that will advance the careers of a diverse translational research workforce in response to PAR-23-178, NIH Neuroscience Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce (R25).
Background and Research Objectives
The primary goal of this notice is to seek proposals to the NIH Neuroscience Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce (R25) that focus on educational activities in translational science within the NINDS mission and provide participants with the necessary skills, education, and training required to successfully contribute to that field.
Translation is defined as the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public. Translation of basic discoveries to clinical application ( bench to bedside ) requires a close collaboration between basic scientists and clinical investigators. Equally important, however, is an understanding of the overall process and specific practices required for designing projects with the potential for advancement through the translational pathway from basic discovery to clinical application. Information about NINDS’s activities in the translational space is available on our website: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/current-research/research-funded-ninds/translational-research.
Applications should propose educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences (see, Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity, NOT-OD-20-031), to pursue further studies or careers in translational neuroscience within the NINDS mission (learn more: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Current-Research/Research-Funded-NINDS).
Educational activities of interest include:
Mentoring Activities in Translational Science: Relevant proposals will facilitate mentoring activities and networks in translational science. This may include making meaningful connections with scientists with expertise across the translational pathway (proof of concept, drug/device development, regulatory approval, etc.) and/or at different types of institutions (biopharma, MedTech, start-up companies, technology transfer, etc.). Mentoring networks should focus on the development of professional skills, collaborations, and leadership necessary for a career in translational processes and practices. Proposals should seek to foster lasting networks between researchers from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented groups, across the specified career stages. Programs may also focus on improving the caliber of mentorship within translational science.
Translational Research Activities: Relevant translational research activities will provide hands-on authentic experiences in translational research and related areas. Activities may include translational research opportunities at a university or internships at the following types of organizations: start-up companies, biopharma or medical device companies, accelerators, tech-transfer offices, scientific foundations, venture capital, venture philanthropy organizations, or others that focus on translational research.
Courses for Translational Skills Development: Relevant proposals will impart skills and knowledge in translational processes and practices necessary to advance from fundamental biological mechanisms that contribute to neurological diseases and disorders, toward therapies and diagnostics. Examples of courses and workshops include courses in the field of translational science as well as complementary fields including but not limited to preclinical activities (e.g. proof of concept studies, device design considerations, drug development, regulatory approval, manufacturing principles), clinical practices, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, drug or product development, regulatory affairs, corporate and venture finance, commercialization, marketing, business development, intellectual property, and research administration.
NINDS will not support projects, regardless of the results of merit review, if they do not fulfill programmatic priorities. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that potential applicants consult scientific/research staff at NINDSDiversityTraining@mail.nih.gov before preparing an application. The following represents mission-focus areas for NINDS:
- The proposed program prepares trainees for a career in translational research, entrepreneurship, or business development within the NINDS mission.
- The personnel expertise and research education development plans proposed will specifically increase participants' translational research and technology development skill set in neuroscience.
Michelle Jones-London, Ph.D.
Chief, Office of Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity
Email: NINDSDiversityTraining@mail.nih.gov
and Human Services (HHS)
