and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
THE HUMAN BRAIN PROJECT (NEUROINFORMATICS): PHASE I - FEASIBILITY; PHASE II -
REFINEMENTS, MAINTENANCE AND INTEGRATION
RELEASE DATE: December 3, 2002
PA NUMBER: PAR-03-035 (This PAR, requesting applications for the HBP, will not
be reissued after it expires, see NOT-MH-05-014)
(see addendum NOT-EB-03-002)
EXPIRATION DATE: September 23, 2005
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
(http://www.nimh.nih.gov/)
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
(http://www.nci.nih.gov/)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/)
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
(http://www.nia.nih.gov/)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
(http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/)
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
(http://www.nibib1.nih.gov/)
National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
(http://www.nichd.nih.gov/)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
(http://www.nida.nih.gov/)
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
(http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
(http://www.nidr.nih.gov/)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
(http://www.ninds.nih.gov)
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
(http://www.nasa.gov/)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
(http://www.nsf.gov/)
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
(http://www.energy.gov/)
Letter of Intent Receipt Dates: One month prior to receipt date
Application Receipt Dates: January 21 May 21 September 22, 2003
January 21 May 21 September 22, 2004
January 21 May 20 September 22, 2005
THIS PA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
o Purpose of the PA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism(s) of Support
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Special Requirements
o Where to Send Inquiries
o Letter of Intent
o Submitting an Application
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Award Criteria
o Required Federal Citations
PURPOSE OF THIS PA
This PA replaces PAR-99-138.
The purpose of this initiative is to encourage and support investigator-
initiated research on neuroscience informatics (neuroinformatics). This
research will lead to the development of new web based databases, analytical
tools, and knowledge management systems to foster sharing of data for all
domains of neuroscience research. This program combines neuroscience and
informatics (neuroinformatics) research to develop and apply advanced tools and
approaches essential for efficient understanding of the structure, function and
development in health and disorders of the nervous system, from the genetic to
whole systems level. Research in informatics includes databases, graphical
interfaces, querying approaches, information retrieval, data visualization and
manipulation, and data integration through the development of integrated
analytical tools, synthesis, and tools for electronic collaboration. In order
for these advanced information technologies to be put to wide use by the
neuroscience community, they should be generalizable, scalable, extensible, and
interoperable, and be developed in concert with significant neuroscience
research.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Background
In 1991, the Institute of Medicine recommended the concept of mapping the brain
and brain functions and establishing databases for sharing data and information
management in neuroscience (Mapping the Brain and Its Functions: Integrating
Enabling Technologies into Neuroscience Research, 1991, Institute of Medicine,
National Academy Press). The Human Brain Project (HBP) was initiated to achieve
the goals of this report. Reflective of the ongoing Human Brain Project is the
more recent report in 1999, issued by the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development-Megascience Forum, identifying the vital national/international
need for databases in the field of Neuroscience as one of the great challenges
of science for the 21st century.
The Human Brain Project is a broadly based federal research initiative that is
sponsored by sixteen federal organizations from four federal agencies and
coordinated by the NIMH through the activities of the Federal Interagency
Coordinating Committee of the Human Brain Project (FICC-HBP). It is expected
that the neuroscience and informatics research components will be effective
scientific collaborations, rather than parallel efforts. Projects that focus
only upon archival data are not appropriate for the Human Brain Project, while
inclusion of legacy data is encouraged.
Objectives and Goals
Phase I consists of research feasibility studies on advanced technologies and
novel ways to acquire, store, retrieve, manage, analyze, visualize, manipulate,
integrate, synthesize, disseminate and share data about neuroscience research,
including tools for electronic collaboration.
Phase II consists of refinement of Phase I activities, building on
accomplishments in Phase I and will include, but not limited to: expanded beta
testing, with appropriate documentation and testing at multiple sites;
improvements and refinement of the web based capabilities; development of
appropriate models and simulation capabilities; development of neuroscience
grids where necessary and appropriate; and, integration with other related
websites through the creation of federations. Phase II applications should plan
to ensure that neuroscience databases and analytical tools will be interoperable
with other resources, incorporate the capacity for linkage with legacy data, and
present a plan for continued updating and maintenance. Applications for Phase
II are not required to have had Phase I support. However, they must clearly
demonstrate that equivalent neuroscience and informatics research has been
accomplished on databases, software or hardware, which now require Phase II
activities and support.
The goal of the Human Brain Project is to develop novel and innovative web based
capabilities to store, analyze, share, collaborate, integrate, resolve, model,
visualize, and interpret the complex experimental data from basic and clinical
nervous system research. These research capabilities will facilitate
understanding the nervous system by providing easy access to data and tools.
These novel approaches include:
o Databases, querying approaches, data acquisition, and information retrieval:
The diversity of data types in neuroscience research will require unique
collection tools, databases and graphical interfaces that can accommodate varied
data types (e.g., numerical, textual, graphic, image, time series).
o Data visualization, graphical interfaces and manipulation tools:
Neuroscience research produces complex interrelated structural and functional
data across the lifespan. The structural data may be quantified through visual
methods and manipulations. On this basis, novel approaches are needed to
manipulate, visualize, and analyze complex structural and functional data sets.
o Technologies for data synthesis and integration and electronic collaboration.
The creation of an advanced capability is needed for: shared virtual reality
space through the use of novel forms of "groupware" with tools for data
acquisition, display, interoperability, querying and manipulation; consolidation
and federation of related databases and tools; use of the data and computational
grid by developing appropriate middleware for community use; and creating
bridging capabilities to access other field specific databases and tools, such
as those associated with the Human Genome Project and the Macromolecular
Structure Database, etc.
Driven by considerable demands made by the diversity, quantity, and complexity
of nervous system data, neuroinformatics research will enable neuroscience
research to efficiently expand its knowledge. Moreover, it is likely that
solutions devised through neuroinformatics research may be generalizable to a
wide range of scientific fields with broad applications. These new discoveries
will lay the foundation for potential new breakthroughs in biomedical research.
The creation of shared neuroscience knowledge management systems, via
development of new web-based databases and tools should allow enhanced
horizontal and vertical integration of complex multi- and interdisciplinary data
on the nervous system. Evolving from these discoveries is the potential to
assemble an array of new clinical procedures, computer enhanced learning
systems, and prosthetic devices that will markedly improve the diagnosis,
prevention, and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
MECHANISMS OF SUPPORT
This PA will use the NIH Research Project Grant (R01), Exploratory Center Grant
(P20), and Program Project Grant (P01) award mechanisms. As an applicant, you
will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed
project.
R01 applications submitted under this PA use just-in-time concepts
(http://odoerdb2.od.nih.gov/gmac/topics/jit_main.html).
R01s also follow the modular as well as the non-modular budgeting formats (see
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm). Specifically, if you
are submitting an R01 application with direct costs in each year of $250,000 or
less, use the modular format. Otherwise, follow the instructions for
non-modular research grant applications.
R01 Mechanism
The research project grant (R01) mechanism will allow investigators to work on
highly focused projects related to the integration of informatics research with
brain, behavioral, and/or computational research. Applications may include
requests for support of expenses for travel and per diem expenses to several
laboratories to initiate or explore the possibility of setting up collaboration.
It is essential that the scientific questions to be pursued and the unique
contribution of each potential group member be explicitly stated.
P01 and P20 Mechanisms
These awards provide the opportunity for several investigators using different
approaches to focus on a common problem. The grants will facilitate coordinated
research across disciplinary and geographic boundaries. These mechanisms are
intended specifically to support interdisciplinary research and feasibility
studies. Not all federal organizations will provide primary support for P01 and
P20 grants. Therefore, prior to preparing an application for this mechanism,
prospective applicants should contact program staff
(http://www.nimh.nih.gov/neuroinformatics/agencycontacts.cfm).
The Program Project (P01) is for the support of a broadly based,
multidisciplinary, often long-term research program that has a specific major
objective or a basic theme. A program project generally involves the
organized efforts of relatively large groups, members of which are conducting
research projects designed to elucidate the various aspects or components of
this objective. Each research project is usually under the leadership of an
established investigator. The grant can provide support for certain basic
resources used by the investigators. Each project supported through this
mechanism should contribute or be directly related to the common theme of the
total research effort. A Program Project is required to have a minimum of
three projects. These scientifically meritorious projects should demonstrate
an essential element of unity and interdependence, i.e., a system of research
activities and projects directed toward a well-defined research program goal.
The Exploratory Grant mechanism (P20) is used to support feasibility studies
to explore various approaches to the development of interdisciplinary
programs that offer potential solutions to problems of special significance
to the mission of the Human Brain Project. These exploratory studies may
lead to specialized or comprehensive centers.
These applications are characterized by the synergy of their constituent
projects (three or more). Each grant application must demonstrate the
interrelationship of its constituent projects, and also indicate how the
inclusion of each project will enhance the overall goals of the research.
Each grant must have a combination of informatics research and basic and/or
clinical neuroscience research components, with each component well integrated
with one another. The Principal Investigator must have the demonstrated ability
to organize, administer, and direct the grant, and must commit at least 25
percent effort to the grant and be a Project Leader on one of the research
projects.
Group members: Each Program Project (P01) and Exploratory Center (P20) grant
will be composed of several laboratories, projects, and/or cores. It is
expected that the Project Leaders of the constituent laboratories or projects
will be regarded as leaders in their respective fields.
Appropriate communication will be established among different laboratories,
projects and cores within a given feasibility grant. With evidence of adequate
electronic communication channels, individuals need not all be at the same
geographic location.
For information on NINDS P01 guidelines:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/ppg_guidelines.htm#guidelines.
NINDS will not accept applications that do not conform to the specific NINDS
guidelines for a given mechanism.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS
You may submit (an) application(s) if your institution has any of the following
characteristics:
o For-profit or non-profit organizations
o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals,
and laboratories
o Units of State and local governments
o Eligible agencies of the Federal government
o Domestic or foreign. Foreign institutions are not eligible for P01 or P20
grants.
INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out
the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an
application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic
groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply
for NIH programs.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Neuroinformatics research is expected to lead to advanced information
technologies and approaches for the neuroscience community. The Human Brain
Project supports investigator-initiated projects that require a neuroscience
research component well integrated with an informatics research component. This
initiative will provide support for either or both of these components, provided
that any component for which funding is not requested is already funded under
another peer-reviewed, federal research program. Each application should have
substantial involvement of neuroscience and informatics researchers as principal
investigators, other key personnel, or as very active consultants. In order to
meet the long-term nature and breadth of this initiative, research projects with
the following characteristics are sought.
Generalizable: For example, algorithms for quantifying differences in three-
dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of data obtained from electron microscopy
should generalize to volume data from confocal microscopy and MRI of whole
brains.
Research performed on sophisticated platforms: This initiative is a long-term
program to support research and development of advanced information technologies
for the neuroscience community. Computers that are considered to be
sophisticated by current standards are likely to be widely available in five or
ten years. Today's low-end machines are likely to be obsolete by the time that
the tools currently being developed are available to the scientific
community-at-large.
Extensible, scalable and interoperable: Phase I research efforts will lead to
tools and approaches intended for the scientific community-at-large, rather than
for an individual laboratory. In order to achieve this goal, it is important that
issues of scalability and extensibility be addressed from the outset. Phase II
will need to also focus on extensibility and scalability and, in addition, consider
the importance of interoperability with other tools, databases and workstations.
User-friendly databases and tools should be designed using classical proven
approaches shown to have utility in widely used applications. Appropriate
documentation also will be needed for all newly developed products. In
addition, software should be created to allow for the direct collection of
experimental data, and the transfer and use of the designed database analytical
tool or model.
Designed to assess progress: Since research and development programs are
ultimately intended to be used by a wide range of laboratories, it is important
that methods to assess progress towards achieving the objective of this
neuroinformatics initiative be carefully addressed by an evaluation plan, in
both Phase I and Phase II. This includes the development and documentation of
standards by which tools are to be tested for reliability and accuracy.
Permanence and Maintenance (Not required in Phase I): The lifetime value and
use of hardware or software is a function of its broad utilization by the
community. For this to occur, a plan must be presented in Phase II for the
continued support of these capabilities. This plan can be developed using a
variety of options available to the investigator; however, the plan must be
viable and self-sustaining, and not be totally dependent upon support derived
from federal funding. Each project will report the attainment of proposed
specific aims through progress reports and the timely publication and
dissemination of results, including aspects such as software, database designs,
and source codes.
It is strongly encouraged that researchers funded under the Human Brain Project
communicate, coordinate and collaborate with each other. Supplemental funds may
be competitively awarded to projects to support such interactions. A listing of
investigators participating in Phase I and Phase II is located at the Human
Brain Project website (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/neuroinformatics/index.cfm), and
the types of data, software, and other information available from them will be
shared among all grantees to minimize unnecessary duplication of effort.
Grantees are expected to participate in (1) the Annual Spring Human Brain
Project Meeting of Agencies and Grantees at NIH, as well as (2) an Annual
Principal Investigators Meeting to be rotated among the funded sites. These
meetings will promote communication among different groups of investigators.
(See section on Post Award Management.)
NIH is interested in ensuring that the research resources developed through this
Program Announcement become readily available to the research community for
further research, development, and application, in the expectation that this
will lead to products and knowledge of benefit to the public. At the same time,
NIH recognizes the rights of grantees to elect and retain title to subject
inventions developed under federal funding under the provision of the Bayh-Dole
Act. For inventions developed in its intramural program, NIH does file patent
applications, in accord with a set of policies described at
http://www.nih.gov/od/ott/200po6.htm.
Grantees are encouraged to perfect copyright protection of software produced as
a result of Human Brain Project funding
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2001/nihgps_2001.pdf. These should
include prominent notification in the software and its documentation that the
software is copyrighted. Notification could consist of the following:
Copyright c [year] by [your name, the names of you and your colleagues, or the
name of your institution] with funding from the Human Brain Project.
This notification will identify the source of the software and help ensure that
the software can be shared freely while protecting any commercial rights in it.
In addition, grantees will be required to agree that they will provide the
primary funding organization, upon its request and at a reasonable cost, a copy
of any software produced under this Human Brain Project funding, with the
understanding that the federal organizations directly involved with this Project
will have the right to use such software for internal research and archival
purposes only, and will not permit its distribution beyond those organizations.
Application components related to ethical, legal, and social issues pertinent to
this initiative are encouraged. Also encouraged are components of applications
that are designed to reach out to the public, academic, and/or commercial
sectors to help educate and inform about the available opportunities provided by
research and development in the neuroinformatics field.
Availability of Computational Resources
The choice of computational resources to be used in Human Brain Project research
is entirely that of the applicant and the range of appropriate resources extends
across the entire spectrum of computer technology. Nevertheless, some
investigators may be interested in using, or collaborating with those using
supercomputers, massively parallel computers, and other advanced technologies
that may not be available at their institution. To facilitate such use and
collaboration, the following information is provided:
The NSF supports High Performance Computer Centers and Science and Technology
Centers. Individuals considering applications for supercomputer use should
contact these centers early in the application development process.
Cornell Theory Center, Linda Callahan, 514 Engineering and Theory Center
Building, Ithaca, NY 14853-3801, Telephone (607) 254-8610,
Email [email protected]
National Center for Atmospheric Research, Scientific Computing Division
Visitor/User Information, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307, Telephone (303) 497-
1225, Email [email protected]
National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Melissa Johnson, 605 East
Springfield Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820-5518, Telephone (217) 244-0645, Email
[email protected]
Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, Robert B. Stock, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh,
PA 15213, Telephone (412) 268-4960, Email [email protected]
San Diego Supercomputer Center, Nancy Wilkins-Diehr, P.O. Box 85608, San Diego,
CA 92186-9784, Telephone (619) 534-5130, Email [email protected]
In addition, NASA will make available computational resources of the Bio-
Visualization, Imaging and Simulation (BioVIS) Technology Center at Ames
Research Center, Moffett Field, California. These resources include
computer-controlled transmission and scanning electron and light microscopy for
semiautomatic 3-D reconstruction of neural tissue, distributed simulation
environments, physical-based modeling, neural-based learning and navigational
simulations, high-performance workstations, supercomputers, and massively
parallel computers.
A scientist interested in using the BioVIS as part of their Human Brain Project
must submit a written request for facility use to the BioVIS Director prior to
submitting an application to the Public Health Service. This request must state
the objectives of the intended work and the approaches to be used. This request
must also provide enough information to allow BC staff to assess whether or not
the intended use is within the capability of the BioVIS. In addition, this
request must provide information necessary to allow BioVIS staff to determine
the amount of time the proposed work will require. For online information on
BioVIS please go to http://biovis.arc.nasa.gov/.
The BioVIS staff will provide the requesting scientist an itemized estimate of
the costs for BC resources needed to achieve the stated objectives. The
scientist will use this estimate as part of the budget justification in the
Public Health Service application for funds to support the Human Brain Project
research. Requests for BioVIS use are to be sent to: Dr. Richard Boyle,
Director BioVIS Technology Center, MS 23911, Ames Research Center, Moffett
Field, CA 94035-1000.
WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES
NIH encourages your inquiries concerning this PA and welcome the opportunity to
answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three
areas: general programmatic and scientific/research, peer review, and financial
or grants management issues. Representatives from each of the participating
agencies, institutes and center can be contacted for further information or
clarification.
o General programmatic inquiries regarding the Human Brain Project should be
directed to:
Stephen H. Koslow, Ph.D.
Chair, FICC-HBP
Office on Neuroinformatics
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6167, MSC 9613
Bethesda, MD 20892-9613
Telephone: (301) 443-1815
FAX: (301) 443-1867
Email: [email protected]
A current list of Agency Contacts may be found at:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/neuroinformatics/agencycontacts.cfm
o Questions regarding scientific issues, management issues, or issues on cores
related to participating ICs may be directed to these individuals:
National Institute of Mental Health
Michael D. Hirsch, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, Office on Neuroinformatics
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6167, MSC 9613
Bethesda, MD 20892-9613
Telephone: (301) 443-1815
FAX: (301) 443-1867
Email: [email protected]
National Cancer Institute
Guoying Liu, Ph.D.
Diagnostic Imaging Program/DCTD
6130 Executive Boulevard, Room 6062, MSC 7412
Bethesda, MD 20892-7412
Telephone: (301) 594-5220
FAX: (301) 480-3507
Email: [email protected]
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Carl E. Hunt, M.D.
Director, National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 10038, MSC 7920
Bethesda, MD 20892-7920
Telephone: (301) 435-0199
FAX: (301) 480-3451
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Aging
Molly V. Wagster, Ph.D.
Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program
7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3C307, MSC 9205
Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
Telephone: (301) 496-9350
FAX: (301) 496-1494
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Antonio Noronha, Ph.D.
Chief, Neuroscience & Behavioral Research Branch
Division of Basic Research
6001 Executive Boulevard, Suite 402, MSC 7003
Bethesda, MD 20892-7003
Telephone: (301) 443-7722
FAX: (301) 594-0673
Email: [email protected]
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Biomedical Engineering
John W. Haller, Ph.D.
Program Director
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20892-2077
Telephone: (301) 451-4780
FAX: (301) 480-4973
Email: [email protected]
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Lisa Freund, Ph.D.
Director, Research Programs in Developmental Psychobiology and Neuroscience
Human Learning and Behavior Branch
Center for Research for Mothers and Children
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 4B05, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD 20892-7510
Telephone: (301) 435-6879
FAX: (301) 480-7773
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Thomas Aigner, Ph.D.
Division of Basic Research
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 4282, MSC 9555
Bethesda, MD 20892-9555
Telephone: (301) 443-6975
FAX: (301) 594-6043
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Barry Davis, Ph.D.
Director, Taste and Smell Program
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400C, MSC 7180
Bethesda, MD 20892-7180
Telephone: (301) 402-3464
FAX: (301) 402-6251
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Dental and Craniofacial Research
Eleni Kousvelari, DDS, D.Sc.
Chief, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physiology and Biotechnology Branch
Division of Basic and Translational Sciences
45 Center Drive, Room 4AN-18A, MSC 6402
Bethesda, MD 20892-6402
Telephone: (301) 594-2427
FAX: (301) 480-8318
Email: [email protected]
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Yuan Liu, Ph.D.
Program Director, Channels, Synapses, and Circuits
Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 2110, MSC 9523
Bethesda, MD 20892-9523
Telephone: (301) 496-1917
FAX: (301) 480-2424
Email: [email protected]
National Library of Medicine
Carol Bean, Ph.D.
Program Officer, Division of Extramural Programs
6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 301, MSC 7968
Bethesda, MD 20892-7968
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for courier/express service)
Telephone: (301) 594-4882
FAX: (301) 402-2952
Email: [email protected]
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Marc Shepanek, Ph.D.
300 E Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20546
Telephone: (202) 358-2201
FAX: (202) 358-4168
Email: [email protected]
National Science Foundation
Soo-Siang Lim, Ph.D. or
Diane Witt, Ph.D.
Behavioral Neuroscience and Neuroendocrinology Program
Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 685S
Arlington, VA 22230
Telephone: (703) 292-8423
FAX: (703) 292-9153
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
U.S. Department of Energy
Dean Cole, Ph.D.
Office of Biological and Environmental Research
Medical Science Division
SC-73/Germantown Building
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585-1290
Telephone: (301) 903-3268
FAX: (301) 903-0567
Email: [email protected]
o Direct your questions about peer review issues to:
Peter M. Lyster, Ph.D.
Scientific Review Administrator
Center for Scientific Review
6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm. 5218, MSC 7850
Bethesda, MD 20892-7850
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service)
Telephone: (301) 435-1256
FAX: (301) 480-2241
Email: [email protected]
o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to:
National Institute of Mental Health
Joy R. Knipple
Grants Management Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6131, MSC 9605
Bethesda, MD 20892-9605
Telephone: (301) 443-8811
FAX: (301) 443-6885
Email: [email protected]
National Cancer Institute
Grants Management Branch
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 243, MSC 7150
Bethesda, MD 20892-7150
Telephone: (301) 496-7800
FAX: (301) 496-8601
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Raymond L. Zimmerman
Grants Operations Branch
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7174, MSC 7926
Bethesda, MD 20892-7926
Telephone: (301) 435-0171
FAX: (301) 480-3310
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Aging
Linda Whipp
Grants and Contracts Management Office
7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2N212, MSC 9205
Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
Telephone: (301) 496-1472
FAX: (301) 402-3672
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Judy Fox
Grants Management Branch
6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 504, MSC 7003
Bethesda, MD 20892-7003
Telephone: (301) 443-4704
FAX: (301) 443-3891
Email: [email protected]
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Biomedical Engineering
Lisa Moeller
Grants Management Specialist
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 983, MSC 5469
Bethesda, MD 20892-5469
Telephone: (301) 451-4793
FAX: (301) 480-4974
Email: [email protected]
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Douglas E. Shawver
Grants Management Branch
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 8A17F, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD 20892-7510
Telephone: (301) 435-6999
FAX: (301) 402-0915
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A.
Chief, Grants Management Officer
Grants Management Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3131, MSC 9541
Bethesda, MD 20892-9541
Telephone: (301) 443-6710
FAX: (301) 594-6849
Email: [email protected]
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Sara Stone
Grants Management Branch
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400-B, MSC 7180
Bethesda, MD 20892-7180
Telephone: (301) 402-0909
FAX: (301) 402-1758
Email: [email protected]
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Bonnie Smith
Division of Extramural Research
45 Center Drive, Room 4AN-44 MSC 6402
Bethesda, MD 20892-6402
Telephone: (301) 594-4800
FAX: (301) 480-8301
Email: [email protected]
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Chris Zimmerman
Grants Management Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3290, MSC 9523
Bethesda, MD 20892-9523
Telephone: (301)496-3107
FAX: (301) 402-0219
Email: [email protected]
National Library of Medicine
Dwight Mowery
Grants Management Branch
6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 301, MSC 7968
Bethesda, MD 20892-7968
Telephone: (301) 496-4221
FAX: (301) 402-2952
Email: [email protected]
LETTER OF INTENT
It is recommended that applicants contact the appropriate program official(s)
listed under INQUIRIES and submit a letter of intent that includes the following
information:
o Descriptive title of the proposed research
o Name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator
o Names of other key personnel
o Participating institutions
o Number and title of this PA
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter
into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains
allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.
Each letter of intent will be distributed to all of the sponsoring agencies,
institutes and center.
The letter of intent is to be submitted to Dr. Stephen H. Koslow at the address
listed above, by the receipt dates listed in the heading of this PA.
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application
instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). The PHS 398 is available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive
format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267,
Email [email protected].
The NIH encourages applicants to access application instructions and forms, via
the Internet. Certain forms are available electronically on the NIH Home Page
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm). Instructions for downloading
documents and electronic forms can be accessed at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/edocs.htm
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATES: Applications submitted in response to this program
announcement will be accepted on the application receipt dates listed in the
heading of this PA.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS: R01 Applications
requesting up to $250,000 per year in direct costs must be submitted in a
modular grant format. The modular grant format simplifies the preparation of
the budget in these applications by limiting the level of budgetary detail.
Applicants request direct costs in $25,000 modules. Section C of the research
grant application instructions for the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html includes step-by-step
guidance for preparing modular grants. Additional information on modular grants
is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm.
See additional comments below on travel support for the R01 mechanism (under
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE HBP).
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATIONS REQUESTING $500,000 OR MORE PER YEAR:
Applications requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year must
include a cover letter identifying the NIH staff member within one of NIH
institutes or centers who has agreed to accept assignment of the application.
Applicants requesting more than $500,000 must carry out the following steps:
1) Contact the Institute/Center (IC) program staff at least 6 weeks before
submitting the application, i.e., as you are developing plans for the study;
2) Obtain agreement from the IC staff that the IC will accept your application
for consideration for award; and
3) Identify, in a cover letter sent with the application, the staff member and
IC who agreed to accept assignment of the application.
This policy applies to all investigator-initiated new (type 1), competing
continuation (type 2), competing supplement, or any amended or revised version
of these grant application types. Additional information on this policy is
available in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, October 19, 2001 at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-004.html.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS: Each application must clearly articulate the manner in
which the informatics research components relate to, and are integrated with the
neuroscience research component(s). Each application must describe specific
mechanisms proposed to evaluate the success of the research in terms of
feasibility.
R01 Mechanism: For the R01 mechanism, applicants must follow the instructions
provided in the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001). Funds to support
travel to the two-day Annual Spring Human Brain Project Meeting of Agencies and
Grantees should be included in the budget for the principal investigator and up
to one additional key member of the research team. Funds should also be
budgeted for the principal investigator to participate in the Annual Principal
Investigators Meeting.
P01 and P20 Mechanism: The application must describe the specific research
hypotheses to be tested and how they relate to the overall research issue to be
addressed. In applications for the P20 mechanism, funds to support travel to
the two-day Annual Spring Human Brain Project Meeting of Agencies and Grantees
should be included in the budget for the principal investigator (the director of
the grant), the director of each subproject and core, and up to one additional
key member from the P01 or P20 research team. Funds should also be budgeted for
the principal investigator to participate in the Annual Principal Investigators
Meeting.
For the P01 and P20 applications only, the Research Plan Section of PHS Form 398
(Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Progress Report/Preliminary
Studies, and Research Design and Methods) should be replaced by the following:
General Description of the Overall Project (Not to exceed 10 pages): The
applicant must provide an overview of the proposed project and its central theme
and goals, describe the general objectives, and explain the proposed
contribution of each of the individual projects and cores towards achieving
these objectives. Furthermore, the administrative arrangements and support
necessary to effect the research should be carefully described in this section.
In particular, when more than one institutional site is involved, a detailed
description and supporting documentation for the administrative arrangements
must be included. Detailed information on collaborations, recruitment,
facilities, and resources must also be provided.
Individual Projects (Not to exceed 15 pages for any one project): The applicant
must describe the major objectives and goals of each individual project and its
relationship to the effort of the entire group of constituent projects. Where
appropriate, an Information Model should be presented to describe, define and
conceptualize the problem domain. In addition, detailed descriptions should be
provided on the following:
Research Plan: The questions to be addressed and the hypotheses to be tested by
the proposed research should be highly focused and fully explained. Full
discussion is required on the status of current research efforts, the
limitations of existing approaches, and how the research questions posed relate
to the objectives of the Human Brain Project. In addition, the integrative
relationship between the brain and/or behavioral research component and the
informatics research component components should be made explicit, as should the
novelty of the informatics research component.
Experimental Plan: The description of the experimental design should provide
the specific strategies proposed to accomplish the specific aims of the project
in clear detail and should include a discussion of the innovative aspects of the
approach. New methodology and its advantage over existing methodologies should
be fully described. The feasibility of the proposed experiments, the potential
pitfalls, alternative approaches, means of assessing success of research to meet
the objectives of the Phase I or Phase II of the project, and relevance to the
goals of the project as a whole should be fully discussed. The methods to be
used should be cited and referenced.
Cores (not to exceed 5 pages for any one core): If cores are required, the
applicant must describe how each core will contribute to the goals of the
overall project as well as how each individual project will draw upon a
particular core. The description of each core should clearly indicate the
facilities, resources, services and professional skills that the facility will
provide. Moreover, clearly described information must be provided about how the
collective operation of the cores will be effected in a coherent manner.
Operational Plan: A description of the resources (local and collaborative) and
working and logistical arrangements required to implement the research plan
should be fully elaborated. If a project includes a clinical component,
attention should be devoted to a description of the clinical populations and
tissue resources. A distinction must be made between those resources that are
already in place (including staff) versus those resources that must be added to
carry out the proposed research.
Permanence and Maintenance Plan: The lifetime value and use of hardware or
software is a function of its broad utilization by the community. For this to
occur, a plan must be presented in Phase II for the continued support of these
capabilities. This plan can be developed from a variety of options; however,
the plan must be viable and self-sustaining, and not be dependent upon support
derived from federal funding in its entirety.
SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: The title and number of the program
announcement must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form
and the YES box must be marked. In addition, Phase I or Phase II should be
indicated. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including
the checklist, and five signed photocopies in one package to:
Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service)
Schedule
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: Dec 21 Apr 21 Aug 22
Application Receipt Date: Jan 21 May 21 Sep 22
Scientific Review: Jun/Jul Oct/Nov Feb/Mar
Advisory Council Review: Sep/Oct Jan/Feb May/Jun
Earliest Starting Date: Dec Apr Jul
APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received by the application
receipt dates listed in the heading of this PA. The CSR will not accept any
application in response to this PA that is essentially the same as one currently
pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application.
The CSR will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one
already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of a substantial
revision of an application already reviewed, but such application must include
an Introduction addressing the previous critique.
PEER REVIEW PROCESS
Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral
guidelines. A special scientific review group convened in accordance with the
standard NIH peer review procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will
evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit.
As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:
o Receive a written critique
o Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest
scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under review, will
be discussed and assigned a priority score
o Receive a second level review by the appropriate national advisory council or
board
REVIEW CRITERIA
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 comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following aspects of
your application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research
will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals:
o Significance
o Approach
o Innovation
o Investigator
o Environment
The scientific review group will address and consider each of these criteria in
assigning your application's overall score, weighting them as appropriate for
each application. Your application does not need to be strong in all categories
to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high
priority score. For example, you may propose to carry out important work that
by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward.
(1) SIGNIFICANCE: Does your study address an important problem? If the aims of
your application are achieved, how do they advance scientific knowledge? What
will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this
field?
(2) APPROACH: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses
adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the
project? Do you acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative
tactics?
(3) INNOVATION: Does your project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods?
Are the aims original and innovative? Does your project challenge existing
paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies?
(4) INVESTIGATOR: Are you appropriately trained and well suited to carry out
this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to your experience level as the
principal investigator and to that of other researchers (if any)?
(5) ENVIRONMENT: Does the scientific environment in which your 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?
ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, your application
will also be reviewed with respect to the following:
PROTECTIONS: The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals, or
the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project
proposed in the application.
INCLUSION: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all
racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the
scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of
subjects will also be evaluated. (See Inclusion Criteria included in the section
on Federal Citations, below)
DATA SHARING: The adequacy of the proposed plan to share data.
BUDGET: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of
support in relation to the proposed research.
OTHER REVIEW CRITERIA: The research project (R01) grant funding mechanism will
be used under this program announcement to allow investigators to work on highly
focused projects related to the integration of informatics research with
neuroscience and/or behavioral research. In contrast, the program project
research grant (P01) and the exploratory center (P20) grant funding mechanism
will provide the opportunity for several investigators using different
approachesto focus on a common problem, and to facilitate coordinated
communication acrossdisciplinary and geographic boundaries. Therefore, the
initial review group needs to adequately consider differences in the respective
application requirements and their major section components when applying these
5 review criteria.
HBP Phase I applications are to support feasibility research on advanced
technologies and novel approaches to create and render data about the brain and
behavior more generalizable, scalable, extensible, and interoperable. Hence,
the peer review of these applications requires a full assessment of the
feasibility of these applications to accomplish their specific major stated
objectives.
For Human Brain Project Phase II applications, both those submitted as new
applications and those representing previously funded competitive renewal
(type 2) grants under the HBP program, a detailed "Progress Report" should be
provided in support of the proposed project. This report, which will be
considered as an important part of the initial review, should include detail
about the major accomplishments to date, and currently described plans for
further improvement, documentation, and multi-site testing of advanced
technologies and tools for shared distribution across the wider community of
neuroscientists and neuroinformaticians. Concerning the latter, relevant
information should be included about the validation, expanded beta testing, and
further refinement of newly developed tools; the development of appropriate
models and simulation capabilities; the interoperability of information sharing;
and a careful evaluation of these products for general distribution among the
neuroscience and neuroinformatics research communities. The operational,
maintenance and evaluation plans should be realistic and deal with relevant
issues. These issues should be considered both in terms of their being state-of
-the-art, yet also with perspective toward future developments.
AWARD CRITERIA
Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended
applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
o Scientific merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review
o Availability of funds
o Relevance to program priorities
POST-AWARD MANAGEMENT
The FICC-HBP committee maintains a Human Brain Project/Neuroinformatics web site
in order to provide the public and scientists with the most recent activities of
this program (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/neuroinformatics/index.cfm). Each funded
grant application will be listed and briefly described (provided by the
principal investigator), and links provided to connect interested parties
directly to the HBP grantees' web site. The grantees' web page to which the
link connects should indicate the program support from the Human Brain Project,
the individual supporting Agencies/Institutes and the Logo. The individual web
sites of grantees are expected to contain complete and accurate information on
the activities of their funded Human Brain Project, and to be maintained by the
principal investigator to ensure that it contains the most current information
on the project, as well as the availability of new resources or capabilities
created via this mechanism. The Human Brain Project web site also contains a
listing of all publications, software, hardware, and patents that have resulted
from this funding. The principal investigator shall provide, at a minimum, to
the coordinating Human Brain Project Office an updated listing of these results,
electronically in cold fusion, at least two times per year. This list should
contain appropriate hot links to allow individuals to find either the source
document and/or additional directly relevant information. Grantees are expected
to participate in the Annual Spring Human Brain Project Meeting of Agencies and
Grantees and the Annual Principal Investigators Meeting. These meetings will
promote communications among different groups of HBP investigators, who are
involved in research, curricula development, and career development and/or other
cross-training activities in neuroinformatics. All publications and meeting
abstracts and products resulting from HBP funding should give appropriate
citation to the Human Brain Project and the funding Institutes and Agencies.
REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS
MONITORING PLAN AND DATA SAFETY AND MONITORING BOARD: Research components
involving Phase I and II clinical trials must include provisions for assessment
of patient eligibility and status, rigorous data management, quality assurance,
and auditing procedures. In addition, it is NIH policy that all clinical trials
require data and safety monitoring, with the method and degree of monitoring
being commensurate with the risks (NIH Policy for Data Safety and Monitoring,
NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, June 12, 1998:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH: It is the policy of the
NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be
included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and
compelling justification is provided indicating 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 clinical research should read the AMENDMENT "NIH
Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical
Research - Amended, October, 2001," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and
Contracts on October 9, 2001
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html);
a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm.
The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical
research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB
standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical
trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and
responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy
continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that:
a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of
plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender
and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and
b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses,
as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.
INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS: The
NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21)
must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the
NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. This
policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt dates
after October 1, 1998.
All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the
"NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in
research involving human subjects that is available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm
REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS: NIH policy
requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all
investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human subjects.
You will find this policy announcement in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
Announcement, dated June 5, 2000, at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.
HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS: Criteria for federal funding of research on hESCs
can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/stem_cells.htm and at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only
research using lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell
Registry will be eligible for federal funding (see http://escr.nih.gov). It is
the responsibility of the applicant to provide the official NIH identifier(s)for
the line(s)to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not
provide this information will be returned without review.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: The
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide
public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is
supported in whole or in part with federal funds and (2) cited publicly and
officially by a federal agency in support of an action that has the force and
effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is
important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment.
NIHhas provided guidance at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.
Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public archive,
which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an
indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description
of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in
the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants
should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human
subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under
this award.
URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals
for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations.
Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs)
should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because
reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore, we
caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly
access an Internet site.
HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving
the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA is related to
one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of
"Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/.
AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Nos. 93.242 (NIMH), 93.279 (NIDA), 47.074 (NSF), 93.866
(NIA), 93.865 (NICHD), 93.173 (NIDCD), 93.879 (NLM), 81.049 (DOE), 93.273
(NIAAA), 93.838 (NHLBI), 93.121 (NIDCR), 93.395 (NCI), 93.287 (NIBIB), 93.853
(NINDS), 43.002 (NASA) and is not subject to the intergovernmental review
requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards
are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health
Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants
policies described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm and under
Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.
The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free
workplace and discourage the 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
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