MIDCAREER INVESTIGATOR AWARD IN MOUSE PATHOBIOLOGY RESEARCH

Release Date:  February 19, 1999

PA NUMBER:  PAR-99-065

P.T.

National Center for Research Resources
National Institute on Aging

Application Receipt Dates:  February 1, June 1, and October 1

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology Research
is to provide support for established pathobiologists to allow them protected
time to devote to mouse pathobiology research and to act as mentors for
beginning investigators.  The target candidates are outstanding  scientists
engaged in pathobiology research who are within 15 years of their specialty
training, who can demonstrate the need for a period of intensive research
focus as a means of enhancing their research careers, and who are committed to
mentoring the next generation of mouse pathobiologists. The award is intended
to further the research and mentoring endeavors of outstanding mouse
pathobiologists, enable them to expand their potential to make significant
contributions to their field of research, and to act as mentors for beginning
investigators.

The NIH is especially interested in increasing the number of scientists
trained to conduct high-quality mouse pathobiology research. The award is
intended to relieve mouse pathobiologists from time consuming service
obligations and administrative responsibilities, thereby increasing the
opportunities for their own research and for mentoring the next generation of
mouse pathobiologists. This initiative is in response to recommendations of
the NIH meeting on "Priority Setting for Mouse Genomics and Genetics
Resources," to pressures created by the great increase in the numbers of
genetically altered mice being used by the biomedical research community, and
to the burgeoning opportunities for mouse pathobiology research in this
environment.

The objectives of the Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology
Research are to:

-  encourage midcareer pathobiologists to devote more time to mouse
pathobiology research and to mentoring beginning investigators by relieving
these midcareer investigators from time consuming service obligations.

-  increase the pool of mouse pathologists who can conduct mouse pathology
studies, capitalizing on the exciting discoveries being made using genetically
altered mice for biomedical research.

This Award will enable candidates holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or
equivalent degree (see ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS below) to undertake up to five
years (a minimum of three years is required) of enhanced mouse pathobiology
research, thereby further developing their research skills, devoting time to
mouse pathobiology research, and acting as mentors and role models for
beginning investigators.

The prospective candidate for the Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse
Pathobiology Research should propose a period of research consistent with
his/her research and/or clinical experience and with the proposed further
development of his/her research skills.  All programs should be carefully
tailored to meet the individual needs of the candidate and must include a
description of a research project that meets the definition of mouse
pathobiology research.  In addition, the candidate should have a demonstrated
record of conducting meritorious pathobiology research and have experience in
mentoring (or  demonstrate mentoring capabilities) and should describe
mentoring activities that will involve beginning investigators with little or
no research experience.  The candidate must have significant, peer reviewed
research support at the time of application for this program.  This award is
intended to enable the candidate to devote a greater percent of his/her effort
to mouse pathobiology research.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service 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 program Announcement, Midcareer
Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology  Research, is related to the priority
area of human resource development. Potential candidates 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) from the Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202/512-1800)
or electronically (http://www.crisny.org/health/us/health7.html).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Most candidates for this award will have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by the American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  In addition, individuals holding other
clinical (such as the M.D.) or research (such as the Ph.D.) degree(s) may
apply for the award if they have been certified or have demonstrated the
necessary expertise to perform high quality, funded research in mouse
pathobiology. Candidates must have completed their specialty or research
training within 15 years of submitting the application, and there is no age
limit for candidates. In exceptional circumstances, the period of eligibility
may be extended if it can be demonstrated that candidates had an interruption
in their career progression due to family or personal circumstances.

Candidates must be working in a research environment, conducting mouse
pathobiology research and have significant peer reviewed research support. 
Candidates must be willing to spend  up to 50 percent effort (at least 25%)
conducting mouse pathobiology research and mentoring. Candidates must describe
a research and mentoring program that will meet their individual needs and
capabilities.

Applications may be submitted on behalf of candidates by domestic, non-Federal
organizations, public or private, such as universities, veterinary, medical,
dental, or nursing schools or other institutions of higher education. 
Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 
At the time of award, candidates must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of
the United States, or must have been lawfully admitted to the United States
for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien
Registration Receipt Card I- 551, or other legal verification of such status). 
Noncitizen nationals are generally persons born in outlying possessions of the
United States (i.e., American Samoa and Swains Island).  Individuals on
temporary visas are not eligible.

A candidate for the MIDCAREER INVESTIGATOR AWARD IN MOUSE PATHOBIOLOGY
RESEARCH may not concurrently apply for any other PHS award that duplicates
the provisions of this award. Recipients of this award are required to hold
independent research support, either Federal or private, during the period of
this award.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

Awards in response to this program announcement will use the Midcareer
Investigator Award in Biomedical and Behavioral Research (K26) mechanism.  The
purpose of the K26 award is to provide grant support for biomedical and
behavioral scientists to allow them protected time to devote to their research
and mentoring. Planning, direction, and execution of the program will be the
responsibility of the candidate on behalf of the applicant institution.  The
project period may be for up to five years (at least three years are
required).  Awards are renewable for one additional five year period if the
candidate still meets the stated requirements.  Specific K26 application
instructions have been modified to reflect "JUST IN TIME" streamlining efforts
being examined by the NIH. "JUST IN TIME" postpones the collection of certain
information that currently must be included in all competing applications when
submitted.  The "JUST IN TIME" concept allows applicants to submit certain
information only when there is a possibility for an award.  It is anticipated
that these changes will reduce the administrative burden for the applicants,
applicant institutions, reviewers, and NIH staff.

The overall goal of the NCRR and NIA is to support between four and six awards
in Fiscal Year 2000 and in each succeeding year through Fiscal Year 2004.  The
actual number of awards to be made will vary yearly and will be dependent upon
the number and quality of applications submitted and funds available.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

A.  Environment:  The institution must have a well-established research and
career development program.  The institution must be able to demonstrate a
commitment to the candidate as a productive, independent investigator.  The
candidate and institution must be able to describe a career program that will
utilize the relevant research and educational resources, and the institution
must certify that the candidate will be released from other duties and be able
to devote up to 50 percent effort (at least 25 percent effort) to a mouse
pathobiology research program. The Institution must demonstrate the
availability of beginning research-oriented investigators who will be
mentored.

B.  Program:  The award provides up to five consecutive 12-month awards. Up to
50 percent of the investigator's effort (at least 25 percent) must be devoted
to the mouse pathobiology research program and mentoring.  The remainder may
be devoted to other clinical, teaching, or research pursuits consonant with
the objectives of the award. The research phase of an award period must be
devoted to mouse pathobiology research in scientific areas relevant to the
career goals of the candidate.

C.  Allowable Costs:

1.  Salary:  The NIH will provide salary and commensurate fringe benefits for
the award recipient for up to 50 percent effort, up to the level of the NIH
extramural salary cap (in FY 1999, $125,900 per annum, or a maximum of $62,950
for 50 percent effort).  At least 25 percent effort is required.  The
institution may supplement the NIH contribution up to a level that is
consistent with the institution's salary scale.  Institutional supplementation
of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would
interfere with the purpose of the award.

The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff
appointment.  It must be consistent both with the established salary structure
at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from
its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and
responsibilities in the department concerned.  If full-time, 12-month salaries
are not currently paid to comparable staff members, the salary proposed must
be appropriately related to the existing salary structure.

2.  Research Development Support:  The NCRR will provide generally up to
$25,000 per year for the following expenses:  (a) research expenses, such as
supplies, equipment and technical personnel for the principal investigator and
his/her mentored investigators; (b) travel to research meetings or training;
and (c) statistical services including personnel and computer time.

3.  Ancillary Personnel Support:  Salary for secretarial and administrative
assistance etc., is not allowed.

4.  Facilities and Administrative costs:  These costs will be reimbursed at 8
percent of modified total direct costs.

D.  Evaluation:  In carrying out its stewardship of human resource related
programs, the NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the
effectiveness of this program. Accordingly, recipients are hereby notified
that they may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic
updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support
from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities,
and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program.

E.  Special Leave:  Leave to another institution, including a foreign
laboratory, may be permitted if directly related to the purpose of the award. 
Only local, institutional approval is required if such leave does not exceed 3
months.  For longer periods, prior written approval of the NIH funding
component is required. To obtain prior approval, the award recipient must
submit a letter to the NCRR describing the plan, countersigned by his or her
department head and the appropriate institutional official.  A copy of a
letter or other evidence from the institution where the leave is to be taken
must be submitted to assure that satisfactory arrangements have been made. 
Support from the career award will continue during such leave.

Leave without award support may not exceed 12 months.  Such leave requires the
prior written approval of the NIH funding component and will be granted only
in unusual situations.  Support from other sources is permissible during the
period of leave.  Such leave does not reduce the total number of months of
program support for which an individual is eligible.  Parental leave will be
granted consistent with the policies of the NIH and the grantee institution.

F.  Termination or Change of Institution:  When a grantee institution plans to
terminate an award, the NCRR  must be notified in writing at the earliest
possible time so that appropriate instructions can be given for termination.
If the individual is moving to another eligible institution, career award
support may be continued provided:

A new career award application is submitted by the new institution;

All conditions of the award are met at the new institution;

The period of support requested is no more than the time remaining within the
existing award period; and

The new application is submitted far enough in advance of the requested
effective date to allow the necessary time for review.

The NCRR may require a review by an initial review group and/or the National
Advisory Research Resources Council (NARRC). Alternatively, review may be
carried out by NCRR staff depending upon the circumstances.

The NIH may discontinue an award upon determination that the purpose or terms
of the award are not being fulfilled.  In the event an award is terminated,
the Director of the NIH shall notify the grantee institution and career award
recipient in writing of this determination, the reasons therefor, the
effective date, and the right to appeal the decision.

A final progress report, invention statement, and Financial Status Report are
required upon either termination of an award or relinquishment of an award in
a change of institution situation.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

All candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the program staff person
listed under INQUIRIES.  Such contact should occur early in the planning phase
of application preparation.  Such contact will help ensure that applications
are responsive to the goals and policies of the participating ICs.

Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev.
4/98), using the instructions in Section IV as appropriate) and will be
accepted on or before the receipt dates indicated in the application kit. 
Forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and
from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National
Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910,
Phone (301) 710-0267, FAX: (301) 480-0525, Email: [email protected].  Forms
are also available on the NIH Website at http://www.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm

To identify the application as a response to this program announcement, check
"YES" on item 2 of page 1 of the application and enter the number and title of
this program announcement.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application with 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)

The application must contain the following:

Candidate

o  A description with evidence of the candidate's commitment to a career in
mouse pathobiology research.

o  Evidence of the candidate's ability to conduct high quality mouse
pathobiology research.

o  A description of immediate and long-term career objectives, explaining how
the award will contribute to their attainment.

o  A description of how the award will contribute to a mouse pathobiology
research program and how it will relieve the candidate from other service or
administrative duties.

Research Plan

o  A commitment of up to 50 percent effort (at least 25 percent effort) to the
mouse pathobiology research program.

o  A description of the ongoing mouse pathobiology research.  The research
plan should briefly describe the specific aims, the background and
significance of the studies, and the research design and methods.  Additional
research may be proposed as a basis for this award.

o  Documentation that appropriate and adequate resources, both in terms of
support and facilities, are available to the candidate to conduct the research
program.  This must include a description of other monetary support that will
be utilized to conduct the research program.

Mentoring Plan

o  A demonstrated record of mentoring or training beginning investigators or a
demonstration of the capability to provide mentoring to beginning
investigators.

o  A description of plans for providing mentoring opportunities to beginning
investigators, including a description of the type of investigators that could
be mentored, plans for recruiting and selecting such individuals, and the type
of training and educational experiences to be provided.

Environment and Institutional Commitment

o  The sponsoring institution must document a strong, well-established mouse
pathobiology research and training program related to the candidate's area of
interest including a high-quality research environment with staff capable of
productive collaboration with the candidate.  The sponsoring institution also
must provide a statement of commitment to enhancing the candidate's ability as
a productive, independent investigator.

o  The sponsoring institution must provide documentation that the candidate
will be relieved from other duties, i.e. animal care, facility management,
administrative, etc., to allow him/her to devote time to the mouse
pathobiology research program.

Budget Instructions

The total direct costs must be requested in accordance with the K26 program
guidelines, following the budget instructions described in the Career Award
Section of the PHS 398 (rev. 4/98).

Biographical Sketch

A biographical sketch is required for all key personnel, following the
instructions in the career award section of the PHS 398 (rev. 4/98).

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Center for Scientific
Review and for responsiveness to this program announcement by the NCRR staff. 
Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications will be returned to the
applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and
responsive to the program announcement will be evaluated for scientific and
technical merit by a peer review group convened by the NCRR in accordance with
the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review,
all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in
which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit,
generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed,
assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National
Advisory Research Resources Council and the National Advisory Council on
Aging.

The following review criteria will be applied:

Candidate

o  Quality of the candidate's academic and professional record, including
capabilities and commitment to serve as a mentor;

o  Evidence of ongoing high quality mouse pathobiology research and the
relationship of that research to this program;

o  Potential to conduct quality mouse pathobiology research;

o  Commitment to a mouse pathobiology research career;

o  Appropriateness of the content and duration of the proposed research
program;

o  Evidence of monetary support for the proposed research.

Research Plan

Although it is understood that K26 applications do not require the level of
detail necessary in regular research grant applications, a fundamentally sound
research plan must be provided.  In general, less detail is expected with
regard to research planned for the later years of the award, but the
application should outline the general goals for these years.

o  Appropriateness of the research plan as a vehicle for demonstrating skills
and capabilities in mouse pathobiology research;

o  Scientific and technical merit of the proposed research;

o  Relevance of the proposed research to the candidate's career objectives;

o  Availability of adequate resources to conduct the research program; and

o  Demonstration that the proposed program will relieve the candidate from
other service or administrative duties and allow him/her to devote time to
mouse pathobiology research.

Mentoring Plan

o  Experience and potential to serve as a mentor; and

o  Adequacy of the plans for mentoring or supervising beginning investigators
in mouse pathobiology research.

Environment and Institutional Commitment

o  Applicant institution's commitment to the scientific development of the
candidate and assurances that the institution intends the candidate to be an
integral part of its research program;

o  Adequacy of research facilities and the availability of appropriate
educational opportunities;

o  Quality and relevance of the environment for scientific and professional
development of the candidate and others pursuing mouse pathobiology
research;and

o  Applicant institution's commitment to provide adequate time for conduct of
the research program.

AWARD CRITERIA

The institute or center will notify the applicant of the NARRC's action
shortly after its meeting.  Funding decisions will be made based on the
recommendations of the initial review group, NARRC and NACA, the need for
research personnel in specific program areas, and the availability of funds. 
The NIH policy on submission of revised (amended) applications limits the
number of such applications to two.

INQUIRIES

Written and telephone inquiries concerning this program announcement are
strongly encouraged especially during the planning phase of the application.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Neal B. West, Ph.D.
Comparative Medicine area
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6030
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0744
FAX:  (301) 480-3819
Email:  [email protected]

Directed inquiries regarding research and training related to age-related
pathology to:

Huber R. Warner, Ph.D.
Biology of Aging Program
National Institute on Aging
Gateway Building, Room 2C231
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-6402
FAX:  (301) 402-0010
Email:  [email protected]

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Joellen M. Harper
Office of Grants Management
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6086
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0844
FAX:  (301) 480-3777
Email:  [email protected]

Joseph Ellis
Grants and Contracts Management Office
National Institute on Aging
Gateway Building, Suite 2N212
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-1472
FAX:  (301) 402-3672
Email:  [email protected]

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Nos.
93.855 and 93.856.  Awards are made under the authority of title III, Section
301 of the PHS Act as amended.  The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42 Part
52 and Title 45 Part 74, are applicable to this program.  This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372
to 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, and 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.

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