Note: This document has been superceded --- see October 30, 1998 NIH Guide 
for the current version of this document.

Full Text NOT-97-006
 
GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT OF SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS BY NIH
 
NIH Guide, Volume 26, Number 15, May 9, 1997
 
P.T. 42

Keywords: 
  Grants Administration/Policy+ 

 
National Institutes of Health
 
PURPOSE
 
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes the value of
supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops that are
relevant to its scientific mission and to public health.  Support of
these meetings is contingent on the interests and priorities of the
individual Institutes and Centers (I/C) as well as the investment
that each I/C determines is appropriate.  Each I/C has the
flexibility to support conferences according to its specific needs.
As indicated in this document, changes have been introduced to reduce
some of the burdensome and time-consuming processes for applicant
organizations as well as NIH.  Some Institutes and Centers require
prior contact and/or approval before submission.
 
The guidelines presented here are general guidance for applicant
organizations in the development of applications for requesting
support for scientific meetings. Potential applicants are encouraged
to contact the individual I/C staff listed in this document for
specific I/C information.
 
This document contains information about
 
o  NIH policy and procedures concerning the application process for
the support of scientific meetings
 
o  NIH Staff contacts and funding opportunities available from each
NIH component for support of scientific meetings via grants or
cooperative agreements (See Attachment 1)
 
o  Supplemental Instructions for Application Form PHS-398 (See
Attachment 2)
 
o  "Guidelines on Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Persons with
Disabilities in NIH-Sponsored and/or -Supported Intramural and
Extramural Scientific Meetings and Conferences" (NIH Guide, Vol. 24,
No. 15, April 28, 1995) (See Attachment 3)
 
This document only applies to those conferences, workshops, or
scientific meetings supported by NIH grants or cooperative
agreements. It does not apply to those conferences, workshops, or
scientific meetings sponsored or initiated by NIH and funded by
contracts or by direct operating funds, or workshops conducted as an
adjunct to scientific peer review group activities.
 
POLICY
 
Scientific meetings may be funded by assistance mechanisms (grants
and cooperative agreements) and may be funded for up to five (5)
years.  All applications for such meetings will be evaluated for
programmatic relevance by Institute/Center (I/C) staff and reviewed
for merit by the Institute/Center/Division.  Each NIH I/C may support
those applications that are within its mission.  Applications of
interest to more than one NIH component may be co-funded.  Each NIH
I/C has designated a conference award contact; this individual is the
I/C focal point for information on the NIH component's general
interest in supporting a scientific meeting on a specific topic or by
a specific mechanism, for any I/C-specific guidelines, and for
identification of the appropriate program staff within the I/C for
further presubmission discussions.  Please note that
Institutes/Centers may also include in their guidelines a requirement
for prior approval before submission of an application for support of
scientific meetings; in this case, a letter of intent may be
requested.  Institutes/Centers may also include in their guidelines
dollar limits and other budget guidelines.
 
Organizers of scientific meetings must comply with the ~Guidelines on
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in NIH-
Sponsored and/or -Supported Intramural and Extramural Meetings and
Conferences.~ (See attachment 3). Appropriate representation of
women, racial/ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, and
other individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in
science, must be included in all aspects of planning, organization
and implementation of NIH-sponsored and/or -supported meetings.
"Appropriate" means representation based on the availability of
scientists from these groups known to be working in a particular
field of biomedical or behavioral research.  If appropriate
representation is not apparent, no award will be issued until program
staff are assured of concerted efforts.
ELIGIBILITY
 
A U.S. institution or organization, including an established
scientific or professional society, is eligible to apply.  An
individual is not eligible to receive an award for the support of a
scientific meeting.
 
Both domestic and international meetings may be supported; however,
an international meeting can be supported only through the United
States representative organization of an established international
scientific or professional society.
 
GENERAL PROCEDURES
 
A scientific meeting is defined as a gathering, symposium, seminar,
workshop or any other organized, formal conference where persons
assemble to coordinate, exchange and disseminate information or to
explore or clarify a defined subject, problem or area of knowledge.
 
Types of Support
 
o  Investigator-initiated conference grants (R13 awards)
 
o  Cooperative agreement awards, with substantial programmatic
involvement by NIH staff after award (U13 awards)
 
o  Multiple year awards (R13 or U13) for up to five years to a
permanently sponsoring organization for conferences held annually or
biennially on a recurring topic.
 
Application Instructions
 
Prospective applicants are encouraged to inquire in advance
concerning NIH's interest in supporting a scientific meeting by
contacting the appropriate conference award contact who is the I/C's
focal point for identification of appropriate program staff for
further presubmission discussions, including requirements for letters
of intent and prior approval.  Applicants may contact another I/C, if
one I/C is not interested in supporting the scientific meeting.
 
All information regarding supplemental instructions for preparation
of application Form PHS 398 is outlined in attachment 2.
 
Multiple year conference applications for up to five years may be
submitted by permanent sponsoring organizations for conferences held
annually or biennially.  Continued funding beyond the first year is
contingent upon scientific progress as determined annually by I/C
procedures.
 
Receipt dates will be determined by the individual I/C; however,
potential applicants are encouraged to submit applications on the
three DRG deadlines(February 1, June 1, October 1).  All applications
must be submitted at least 6 months prior to the conference.  The
conference award contact can provide specific information on receipt
dates.
 
Application Assignment within NIH
 
Each application will be assigned to one or more I/C by the Division
of Research Grants (DRG) Referral Office based on established
Institute/Center guidelines for relevance. However, program staff
will accept applications for assignment, including secondary
assignments, only if there is interest in supporting the scientific
meeting; thus, submission of an application does not assure
acceptance.
 
Evaluation of Applications
 
Applications will be evaluated by the I/C or DRG by means deemed
appropriate. Review criteria include:
 
o  the need and timeliness for the scientific meeting;
o  its format and agenda;
o  qualifications of the organizers and proposed participants;
o  past performance where applicable;
o  appropriateness of the meeting site;
o  plans for the appropriate* involvement of women, racial/ethnic
minorities and persons with disabilities in the planning and
implementation of the proposed meeting; and
o  appropriateness of budget, per Institute/Center guidelines.
 
[*  See "policy" section of this document and Attachment 3.]
 
Recommendations are documented in a standard summary statement format
and sent to the applicant.
 
Depending on I/C policy, applications may be reviewed by the
appropriate National Advisory Council or Board.
 
Funding
 
Each I/C may support any application that is within its mission,
interests and support guidelines, and which has been recommended for
support by the review group.  Applications of interest to more than
one I/C may be co-funded.  Notice of Grant Awards for awards covering
conferences for up to five years will contain information in the
Terms and Conditions that a shift in conference focus would preclude
further funding in subsequent years.
 
Funding by Cooperative Agreement
 
When the I/C determines that there is sufficient need to have
substantial involvement in the planning and conduct of a scientific
meeting, the I/C may determine that a cooperative agreement (U13)
award should be made. Specific terms and conditions of the award may
be obtained from the I/C contact.
 
Reporting Requirements
 
A report of the meeting must be prepared and two copies submitted to
the awarding unit that supported the meeting within 90 days after the
completion of the meeting.  The report should include (a) the grant
number, (b) the title, date and place of the meeting, (c) the name of
the person shown on the application as the conference director,
principal investigator, or program director, (d) the name of the
organization that conducted the meeting, (e) a list of the
individuals, and their institutional affiliations, who participated
as speakers or discussants in the formally planned sessions of the
meeting, and (f) a summary of topics discussed/conclusions.
 
Multiple year awards require an annual progress report that contains
a description of specific plans for the next award period, in similar
detail and format as for a single meeting; this should be submitted
six months before the next conference.  NIH Program staff will
evaluate these reports and plans in approving annual non-competing
continuation awards.
 
Copies of proceedings or publications resulting from the meeting,
including items (a) through (f) listed above, may be substituted for
the annual and final progress report, with approval of the NIH
awarding unit.
 
Additional information on support of conferences is available in
Appendix 7 of the PHS Grants Policy Statement at
gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/PHSGPS.
 
SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS AND GUIDELINES AT EACH
NIH COMPONENT
 
The following listing provides the names of the conference award
contacts at each of the NIH Institutes and Centers (I/C) and the
general programmatic and funding guidelines for support of scientific
meetings at that Institute or Center.  Details for each I/C~s program
and budget guidelines and information on NIH application instructions
for support of scientific meetings may be obtained from the
conference award contact listed.
 
Detailed information about the I/C programs may also be obtained from
the NIH Extramural Programs book, which is available on the NIH
Homepage on the WWW at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding.htm
or on the Internet at gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-ep.
 
Specific information about program areas is provided.
 
RECEIPT DATES: All applications must be submitted at least six (6)
months prior to the meeting.  Applications will be received on the
three DRG receipt deadlines of February l, June l and October 1,
unless otherwise noted below.
 
LETTER OF INTENT: Letters of Intent are required by some I/Cs as
noted below.  These letters should be submitted to the I/C contact
person noted below at least 30 days before the application deadline.
Potential applicants are encouraged to talk to the I/C contacts as
well.
 
Budget guidelines are also provided by several I/Cs.
 
1.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING (NIA)
 
NIA Contacts:
 
Behavioral and Social Research Program
Ronald Abeles, Ph. D.
phone: 301-594-5943  fax: 301-402-0051
e-mail: ra20x@nih.gov (rabeles@box-r.nih.gov)
 
Biology of Aging Program
Richard Sprott, Ph.D.
phone: 301-496-4996  fax: 301-402-0010
email to: rs51r@nih.gov (sprottr@gw.nia.nih.gov
 
Geriatrics Program
Evan Hadley, M.D.
phone: 301-496-6761
email to: eh21f@nih.gov (hadleye@gw.nia.nih.gov)
 
Neuroscience & Neuropsychology of Aging Program
Neil Buckholtz, Ph.D.
phone: 301-496-9350
email to: nb12s@nih.gov (buckholn@gw.nia.nih.gov)
 
The NIA is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences,
and workshops in the following areas:  biology of aging, geriatrics,
behavioral and social research on aging, neuroscience and
neuropsychology of aging.
 
Letter of Intent:  NIA does not require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of applications.  However, applicants are
encouraged to contact NIA staff before preparing their applications.
 
Applications of interest to more than one IC will be cofunded.  NIA
will also provide partial support in conjunction with other funding
sources.
 
2.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM (NIAAA)
 
NIAAA Contact:
 
Ernestine Vanderveen, Ph.D.
Telephone:  301-443-1273
E-mail:  Tvanderv@willco.niaaa.nih.gov
 
The NIAAA is interested in supporting scientific meetings,
conferences, and workshops on all health issues related to alcohol
abuse and alcoholism, including the biomedical, behavioral, and
social consequences of alcohol use and abuse.
 
The NIAAA does require a letter of intent prior to acceptance of
submission of a grant application. The NIAAA does not have any
specific requirements regarding partial funding by applicants, dollar
limits on applications or other funding policies.
 
3.NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID)
 
NIAID Contacts:
 
Dr. Robert Quackenbush
Div. of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
(301) 496-5644
rq1i@nih.gov
 
Joan Kondratick
Division of AIDS
(301) 402-0755
jk37k@nih.gov
 
Dr. Lawrence Prograis
Div. of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation
(301) 496-1886
lp13r@nih.gov
 
NIAID is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences,
and workshops in the following areas: AIDS, Microbiology and
Infectious Diseases, and Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation.
NIAID encourages applicants of major annual or biennial conferences
to contact staff concerning submission of applications for up to five
years of conference support.
 
Receipt Dates: All applications must be submitted at least six (6)
months prior to the meeting. NIAID will accept applications on the 3
DRG deadlines.  NIAID will also accept applications throughout the
fiscal year with prior approval from NIAID staff (see contacts
above).
 
Letter of Intent: NIAID requires a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of conference applications.
 
NIAID will accept applications for full or partial support. NIAID
will not support any conference for less than $2,500.  When NIAID is
the awarding NIH component and NIAID staff will participate
significantly in conference planning, conduct, and reporting, NIAID
will normally award the grant as a cooperative agreement (U13).
Details for NIAID's program and budget guidelines and information on
application instructions for support of scientific meetings may be
obtained from the NIAID conference award contacts listed above.
 
4.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN
DISEASES (NIAMS)
 
NIAMS Contacts:
 
Rheumatic Diseases Branch
Dr. Susana Serrate-Szein, Chief
301/594-5032
Steins@ep.niams.nih.gov
 
Skin Diseases Branch
Dr. Alan Moshell, Chief
301/594-5017
moshella@ep.niams.nih.gov
 
Musculoskeletal Diseases Branch
Dr. Joan McGowan, Chief
301/594-5055
mcgowanj@ep.niams.nih.gov
 
Muscle Biology Branch
Dr. Richard Lymn, Chief
301/594-5128
lymnr@ep.niams.nih.gov
 
Specific I/C information:
 
The NIAMS is interested in supporting conferences in any of the basic
and clinical areas related to the numerous rheumatic diseases,
disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and diseases of muscle,
bone, and skin. The NIAMS is also interested in research on the
normal structure and function of the joints, muscles, bones,
connective tissue, and skin.  Areas of special emphasis within the
NIAMS include: osteoporosis, Paget's disease, autoimmune diseases
such as lupus, connective tissue diseases, exercise physiology and
musculoskeletal fitness, sports injuries and occupational diseases.
 
Letter of Intent: The NIAMS would appreciate receiving a letter of
intent prior to acceptance of submission of applications for support
of conferences of more than one year.
 
The NIAMS, in general, only provides partial support for scientific
conferences and workshops.  Specific information about fiscal
limitations can be obtained from program staff.
 
5.  NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI)
 
NCI Conference Award Contact:
 
Dr. Ray Bramhall
Division of Extramural Activities, NCI
Phone:  (301) 496-3428
Email:  bramhalr@dea.nci.nih.gov
 
Specific NCI Information:
 
The NCI is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences,
and workshops in the scientific program priority areas indicated in
the NIH Extramural Programs book available on the Internet at
gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-ep.
 
Letter of Intent: NCI requires a letter of intent prior to acceptance
of submission of all applications.  In recent years, NCI has provided
partial support for scientific meetings which has been in the range
of 3 to 15 thousand dollars per award.  Additional support which may
be anticipated by the applicant should be requested from other
sources.  Therefore it is important for prospective applicants to
inquire in advance concerning NCI~s interest in supporting a
scientific meeting, especially where more than one of the NIH
institutes and centers might be involved in providing funding for the
same meeting.
 
6.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD)
 
NICHD Contacts:
Dr. Marcus Fuhrer
Director, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
301-402-2242
fuhrerm@hd01.nichd.nih.gov
 
Dr. Florence Haseltine
Director, Center for Population Research
301-496-1101
haseltif@hd01.nichd.nih.gov
 
Dr. Sumner J. Yaffe
Director, Center for Research for Mothers and Children
301-496-5097
yaffes@hd01.nichd.nih.gov
 
Conference grant applications are accepted in all areas related to
the mission of the NICHD.
 
Letter of Intent: NICHD does not require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of applications, but applicants are
encouraged to discuss their plans with the Center contact listed
above.
 
Applications of interest to more than one IC will be cofunded.
 
7.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
(NIDCD)
 
NIDCD Contact:
 
Judith A. Cooper, Ph.D.
301-496-5061
judith_cooper@nih.gov
 
NIDCD supports scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops in the
areas of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language.
 
Letter of Intent:  NIDCD does not require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of applications.  However, contact with
Institute staff prior to submission is strongly encouraged.  All
applications are reviewed by program staff to determine relevance to
the mission of the NIDCD.
 
Budget Considerations:  NIDCD will accept applications with a budget
limit of $30,000.  The Institute usually supplies significantly less
than the $30,000 award ceiling and frequently supplies only
partial support for a conference.  NIDCD often co-funds conferences
with other NIH Institutes.
 
8.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL RESEARCH (NIDR)
 
NIDR Contact:
 
Dr. Norman S. Braveman
Phone:  42089
Email:  BravemanN@de45.nidr.nih.gov
 
The NIDR is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences
and workshops in the following areas:
 
Inherited Diseases and Disorders -
Infectious Diseases -
Neoplastic Diseases -
Chronic Disabling Diseases -
Biomaterials, Biomimetics, and Tissue Engineering -
Behavior, Health Promotion and Environment -
Diversity Programs  -
Clinical Trials  -
 
Receipt Dates:  NIDR will accept applications on the three DRG
deadlines only.  Exceptions to this can be made on a case-by-case
basis with permission from the Institute.
 
Letter of Intent: NIDR requests a letter of intent for all conference
grant applications.
 
Budget Guidelines:  NIDR practice is to provide partial support for
all conference grants at three levels as follows: (1) Applications
directly relevant to the mission of NIDR and for which we are the
primary awarding IC and for which NIDR program staff have been
contacted prior to application -  up to $35,000; (2) Applications
relevant to the mission of NIDR and for which we are a secondary or
other assignee - up to $10,000 (depending on the degree of relevance
to current program priorities); (3) Applications minimally relevant
to the mission of NIDR which includes major grantees of the Institute
as participants - up to $3,000.
 
9.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES
(NIDDK)
 
NIDDK Contact:
 
Walter S. Stolz, Ph.D.
Address  45 Center Drive, Room 6As25C
Phone  301.594.8834
E-mail  ws23e@nih.gov
 
The NIDDK is interested in supporting conferences in all scientific
areas related to its mission including diabetes, endocrinology,
metabolic diseases, digestive diseases, nutrition and obesity, kidney
diseases, urologic diseases and disorders, and hematologic diseases
and disorders
 
Letter of Intent: NIDDK requires a letter of intent to be submitted
approximately 30 days prior to submission of a conference grant
application.  Institute staff must accept the letter of intent before
an application will be accepted for review.  Early consultation with
Institute staff is highly recommended.
 
NIDDK will accept applications under the following budget guidelines:
The Institute, in general, will provide only partial support for
conferences and workshops.  (A special interest of the Institute is
to support the attendance of new, minority, and disabled
investigators.)  Although the NIDDK does not have absolute ceilings
on the size of awards made for the support of conferences, awards of
more than $20,000 are highly unusual, and the majority of awards are
for less than $10,000.  Prospective applicants should discuss the
size of their anticipated request with Institute staff prior to
submission.
 
10.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)
 
NIDA Contacts:
 
Teresa Levitin, Ph.D.
Office of Extramural Program Review
Phone:  (301) 443-2755
E-mail:  TL25U@nih.gov
 
Chisato Asanuma, Ph.D.
Etiology/Clinical Neurobiology Research Branch
Division of Clinical and Services Research
Phone:  443-4877
E-mail:  cs2j@nih.gov
 
Charles Sharp, Ph.D.
Division of Basic Research
Phone:  443-1887
E-mail:  cs107m@nih.gov
 
Susan David, MPH
Division of Epidemiology  and Prevention Research
Phone:  (301) 443-6543
E-mail:  sd69t@nih.gov
 
Jamie Biswas, Ph.D.
Chemistry/Pharmaceutics Branch
Medications Development Division
Phone:  (301) 443-5280
E-mail:  jb168r@nih.gov
 
Cindy Miner, Ph.D.
Office of Science Policy and Communication
Phone:  (301) 443-6036
E-mail:  cm171w@nih.gov
 
The NIDA is interested in supporting scientific meetings,
conferences, and workshops in the following areas:  basic and
clinical neurosciences, behavioral and social sciences, treatment,
prevention, epidemiology, health services, etiology, genetics,
community research, HIV/AIDS, and  medications development.
 
Letter of Intent:  The NIDA will require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of all conference applications.
 
Budget Guidelines:  NIDA will support applications for partial or
full funding.  Applications of interest to more than one IC will be
cofunded.
 
11.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS)
 
NIEHS Contact:
 
Allen Dearry, Ph.D.
NIEHS, P.O. BOX 12233, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC 27709
919/541-4500
DEARRY@NIEHS.NIH.GOV
 
NIEHS has recently formulated and published a set of ~special
emphasis areas~ that represent a broad spectrum of research
opportunities within environmental health sciences (see
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/dert/programs/special/special.htm).
Consistent with this scientific focus, NIEHS is currently interested
in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops in the
following areas:
 
o  basic molecular mechanisms of environmental insult;
o  development of alternative models for toxicology testing;
o  genetic susceptibility;
o  human health effects of complex mixtures;
o  human health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals;
o  impact of environmental exposures on women, children, and
minorities.
o  prevention research, including basic molecular approaches as well
as applied community-based strategies and environmental justice;
o  role of the environment in neurodegenerative diseases.
 
Special areas of emphasis will be updated periodically.  Thus,
potential applicants are encouraged to refer to the NIEHS homepage
(www.niehs.nih.gov) and/or contact program staff for additional
information.
 
Applications should be submitted at least six months before the
conference takes place.  NIEHS will accept applications throughout
the fiscal year.
 
A letter of intent is required prior to submission for cooperative
agreement (U13) applications.  This letter should provide a brief
description of the purpose, significance, content, audience, and
requested budget of the proposed conference.  No application for a
U13 will be accepted without prior receipt and review of a letter of
intent.  These letters will be accepted on an ongoing basis
throughout the year.
 
For applications grants (R13), a letter of intent is not required.
However, potential applicants are encouraged to consult with program
staff prior to application submission.
 
NIEHS will accept applications under the following budgets
guidelines: For R13s, the maximum level of support is $25,000; an
average award is $7,500.  For U13s, the maximum level of support is
$50,000.  NIEHS actively participates in cofunding with other NIH
institutes for conferences related to environmental health sciences.
 
12.  NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI)
 
NEI Contact:
 
Ralph J. Helmsen, Ph.D.
(301) 496-5301
(301) 402-0528 FAX
rjh@eps.nei.nih.gov
 
Specific NEI information:
 
The National Eye Institute (NEI) supports investigator-initiated
scientific meetings using the conference cooperative agreement
mechanism, in most instances, rather than the traditional conference
grant mechanism.  The scientific meeting must be relevant and
responsive to NEI scientific program goals and key research questions
identified in "Vision Research - A National Plan:  1994-1998," a
report of the National Advisory Eye Council.
 
Letter of Intent: The NEI does not require a formal letter of intent.
However, potential applicants
are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Helmsen for general
information regarding this notice and for referral to the appropriate
NEI extramural program director.  If the application is funded as a
cooperative agreement, NEI extramural program staff will be
substantially involved in the planning and conduct of the scientific
meeting, assisting the Principal Investigator according to specific
Terms and Conditions.
 
Budget Guidelines: No special guidelines.
 
13.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS)
 
NIGMS CONTACTS:
 
Dr.  James C.  Cassatt
Director, Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics
(301) 594-0828
email:  CASSATJ@GM1.NIGMS.NIH.GOV
 
Dr.  Judith H.  Greenberg
Director, Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology
(301) 594-0943
email:  GREENBERJ@GM1.NIGMS.NIH.GOV
 
Dr.  Michael E.  Rogers
Director, Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological
Chemistry
(301) 594-3827
email:  ROGERSM@GM1.NIGMS.NIH.GOV
 
The NIGMS is interested in supporting scientific meetings,
conferences, and workshops in the following areas:
 
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) primarily
supports basic biomedical research that is not targeted to specific
diseases or disorders.  NIGMS has three divisions that support
research in basic biomedical science fields (additional information
can be obtained from the NIGMS Home page:
http://www.nih.gov/nigms/about_nigms/about.html).
 
The Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics seeks greater
understanding of the structure and function of cells, cellular
components, and the biological macromolecules that make up these
components.
 
The  Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology supports studies
directed toward gaining a better understanding of the fundamental
mechanisms of inheritance and development.
 
The Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry
supports a broad spectrum of research aimed at improving the
molecular-level understanding of fundamental biological processes and
discovering approaches to their control.
 
The NIGMS publication, "NIGMS Programs and Grant Award Mechanisms,"
provides additional information and is available on the NIGMS Home
Page (The web address for the NIGMS homepage is
http://www.nih.gov/nigms) and from:
 
Office of Research Reports
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
45 Center Drive MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD  20892-6200
(301)496-7301
email: PUB_INFO @GM1.NIGMS.NIH.GOV
 
LETTER OF INTENT:  NIGMS  will require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of all applications.
 
For this announcement NIGMS does not wish to state any budget limits.
 
14.  NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI)
 
NHLBI Conference Award Contacts
 
Thomas P. Blaszkowski, Ph.D.
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
Phone:  (301) 435-0417
E-mail  blaszkot@gwgate.nhlbi.nih.gov
 
John Fakunding , Ph.D.
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
Phone  (301) 435-0505
E-mail:  jf46f@nih.gov
 
Carol E. Vreim, Ph.D.
Division of Lung Diseases
Phone:  (301) 435-0233
E-mail:  vreimc@gwgate.nhlbi.nih.gov
 
Carol H. Letendre, Ph.D.
Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
Phone:  (301) 435-0080
E-mail:  letendrc@gwgate.nhlbi.nih.gov
 
Specific NHLBI information:
 
The NHLBI is interested in supporting scientific meetings,
conferences, and workshops in potentially any relevant program area
(Heart and Vascular Diseases, Lung Diseases, Blood Diseases and
Resources, Epidemiology and Clinical applications).
 
Receipt Dates: All applications for conference grants must be
submitted at least six months prior to the meeting.  Applications
require approval of the NHLBI before they will be accepted by the
Institute.
 
Letter of Intent: NHLBI requires a letter of intent which must be
received at least six weeks prior to the submission of an
application.  Letters should be submitted to the conference
coordinators listed above.
 
NHLBI will accept applications under the following budget guidelines:
NHLBI will provide a minimum support level of $10,000 for each
conference grant.  This most likely will represent partial support
for the conference.  These same financial guidelines will apply to
any conference grant cofunded with another I/C.  In FY 95 and FY 96,
NHLBI provided support to 14 conference grants.
 
15.  NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NHGRI)
 
NHGRI Contact: .
 
Name:  Elise Feingold, Ph.D
Phone:  301 496-7531
E-mail:  elise_feingold@nih
 
The NHGRI is interested in supporting scientific meetings,
conferences, and workshops in the following areas: new and improved
technologies for DNA sequencing; development and application of new
technologies for comprehensive sequence-based approaches to the
understanding of genome function, including the elucidation of  the
biological roles of gene products and non-coding functional elements,
the interaction among functional elements in the cell, the biological
consequences of genome organization; the study of DNA sequence
variation, including the dynamics of polymorphisms in populations and
the functional significance of genomic variation; and the ethical,
legal, and social implications of genetic research.
 
Receipt Dates: All applications must be submitted at least six (6)
months prior to the meeting.  NHGRI will accept applications on: Dec.
1, Apr. 1, Aug. 1
 
Letter of Intent: A letter of intent, or direct program contact, is
encouraged at least two months prior to the receipt deadline, but is
not required.
 
NHGRI will accept applications for full or partial support.  However,
as a rule, NHGRI will not support the travel of foreign scientists to
meetings in the U.S.  NHGRI is willing to co-fund with other ICs.
 
16.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)
 
NIMH CONTACTS:
 
Richard K. Nakamura, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Science Policy
phone: 301-443-4335
fax: 301-443-3225
e-mail: rn3p@nih.gov
 
Nancy L. Ostrowski, Ph.D.
Office of Science Policy and Program Planning
phone: 301-443-4335
fax: 301-443-3225
e-mail: no5d@nih.gov
 
The NIMH is interested in supporting scientific meetings,
conferences, and workshops designed to focus research attention on
understanding, treating, and preventing mental illnesses through
basic research on the brain and behavior, and through clinical,
epidemiological, and mental health services research.
 
Letter of Intent: The NIMH suggests applicants submit a letter of
intent prior to submission of applications.
 
17.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS)
 
NINDS Contacts:
 
General Information and Conference Grant Guidelines:
Constance W. Atwell, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Extramural Activities
Phone(301) 496-9248
E-mail  ca23c@nih.gov
 
Discussions concerning potential program interest in conference or
assistance in constructing application:
 
Michael D. Walker, M.D.
Director, Division of Stroke, Trauma and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Phone  (301) 496-2581
E-mail:  mw163m@nih.gov
 
Floyd J. Brinley, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Division of Convulsive, Infectious and Immune Disorders
Phone:  (301) 496-6541
E-mail:  fb18u@nih.gov
 
Robert W. Baughman, Ph.D.
Co-Director, Division of Fundamental Neuroscience and Developmental
Disorders
Phone:  (301) 496-5745
E-mail:  rb175y@nih.gov
 
Conference grant applications are accepted in all areas related to
the mission of the NINDS.
 
Letter of Intent: NINDS does not require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of applications, but applicants are strongly
encouraged to discuss their plans with the Division contact listed
above.
 
NINDS supports conferences  in part or in full and participates in
co-funding with other I/Cs.  Awards are typically under $10,000, but
larger awards are sometimes made.  Discussions with program staff are
especially important if larger amounts are requested.
 
18.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH (NINR)
 
The NINR does not offer conference grants.
 
19.  NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE (NLM)
 
NLM Contact:
 
Milton Corn, M.D.
Division of Extramural Programs
National Library of Medicine
301-496-4621
corn@nlm.nih.gov
 
Prospective applicants are advised to contact Dr. Corn before
submitting applications.
 
20.  NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES (NCRR)
 
NCRR Program contact for R13s
 
Louise E. Ramm, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, NCRR
Phone: (301) 496-6023
Fax: (301) 402-0006
e-mail: louiser@ep.ncrr.nih.gov
 
The NCRR is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences
and workshops in the following areas: animal (both mammalian and
nonmammalian) models; clinical research; biomedical technology;
bioengineering; and science education.
 
Receipt Dates: All applications must be submitted at least six months
prior to the meeting.
 
Letter of Intent: NCRR does not require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance; however, if an application~s budget is over $25,000,
program staff must be contacted prior to submission.  Also,
applicants are encouraged to contact NCRR staff before preparing
their applications.
 
Applications of interest to more than one IC will be cofunded.
 
21.  FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER (FIC)
 
The Fogarty International Center does not provide support for
conference grants.
 
22.  OFFICE OF RARE DISEASES (ORD)
 
Conference Award Contact:
 
Stephen C. Groft, Pharm.D.
Office of Rare Diseases
Phone:  301-402-4336
Fax:  301-402-0420
E-Mail:  sg18b@nih.gov
 
The Office of Rare Diseases provides support for scientific workshops
and symposia to stimulate research on rare diseases and conditions.
Primary consideration for support will be given to those rare
diseases and conditions or groups of related diseases where current
research is lacking or lagging or the likelihood of stimulating
research is a possible outcome of the workshop or symposia.  A rare
diseases is defined as a disease or condition with a prevalence of
less than 200,000 people in the United States.
 
Letter of Intent: The Office of Rare Diseases does not require a
letter of intent prior to acceptance of submission of applications.
 
The Office of Rare Diseases  will accept applications under the
following budget guidelines:  Full or partial support contributed by
Office of Rare Diseases will be no more than $20,000 per award.  All
awards will be made through one of the categorical research
institutes of NIH following the customary review process of the
categorical research Institutes and Centers of the NIH.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION FORM PHS 398 FOR CONFERENCE
AWARDS
 
The following instructions are to be used in conjunction with the
instructions accompanying application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95).  They
refer only to selected items in the application.  All PHS 398
requirements should be adhered to, with the exception of those items
modified by the following instructions.  Please note that some
information to be omitted from the application at the time of
submission may be requested by NIH staff following review if an
application may be funded.
 
Face Page  :
 
Item 1:  Provide the title of the meeting.
 
Item 2:  Check the box marked "YES," if appropriate. Enter "PA"  and
the code "R13."
 
Item 6:  Enter the exact, inclusive dates of the meeting.
 
Page 2:
 
Description:  Complete a very brief description of the proposed
meeting, including the dates, location, types of participants, goals,
and topics to be covered.
 
Performance Site(s):  Enter the site of the meeting or workshop.
 
Key Personnel:  List only those key individuals responsible for the
planning and conduct of the meeting.
 
Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period (Page 4) :
 
Do not complete or submit this page.
 
Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support (Page 5):
 
Composite Budget Table:  Enter total direct costs requested.
 
Justification:  Provide a narrative justification for each proposed
personnel position, including role and proposed level of effort.
Provide narrative justification for the support requested within the
context of the total budget for the conference.
 
Please note the following general NIH policy covering allowable and
non-allowable costs for conference awards.  The appropriate
Institute/Center conference award contact should be consulted for
specific guidance:
 
Allowable Costs:  Salaries in proportion to the time or effort spent
directly on the meeting; rental of necessary equipment; travel and
personal expenses (prior approval authority is suspended); supplies
needed for conduct of the meeting only if received for use during the
budget period; conference services; publication costs; registration
fees; speaker's fees.
 
Non-allowable Costs:  Purchase of equipment; transportation costs
exceeding coach class fares; visas; passports; entertainment; tips;
bar charges; personal telephone calls; laundry charges; per diem,
travel or expenses other than local mileage for local participants;
organization dues; honoraria or other payments for the purpose of
conferring distinction or communicating respect, esteem or
admiration; patient care; alterations or renovations; indirect costs.
 
Biographical Sketch (Page 6):
(Complete for each of the key personnel listed on Page 2.)
 
Research and Professional Experience:  List current position(s) and
those previous positions directly relevant to the application.
 
List selected peer-reviewed publications directly relevant to the
proposed meeting, with full citations.
 
Provide information on research projects completed and/or research
grants in which the investigator participated during the last 5 years
that are relevant to the proposed meeting.  For each project or grant
listed, provide title, name of principal investigator, funding
source, and role on project (if not principal investigator).
 
Other Support (Page 7):
 
Do not complete or submit this section.
 
Research Plan (This section may not exceed 13 pages.):
 
1.  Single Year Applications
 
Use this section of the application to describe the objectives,
specific program, and logistical arrangements for the meeting.
Describe the format and agenda, including the principal topics to be
covered, problems to be addressed, and developments or contributions
the meeting might stimulate.  Provide a detailed justification for
the meeting, including the scientific need, timeliness, and
usefulness of the meeting to the scientific community.  Describe the
composition and role of the organizing committee, and provide the
names and credentials of key participants in the meeting, including
the basis for their selection and documentation of their agreement to
participate.
 
Describe plans for the appropriate involvement of women, minorities,
and persons with disabilities in the planning and implementation of
the proposed meeting (See Attachment 3).  Estimate the expected size
and composition of the audience, as well as the method of selection.
Describe plans for publicizing the meeting and publication of
proceedings.  Identify related meetings held on the subject during
the past 3 years.  If this is one of a series of periodic meetings
held by a permanent sponsoring organization, briefly describe and
evaluate the last meeting in the series.
 
2.  Multiple Year Applications
 
Applications for multiple year awards for up to five years may be
submitted when a series of annual or biennial meetings is proposed by
a sponsoring organization.  Support for meetings to be held on a less
frequent schedule must be applied for individually.
 
For applications requesting multiple years of support, the following
additional information must be provided for each future year
requested, in as much detail as possible:  (1) meeting topic; (2)
tentative dates, locations, and participants; (3) contingency plans
for future meetings dependent on, for example, outcome of the first
year's meeting or developments in the field.
 
For multiple year awards, the noncompeting application (PHS 2590)
must be submitted no later than six (6) months prior to the next
scheduled meeting.  It should include a report on the previous
meeting supported by the current grant, as well as a full description
of the next planned meeting including all information requested under
section 1, above.
 
Appendix:
 
The Appendix is limited to the following items:
 
1.  Announcement and report of previous meetings under the same
sponsorship.
 
2.  Letters of agreement from participants.
 
Checklist:
 
The Checklist should not be submitted.
 
"Guidelines on Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Persons with
Disabilities in NIH-Sponsored and/or -Supported Intramural and
Extramural Scientific Meetings and Conferences" (NIH Guide, Vol. 24,
No. 15, April 28, 1995).  Available through the NIH/OER
Homepage(https://grants.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm) or
gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/0R34019-43774-/gopherlib/data/nih-guide/OL
DGUIDES/95.04.28.data.
 
.

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