NEUROSCIENCES TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT Release Date: March 27, 1998 PA NUMBER: PA-98-050 P.T. National Center for Research Resources National Institute on Aging National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders National Institute of Dental Research National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Application Receipt Dates: June 1, October 1, and February 1 This Program Announcement supersedes PA-98-012 "Neurosciences Technology Development." PURPOSE The purpose of this Program Announcement (PA) is to encourage submission of new research project grant (R01) and exploratory/developmental research grant (R21) applications to develop innovative technologies, methodologies, or instrumentation for the study of the biology of the brain. Research is solicited that will explore new approaches, test imaginative new ideas, and challenge existing paradigms in technologies to study the development, structure, function, and aging of the brain in both human and animal models. Also solicited is research that will develop significant enhancements to existing technologies important to neuroscience, and research that will translate a scientific concept into the basis for a future technology that may advance understanding of important neuroscience research problems. It is emphasized that the research solicited can include tools and approaches that relate to any and all aspects of neuroscience. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA is related to several of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001- 00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone: (202) 512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign non-profit and for-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT Support of this activity will be through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grants (R01) and the exploratory/developmental research grants (R21) mechanisms. Indirect costs will be provided. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background In biomedicine, new tools and approaches often make possible quantum advances in research on health and disease, and sometimes shift the manner in which such research is undertaken, and results interpreted. Conversely, the complexity of living systems represent interesting challenges to scientific/technology researchers, providing ample opportunity for the limits of that science to be tested and expanded. One of the most complex systems in biomedicine is the brain. Despite this, neuroscience is rapidly advancing, with important discoveries coming to light almost daily. These discoveries will improve understanding of normal development and aging of the brain and offer promise to the millions suffering from brain disorders of all types. This program announcement seeks to enable neuroscience research by soliciting research and development of novel tools and approaches for the study of the development, structure, function, and aging of the brain. Significant enhancements of existing technologies are also solicited, as is translational research. Research solicited under this program announcement is not limited to any particular type of technology, level of analysis, or approach. Multidisciplinary teams of researchers are encouraged to apply. Research Topics The research topics identified here represent examples of technologies that are appropriate for this solicitation. These examples are not a complete list of the technology development sought for the neurosciences area, they are intended as a guide for determining the appropriateness of a research topic. Recently, several new technologies from microscopic to tomographic approaches have enabled significant progress in this area. However, these imaging approaches are in early stages of development. It is an opportune time to capitalize on these beginnings. Investigators are encouraged to engage other sophisticated and sensitive image acquisition and analysis methodologies, and to develop appropriate strategies for integrating the large amounts of data that are derived from such imaging systems. Similar opportunities exist for developing other neuroscience research tools that will be useful for the study of the nervous system and/or for clinical assessment of neurological conditions. This solicitation is intended to include any novel or emerging technology suitable for studying the brain, including: o magnetic resonance imaging (including fMRI) o microscopic imaging (including multiphoton laser techniques) o physiological tracer imaging o image processing/manipulation/fusion o modeling/simulation o database access/analysis o structural imaging of brain related proteins o magnetoencephalography (MEG) o photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging o function monitoring of the brain Since such imaging approaches must ultimately be linked to the development, structure, function, or aging of the brain, various existing and new technologies must be developed or enhanced in ways that permit mapping onto imaging results /databases. These technologies include: o electrophysiological recording o mass spectrometry o cartography o virtual reality/environments o visualization The special requirements imposed on studies of the brain suggest general thrusts for methodological and technical developments. These include: o hierarchical brain modeling (simulation) o multiscale (time/space) data acquisition and integration o development of reporter/indicator molecules o novel detectors/sensors o nanotechnology devices o unique data visualization o bioinformatics Increasing the speed of data processing, ultimately to the level of real time, is urgently required. Under these general areas, applications are solicited for specific technological innovations and enhancements such as: o creation and delivery of new labels and dyes o federated data bases and search engines o optical and higher field electrical imaging o technology for high resolution EEG and MEG analysis o higher temporal/space resolution o larger field- of- view cameras o more efficient/effective microscopies for use in the living brain o non-invasive (or non-destructive) stimulators (e.g. transcranial magnetic stimulation) o techniques that bridge interfaces (e.g. dyes that work with MR, confocal, and other modalities) o image analysis tools (e.g. intelligent segmentation and registration tools) o functional optical imaging using new infrared techniques o real-time, bedside monitoring of brain function in neonates and adults o innovations for chronic electrophysiological recording and stimulation at the microscopic level o innovations for chronic monitoring of neurotransmitters at the microscopic level o innovations for chronic monitoring of gene expression in selected areas of the brain o virtual or augmented visualization. It is stressed that the examples given above are not meant to be exhaustive. Applications for any technology with the potential to enable more efficient/effective research in the neurosciences area are encouraged. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification are provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513) and in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff also may provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) and prepared according to the instructions provided. Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/710-0267, email: asknih@od.nih.gov. C. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS 1. Face Page of the application: Item 2, Check the box marked YES and type the number and title of this program announcement. Item 7a, DIRECT COSTS REQUESTED FOR PROPOSED PERIOD OF SUPPORT: For R21 applications only, direct costs are limited to a maximum of $75,000 per year for a maximum of two years. The award is non-renewable and may not be used to supplement an ongoing project. Item 8a, DIRECT COSTS REQUESTED FOR PROPOSED PERIOD OF SUPPORT: For R21 applications only, direct costs requested for the proposed period may not exceed $150,000. 2. Description: As part of the description, identify concisely the technology or methodology to be developed, its innovative nature, its relationship to presently available capabilities, and its expected impact on brain research. Research Plan: Item a, SPECIFIC AIMS: The instructions for this section suggest that the applicant state the hypotheses to be tested. Since the goal of this program announcement is to develop innovative technologies, hypothesis testing per se may not be the driving force in developing such a proposal and, therefore, may not be applicable. Furthermore for R21 grant applications, preliminary data are not required, but when available, should be included. For both the R01 and R21 mechanisms, research that develops new technologies does require the application of principles of fields such as engineering, materials science, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Clear statements of these underlying principles within this section are essential. Item b, BACKGROUND SIGNIFICANCE: Elaborate on the innovative nature of the proposed research. Clarify how the technology development proposed in this project is a significant improvement over existing approaches. Explain the potential of the proposed technology for having a broad impact on neuroscience research or on improved human health. Clearly identify how the project, if successful, would result in new capabilities for research, and how these capabilities would differ from existing technologies. Items a d: (for R21 applications only) Do not exceed a total of ten pages for Items a-d in the Research Plan. Tables and figures are included in the page limitation. Applications that exceed the page limitation or NIH requirements for type size and margins (refer to PHS 398 application for details) will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. The ten-page limitation does not include Items e-I (Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals, Literature Cited, Consortia, and Consultants/Collaborators). 10. Appendix (for R21 applications only) Color illustrations or original photographs may be included in an Appendix. These are allowed only if there are copies of black and white figures appearing in the body of the application. No other appendix material is permitted. Applications not following the above instructions will be returned to the applicant without review. Use the mailing label in the application kit to mail the original and five copies of the application to: CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW (formerly Division of Research Grants) NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines. Applications not adhering to application instructions described above and those applications that are incomplete will be returned to the applicant without review. Initial review groups convened by the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) in accordance with NIH peer review procedures will evaluate applications that are responsive to the program announcement for scientific and technical merit. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and may undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the appropriate National Advisory Council. Review Criteria for R01 Applications The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. In the written review, comments on the following aspects of the application will be made in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in the assignment of the overall score. Significance. Does the study focus on the development of an important technology? If the technological aims of the project are achieved, will it have a significant impact in advancing neuroscience? Approach. Are the experimental and engineering approaches adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? Innovation. Does the project propose new technological approaches or explore new research paradigms in engineering, instrumentation, physical sciences, mathematics, or computer science as applied to neuroscience or challenge existing paradigms in these fields? Investigator. Are the principal investigator and other researchers appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Environment. Does the scientific and technological environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? Review Criteria for R21 Applications o Does the proposed project have potential for developing ground-breaking technology or methodology that may lead to significant expansion of biomedical research horizons or a paradigm shift in research or improved human health? o Degree of innovation: does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? o Does the project have potential for broad impact on biomedical research? o Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? o Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? o Are the available and requested resources adequate to conduct the proposed work? Investigators should be aware that NIH urges applicants to give added attention, where feasible and appropriate, to the inclusion of minorities and women in study populations. If minorities and/or women are not included in a given study involving human subjects, a clear rationale for their exclusion must be provided. The initial review group will also examine the adequacy of the proposed means for protecting against or minimizing potential adverse effects upon humans, animals, or the environment. In addition to review of the merit of the application, the review committee will also examine the appropriateness of the requested budget. AWARD CRITERIA The award of grants is contingent on the receipt of applications of high scientific merit, relevance to the missions of the participating NIH institutes and centers, and the availability of appropriated funds. INQUIRIES Inquiries are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Dr. Richard DuBois Biomedical Technology National Center for Research Resources 6705 Rockledge Drive Room 6160, MSC 7965 Bethesda, MD 20892-7965 Telephone: (301) 435-0755 FAX: (301) 480-3659 Email: richardd@ep.ncrr.nih.gov Dr. Deborah Henken Center for Research for Mothers and Children National Institute for Child Health and Human Development 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 4B01, MSC 7510 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Telephone: (301) 496-5541 FAX: (301) 402-4083 Email: dh50g@nih.gov Dr. Norman Braveman Division of Extramural Research National Institute of Dental Research 45 Center Drive, Room 4AN24 Bethesda, MD 20892-6401 Telephone: (301) 594-2089 FAX: (301) 480-8318 Email: BravemanN@de45.nidr.nih.gov Dr. Thomas Aigner Division of Basic Research National Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10A-19 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-6975 FAX: (301) 594-6443 Email: ta17r@nih.gov Dr. Michael Huerta Division of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Research National Institute of Mental Health Parklawn Building, Room 11-103 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-3563 FAX: (301) 443-1731 Email: mhuerta@helix.nih.gov Dr. William Heetderks Division of Stroke, Trauma, and Neurodegenerative Disorders National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 8A13 Bethesda, MD 20892-9155 Telephone: (301) 496-1447 FAX: (301) 402-1501 Email: Heet@NIH.GOV Dr. Bradley Wise Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3C307, MSC9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX: (301) 496-1494 Email: w86y@nih.gov Dr. Lynn Huerta Division of Human Communication National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400-C, MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 402-3458 FAX: (301) 402-6251 Email: lh99s@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Judith Musgrave Office of Grants Management National Center for Research Resources 6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6086, MSC 7965 Bethesda, MD 20892-7965 Telephone: (301) 435-0844 Email: judithm@ep.ncrr.nih.gov Mr. E. Douglas Shawver Grants Management Branch National Institute for Child Health and Human Development 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 8A17, MSC 7510 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Telephone: (301) 496-1303 Email: Shawver@hd01.nichd.nih.gov Mr. Martin Rubinstein Grants Management Officer National Institute of Dental Research 45 Center Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-6401 Telephone: (301) 594-2089 Email: RubinsteinM@de45.nidr.nih.gov Mr. Gary Fleming, JD Grants Management Branch National Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8A-54 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-6710 Email: gf6s@nih.gov Ms. Diana Trunnell Grants Management Branch National Institute of Mental Health Parklawn Building, Room 7C-08 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-2805 Email: Diana Trunnell@nih.gov Ms. Brenda Kibler Grants Management Specialist National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 1004 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-9231 Email: bk29j@nih.gov Mr. Joseph Ellis Grants Management Officer National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2N212, MSC9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-1472 Email: ellisj@exmur.nia.nih.gov Ms. Sharon Hunt Grants Management Officer National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400-B, MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 402-0909 Email: sh79f@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.371. Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Part A (Public Law 78- 410), as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke- free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro- Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.


Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices



NIH Office of Extramural Research Logo
  Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Home Page Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
  USA.gov - Government Made Easy
NIH... Turning Discovery Into Health®



Note: For help accessing PDF, RTF, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Audio or Video files, see Help Downloading Files.