and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
Participating Organization(s) |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases (NIDDK) |
|
Funding Opportunity Title |
Bioengineering Interdisciplinary Training and Education for Type I Diabetes Research (T90/R90) |
Activity Code |
T90/R90 Interdisciplinary Research Training Award/ Interdisciplinary Regular Research Education Award |
Announcement Type |
New |
Related Notices |
None |
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number |
RFA-DK-11-023 |
Companion FOA |
None |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) |
93.847, 93.286 |
FOA Purpose |
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to promote the development of an interdisciplinary workforce for conducting bioengineering research to develop innovative technologies for treatment of type 1 diabetes including creating integrated long term glucose regulated insulin delivery systems (artificial pancreas), beta cell or islet encapsulation for beta cell replacement therapy, and/or beta cell and autoimmunity imaging methods. This FOA will support institutional training and education programs in type 1 diabetes research for postdoctoral level researchers with backgrounds in bioengineering and/or computational sciences. |
Posted Date |
November 16, 2011 |
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) |
February14, 2012 |
Letter of Intent Due Date |
February 14, 2012 |
Application Due Date(s) |
March 14, 2012, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. |
AIDS Application Due Date(s) |
Not Applicable. |
Scientific Merit Review |
June/July, 2012 |
Advisory Council Review |
October, 2012 |
Earliest Start Date(s) |
December, 2012 |
Expiration Date |
March 15, 2012 |
Due Dates for E.O. 12372 |
Not Applicable |
Required Application Instructions
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide especially the Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application, except where to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Part 1. Overview Information
Part 2. Full Text of the Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
Section IV. Application and Submission
Information
Section V. Application Review Information
Section VI. Award Administration Information
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
The overall goal of the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) program is to help ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available in appropriate scientific disciplines to address the Nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. More information about NRSA programs may be found at the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) website.
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage and enable the
development of an interdisciplinary workforce by ensuring that postdoctoral trainees (T90) and participants (R90) receive didactic and research experiences necessary to lead and/or engage in integrative and team approaches to solve complex bioengineering problems related to the prevention, treatment and cure of type 1 diabetes (T1D). In order to advance bioengineering science related to T1D, NIDDK and NIBIB invite applications for implementing novel institutional training and education programs focused on interdisciplinary approaches between engineering and medicine and/or biology related to T1D. These programs will support a variety of new and innovative didactic and research activities designed to provide trainees (T90) and participants (R90) with the necessary knowledge and research experience to apply engineering skills to the treatment or cure of T1D. It is expected that these interdisciplinary training and education programs would involve multiple departments in engineering and the biological, medical, computational, and/or physical sciences. Trainees (T90) and participants (R90) in these programs should be mentored by two or more faculty mentors, usually from different disciplines, and, ideally, spend time in both mentors laboratories. Applicants are encouraged to build these new training/education programs around existing institutional research programs in diabetes and the engineering sciences, whether formal (e.g., research programs supported by program project, center, or cooperative agreement mechanisms) or informal (e.g., networks of collaborating R01 grantees).
Background
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and affects more than one million Americans, usually with onset in childhood or young adulthood. The disease markedly impairs quality of life and shortens lifespan. T1D is associated with numerous complications including premature cardiovascular disease, blindness, renal failure, painful nerve disorders, and amputation. In addition to its devastating toll in human suffering, T1D and its complications result in significant health care expenditures for families and constitute a major societal economic burden.
Beta cell destruction can occur over months to years prior to diagnosis. While auto antibodies can indicate risk for the subsequent development of T1D not everyone who develops auto antibodies develop T1D diabetes and time to onset is highly variable. Measurable but insufficient beta cell function may still exist for many years after diagnosis. It is possible that some continued renewal and subsequent destruction of beta cells may also occur leading to the possible self renewal of beta cells with specific immune modulation and enhanced beta cell replication or differentiation. Currently beta cell replacement therapies can provide temporary glycemic control; however, beta cell function is lost over time. Moreover, limited beta cell sources, immune suppression side effects and lack of appropriate encapsulation technologies have limited cell therapy. There is no accurate way to monitor beta cell mass in vivo. Therefore, the development of novel imaging/monitoring methods is needed to facilitate studies of prevention and treatment modalities.
Clinical Trials have demonstrated significant reductions in complications of T1D through intensive control of blood glucose levels. However, despite the availability of increasingly effective treatment modalities, including insulin analogues, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), continuous subcutaneous and insulin infusion (CSII) devices, and many patients with T1D cannot achieve optimal glycemic control despite enormous efforts. Compounding this difficulty is the trade-off between improved glycemic control and an increased risk for potentially life-threatening hypoglycemia.
A promising therapeutic option for the treatment of diabetes is a system (termed an artificial pancreas or closed-loop) that can mimic normal pancreatic beta cell function thereby restoring normal metabolic homeostasis without causing hypoglycemia. However, there are important technological obstacles such as glucose-sensing inaccuracies, imperfect algorithms for calculating the appropriate dose of insulin taking into consideration diet and physical activity and rate of glycemic change, insulin pumps mechanical problems, time delay from subcutaneous insulin infusion to pharmacologic effect and biocompatibility issues that need to be resolved through the development of new technologies that may lead to a new generation of integrated/automated devices. The ultimate research goal would be the development of safe, minimally burdensome mechanical or bio-artificial systems providing automated insulin delivery calibrated to glucose levels. Alternatively, development of encapsulation technologies that provide immune isolation for islets or beta cells may provide an alternate approach to improve metabolic control and decrease glycemic excursions and hypoglycemic episodes.
Interdisciplinary Training Supported
This FOA is intended to train the next generation of scientists with bioengineering expertise and the necessary interdisciplinary skills to foster development of innovative technologies for prevention, treatment and cure of T1D. These technologies include: 1) an integrated, long term, automated glucose regulated insulin delivery system (artificial pancreas); 2) beta cell replacement or renewal therapies; and/or 3) imaging technologies to monitor beta cell mass/function and/or autoimmunity to facilitate clinical research on approaches to replace or preserve beta cells. NIBIB and NIDDK are particularly interested in supporting the participation of individual trainees (T90) and participants (R90) with backgrounds in engineering, or computational and physical sciences in high-quality interdisciplinary programs in T1D research. This FOA is part of a larger special effort to improve approaches to prevent, treat and cure T1D.
T90/R90 Program
The T90/R90 grant mechanism includes linked institutional research training (T90) and institutional research education (R90) programs. Applicants will submit a single, T90 grant application for the Interdisciplinary Research Training Program, and if selected for funding, two separate awards will be issued: a T90 (Interdisciplinary Research Training award) and an R90 (Interdisciplinary Research Education award). Separate awards are based on distinct authorities for research training and for education and related funding. All applications must contain a T90 component. The R90 component may not request education support for more participants than the T90 component [the ratio of trainees (T90) to participants (R90) awarded must be 3:1 or greater in any given budget period]. The R90 application may request up to 10% effort for faculty/PD(s)/PI(s) salary support. The T90 application may request training-related expenses (e.g. up to 10% secretarial support) but may not include faculty/PI salary support. Applicants may request periods of support of up to 5 years but duration of awards will be dependent on availability of funds. The T90 application is described in the SF 424 and is similar to a T32 application. Specific award information is described below in Section II. The R90 authority allows for the education of non-US citizens/permanent residents. The R90 allowable costs will be the same as the T90 except where noted below. NRSA policy allows postdoctoral trainees to be supported for up to three years. However, NIBIB and NIDDK normally support postdoctoral trainees (with the exception of medical residents and clinical fellows) for a period of 2 years, after which they are expected to transition to individual fellowships, career development awards, or research support.
Funding Instrument |
Grant |
Application Types Allowed |
New |
Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards |
The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations, and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. NIDDK intends to commit approximately $1.1M in FY2012 and FY2013, and expects to support 3 to 5 programs. This FOA is supported under a Special Statutory Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research. Funding for years 3, 4 and 5 of the awards, are contingent upon the availability of funds through the Special Statutory Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research. NIBIB intends to commit $250K per year for each of five years, supporting either a single program and/or co-funding multiple trainees (T90) and participants (R90) from NIDDK-funded programs. |
Award Budget |
Application budgets are not limited, but need to reflect actual needs of the proposed project. Grantees are expected to be familiar with and comply with applicable cost policies and the NRSA Guidelines (NIH Grants Policy Statement - Institutional Research Training Grants). Funds may be used only for those expenses that are directly related to and necessary for the research training not otherwise available and must be expended in conformance with OMB Cost Principles, the NIH Grants Policy Statement, and the NRSA regulations, policies, guidelines, and conditions set forth in this document. Applications requesting more than 500K in any given year must get prior program approval at least 6 weeks prior to submission date. |
Award Project Period |
Applicants may request up to 5 years funding. |
Stipends, Tuition, and Fees (T90) and Participant Costs (R90) |
Stipends, Tuition, and Fees (T90)
Kirschstein-NRSA awards provide stipends as a subsistence allowance to help defray living expenses during the research and clinical training experiences. NIH will contribute to the combined cost of tuition and fees at the rate in place at the time of award. The most recent stipend, tuition, and fee levels are described on the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) site. Visit NIH Grants Policy Statement: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for more information. Participant Costs (R90)
Participant costs must be itemized under the Research & Related Budget. Amounts for all participants must conform to the established, consistently applied salary and wage policies of the institution and reflect the percentage of person months (effort) devoted to the program. Because this is an educational program, non-US citizens may participate in this program. The salary, any tuition and fees and travel expenses for the R90 participants should not exceed the cost guidelines for the T90 trainees. |
Trainee (T90) and Participant Travel (R90) |
Trainee Travel (T90) Trainee travel to attend scientific meetings and workshops that the institution determines to be necessary for the individual’s research training experience is an allowable trainee expense. Applicants may request up to $1,000 per trainee each year. Participant Travel (R90) See Participant costs above. |
Training Related Expenses (T90) and Other Program Related Expenses (R90) |
Training Related Expenses (T90)
NIH will provide funds to help defray other research training expenses, such as health insurance, staff salaries, consultant costs, equipment, research supplies, and faculty/staff travel directly related to the research training program. The most recent levels of training related expenses are described on the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) site. Visit NIH Grants Policy Statement: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for more information. Other Program Related Expenses (R90)
Individuals participating in the design and implementation of the research education program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the percent of effort devoted to the program. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated cap. (If mentoring interactions and other activities with trainees are considered a regular part of an individual's academic duties, then mentoring and other activities with students/trainees are non-reimbursable from grant funds). All personnel costs (including the Program Director, and faculty leadership team) associated with directing, coordinating, and administering the program should not exceed 10% effort. Consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel for key persons, and other program-related expenses may be included in the proposed budget. These expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available at the applicant institution. The other program related expenses of the R90 should not exceed the level of training related expenses for the T90. |
Indirect Costs |
Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees and expenditures for equipment), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement. |
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
Higher Education Institutions
The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
Governments
Other
The sponsoring institution must assure support for the
proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes
the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can
contribute to the planned program.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are
not eligible to apply.
Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.
Applicant organizations must complete the following registrations
as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply
for or receive an award. Applicants must have a valid Dun and Bradstreet
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to begin each of the following
registrations.
All Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s))
must also work with their institutional officials to register with the eRA
Commons or ensure their existing eRA Commons account is affiliated with the eRA
Commons account of the applicant organization.
All registrations must be completed by the application due date. Applicant
organizations are strongly encouraged to start the registration process at
least four (4) weeks prior to the application due date.
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources
necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal
Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with his/her organization 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 support.
For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PD(s)/PI(s), visit the Multiple
Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) Policy and submission details in
the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF 424 (R&R)
Application Guide.
The PD(s)/PI(s) will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and
executing the proposed research training and education program. The PD(s)/PI(s)
should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the
application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and
scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed
program. The PD(s)/PI(s) will be expected to monitor and assess the program and
submit all documents and reports as required.
This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is programmatically distinct.
NIH will not accept any application in response to this FOA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial peer review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed.
This initiative takes advantage of two distinct grant mechanisms: research training and research education. Research Training refers to the Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA postdoctoral components, and utilizes the T90 mechanism. Research Education refers to non-NRSA postdoctoral components, and utilizes the R90 mechanism. The application must propose both a T90 and an R90 component. The application must also include the Research & Related Budget form pages, as described in Section 4.7 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for NIH and Other PHS Agencies. Awarded grant funds will be issued under an R90 grant mechanism for these requested training costs. Programs may not be designed to support only non-NRSA trainees (participants).
Special Program Objectives and Considerations (T90): Within the framework of the NIH’s longstanding commitment to excellence and projected need for investigators in particular areas of research, attention must be given to recruiting trainees from racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (see below).
Researchers from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and women are encouraged to participate as mentors. Mentors should have research expertise and experience relevant to the proposed program. Mentors must be committed to continue their involvement throughout the total period of the mentee’s participation in this award.
For T90 appointees details on citizenship, training period, and aggregate duration of support are available in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Postdoctoral trainees must have received, as of the beginning date of the NRSA appointment, a PhD, MD, DDS, or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Eligible doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to, the following: DMD, DC, DO, DVM, OD, DPM, ScD, EngD, Dr PH, DNSc, DPT, PharmD, ND (Doctor of Naturopathy), DSW, PsyD, as well as a doctoral degree in nursing research. Documentation by an authorized official of the degree-granting institution certifying all degree requirements have been met prior to the beginning date of the training appointment is acceptable.
Participants (R90)
R90 postdoctoral participants do not need to be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents; however, they shall have the same degree requirements as T90 trainees.
Applicants must download the SF424 (R&R) application package associated with this funding opportunity using the Apply for Grant Electronically button in this FOA or following the directions provided at Grants.gov.
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in
the SF424
(R&R) Application Guide, except where instructed in this funding
opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in
the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are
out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for
review.
For information on Application Submission and Receipt, visit Frequently
Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant
Applications.
Letter of Intent
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.
By the date listed in Part 1. Overview Information, prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:
The letter of intent should be sent to:
Dr. Francisco Calvo
Chief, Review Branch
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 752
Bethesda, MD 20892-5452
Bethesda, Maryland 20817 (for courier service)
Telephone: (301) 594-8897
FAX: (301) 480-3505
Email: [email protected].
The forms package associated with this FOA includes all applicable components, mandatory and optional. Please note that some components marked optional in the application package are required for submission of applications for this FOA. Follow the instructions in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to ensure you complete all appropriate optional components.
All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) with the following modifications:
Project Summary /Abstract
Provide an abstract of the entire application, including the long-term goals and objectives of the program, key elements of the research training and education plan, and brief descriptions of planned research training and education program. Include the rationale and design of the program, the planned duration and projected number of trainees (T90) and participants (R90), including their levels (i.e., predoctoral, postdoctoral).
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following modifications:
All Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application must be followed, with the additional instructions described below:
Particular attention must be given to the required Training Data Tables.
Program Administration (Component of Program Plan)
Describe the acknowledged strengths, leadership and administrative skills, and scientific expertise of the Training PD(s)/PI(s). Include active research and the planned strategy and administrative structure to be used to oversee and monitor the program. For applications with multiple PD(s)/PI(s), address the Leadership Plan and how the combined knowledge, skills and experience of the individual PD(s)/PI(s) will enhance the likelihood of success of the program.
Program Faculty (Component of Program Plan)
Describe the complementary expertise and experiences of the proposed mentors for the scholars. Include active research and other scholarly activities in which the mentors are engaged, as well as track records of mentoring and training.
Proposed Training (Component of Program Plan)
Provide an overview of the proposed program: Describe the immediate and long-term objectives of the program, including training or career development activities that will be used to ensure that the objectives of the program are met. Include information about planned courses, curricula, seminars, workshops, or tutorials that will be incorporated into the training program and mentored research experiences and activities. Institutions with existing training or career development programs must explain what distinguishes this proposal from the others, how the programs will synergize, if applicable, and make it clear that the faculty, potential trainees (T90) and participants (R90), and resources are robust enough to support additional programs. The description should include planned strategies to be used to ensure that the objectives are met. The Training PD(s)/PI(s) should also describe past research career development activities/experiences including those of mentors, documenting the success of former scholars in establishing independent productive scientific careers. Programs should provide all NRSA trainees with additional professional development skills and career guidance including instruction and training in grant writing in order to apply successfully for future career development and independent research support. All postdoctoral NRSA trainees should also be provided with instruction in laboratory and project management.
Program Evaluation (Component of Program Plan)
Describe an evaluation plan to review and determine the effectiveness of the program. This should include plans to obtain feedback from current and former scholars to help identify weaknesses and to provide suggestions for program improvements, as well as plans for assessing scholars career development and progression, including metrics such as degree completion (if applicable), publications, and subsequent positions. Specified evaluation metrics should be tied to the goals of the program. Evaluation results should be included in future competing continuation (renewal) applications and as part of the Final Progress Report.
Trainee Candidates (Component of Program Plan)
Describe in general terms the pool of potential candidates including information about the types of prior clinical and research training and career level required for the program. Do not name prospective Trainees (T90) or Participants (R90). Describe plans to recruit candidates and explain how these plans will be implemented (see also section on Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity). Describe the criteria to be used for candidate evaluation in the selection of trainees and participants. Provide brief summaries of training plans that the program will employ. The application should contain a description of how training plans will be tailored to the needs of the prospective candidates, taking into account their past experiences and competences, and should distinguish the plan from fellowship training.
Institutional Environment and Commitment to the Program (Component of Program Plan)
The application must include a statement from the applicant institution describing the commitment to the planned program. The institution must assure that essential time will be allowed for the PD(s)/PI(s), other faculty and mentors .
Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity
Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity as provided in Chapter 8 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research
Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research as provided in Chapter 8 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Appendix
Do not use the appendix to circumvent page limits. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide
Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates. Applicants are encouraged to submit in advance
of the deadline to ensure they have time to make any application corrections
that might be necessary for successful submission.
Organizations must submit applications via Grants.gov, the online portal to find and apply for grants
across all Federal agencies. Applicants must then complete the submission
process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH’s electronic system for grants
administration.
Applicants are
responsible for viewing their application in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate
and successful submission.
Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time
submission are provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost
principles, and other considerations described in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement. The National
Research Service Award (NRSA) policies apply to this program. An NRSA
appointment may not be held concurrently with another Federally sponsored
fellowship, traineeship, or similar Federal award that provides a stipend or
otherwise duplicates provisions of the NRSA.
Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement. Note, however, that pre-award costs are not
allowable charges for stipends or tuition/fees on institutional training grants
since these costs may not be charged to the grant until an NRSA trainee has
actually been appointed and the appropriate paperwork submitted to the NIH
awarding component.
Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration.
For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit Applying Electronically.
Important reminders:
All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in
the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile Component of the
SF 424(R&R) Application Package. Failure to register in the Commons
and to include a valid PD(s)/PI(s) Commons ID in the credential field will
prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH.
The applicant organization must ensure that the DUNS number it provides on the
application is the same number used in the organization’s profile in the eRA
Commons and for the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Additional
information may be found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
See more
tips for avoiding common errors.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the Center for Scientific Review and responsiveness by components of participating organizations, NIH. Applications that are incomplete and/or nonresponsive will not be reviewed.
Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in NOT-OD-10-115.
Only the review criteria described below will be considered
in the review process. As part of the NIH mission,
all applications submitted to the NIH in support of biomedical and behavioral
research are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer
review system.
Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the program to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed).
Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact.
Training Program and Environment
Are the research facilities and research environment
conducive to preparing trainees (T90) and participants (R90) for successful
careers as biomedical scientists? Do the objectives, design and direction of
the proposed research program ensure effective training/education? Is the
proposed program of training likely to ensure that trainees/participants will
be prepared for successful and productive scientific careers? Do the courses,
where relevant, and research training experiences address state- of-the-art
science relevant to the aims of the program? Does the program provide training
in inter- or multi-disciplinary research and/or provide training in state of
the art or novel methodologies and techniques? Is a significant level of
institutional commitment to the program evident?
Training Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s))
Does the Training PD(s)/PI(s) have the scientific background, expertise, and experience to provide strong leadership, direction, management, and administration to the proposed research training/education program? Does the Training PD(s)/PI(s) plan to commit sufficient time to the program to ensure its success? Is sufficient administrative and research training support provided for the program?
For applications designating multiple PD(s)/PI(s): Is a strong justification provided that the multiple PD(s)/PI(s) leadership approach will benefit the training/education program and the trainees (T90) and participants (R90)? Is a strong and compelling leadership approach evident, including the designated roles and responsibilities, governance, and organizational structure consistent with and justified by the aims of the training/education program and with the complementary expertise of each of the PD(s)/PI(s)?
Preceptors/Mentors
Are sufficient numbers of experienced preceptors/mentors with appropriate expertise and funding available to support the number and level of trainees (T90) and participants (R90) proposed in the application? Do the preceptors/mentors have strong records as researchers, including successful competition for research support in areas directly related to the proposed research training/education program? Do the preceptors/mentors have strong records of training pre- and/or postdoctorates?
Trainees
Is a recruitment plan proposed with strategies to
attract high quality trainees (T90) and participants (R90)? Are there well-defined
and justified selection criteria and retention strategies? Is a competitive
applicant pool in sufficient numbers to warrant the proposed size and levels
(predoctoral, postdoctoral and/or short-term) of the training/education program
in evidence?
Training Record
How successful are the trainees (T90) and
participants (R90) (or for new applications, other past students/fellows in
similar training) in completing the program? How productive are trainees (T90)
and participants (R90) (or for new applications other past students/fellows) in
terms of research accomplishments and publications? How successful are trainees
(T90) and participants (R90) (or other past students/fellows) in obtaining
further training appointments, fellowships, and career development awards? How
successful are the trainees (T90) and participants (R90) in achieving
productive scientific careers, as evidenced by successful competition for
research grants, receipt of honors or awards, high-impact publications, receipt
of patents, promotion to scientific leadership positions, and/or other such
measures of success? Does the program have a rigorous evaluation plan to assess
the quality and effectiveness of the training/education? Are effective
mechanisms in place for obtaining feedback from current and former trainees (T90)
and participants (R90) and monitoring their subsequent career development?
For programs that provide research training to health-professional doctorates: Is there a record of retaining health professionals in research training or
other research activities for at least two years?
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing an overall impact/priority score, but will not give separate scores for these items.
Protections for Human Subjects
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Vertebrate Animals
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Biohazards
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Resubmissions
Not Applicable
Renewals
Not Applicable
Revisions
Not Applicable
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items, and should not consider them in providing an overall impact/priority score.
Recruitment & Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity
Peer reviewers will separately evaluate the recruitment and retention plan to enhance diversity after the overall score has been determined. Reviewers will examine the strategies to be used in the recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented groups. The review panel’s evaluation will be included in an administrative note in the summary statement. Plans and past record will be rated as acceptable or unacceptable, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee.
Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
Taking into account the specific characteristics of the training program, level of trainee experience, and the particular circumstances of the trainees, the reviewers will address the following questions. Does the plan satisfactorily address the format of instruction, e.g. lectures, coursework and/or real-time discussion groups? Do plans include a sufficiently broad selection of subject matter, such as conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety? Do the plans adequately describe how faculty will participate in the instruction? Does the plan meet the minimum requirements for RCR, i.e., eight contact hours of instruction every four years? Plans and past record will be rated as acceptable or unacceptable, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee.
Select Agent Research
Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).
Budget and Period of Support
Reviewers will consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research.
Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical
merit by (an) appropriate Scientific Review Group(s) convened by NIDDK , in accordance with NIH peer
review policy and procedures, using the stated review
criteria. Review assignments will be shown in the eRA Commons.
As part of the scientific peer review, all applications:
Appeals of initial peer review will not be accepted for applications submitted response to this FOA.
Applications will be assigned to the appropriate NIH Institute or Center. Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this FOA. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review by the NDDK or NIBIB National Advisory Council or Board. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
After the peer review of the application is completed, the
PD(s)/PI(s) will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written
critique) via the eRA Commons.
Information regarding the disposition of applications is available in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement.
If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH
will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant as
described in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement.
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided
to the applicant organization for successful applications. The NoA signed by
the grants management officer is the authorizing document and will be sent via
email to the grantee’s business official.
Awardees must comply with any funding restrictions described in Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions. Selection
of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any
costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These
costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs.
Any application awarded in response to this FOA will be subject to the DUNS,
CCR Registration, and Transparency Act requirements as noted on the Award
Conditions and Information for NIH Grants website.
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General and Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities. More information is provided at Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants.
Institutional NRSA training grants must be administered in
accordance with the current NRSA section of the NIH Grants Policy Statement
at NIH
Grants Policy Statement - Institutional Research Training Grants.
The taxability of stipends is described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Policies regarding the Ruth L.
Kirschstein-NRSA payback obligation are explained in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement.
In general, NRSA trainees may receive stipends during the
normal periods of vacation and holidays observed by individuals in comparable
training positions at the sponsoring institution. For the purpose of these
awards, however, the period between the spring and fall semesters is considered
to be an active time of research and research training and is not considered to
be a vacation or holiday. Trainees may receive stipends for up to 15 calendar
days of sick leave per year. Sick leave may be used for the medical conditions
related to pregnancy and childbirth. Trainees may also receive stipends for
parental leave as described in NOT-OD-08-064.
A period of terminal leave is not permitted, and payment may not be made from
traineeship funds for leave not taken. Trainees requiring periods of time away
from their research training experience longer than specified here must seek
approval from the NIH awarding component for an unpaid leave of absence. Trainees
supported by academic institutions should refer to the NIH Institutional NRSA
training grant guidelines in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement for further guidance regarding vacations
and requested leave.
Awards made primarily for educational purposes are exempted from the PHS invention requirements and thus invention reporting is not required, as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Not Applicable.
The Non-Competing
Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) and financial statements as described
in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement are required annually. Continuation support
will not be provided until the required forms are submitted and accepted. Chapter
8 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, Additional Instructions for
Preparing a Progress Report for an Institutional Research Training Grant,
Including Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards, must be
followed.
Failure by the grantee institution to submit required forms
in a timely, complete, and accurate manner may result in an expenditure
disallowance or a delay in any continuation funding for the award.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act), includes a requirement for awardees of Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY2011 or later. All awardees of applicable NIH grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.fsrs.gov on all subawards over $25,000. See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for additional information on this reporting requirement.
A final Progress Report and the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report are required for closeout of an award as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Evaluation results should be included as part of the final Progress Report.
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, trainees 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.
We encourage inquiries
concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions
from potential applicants.
Grants.gov
Customer Support (Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and
submission, downloading or navigating forms)
Contact Center Phone: 800-518-4726
Email: [email protected]
GrantsInfo (Questions regarding application instructions and
process, finding NIH grant resources)
Telephone 301-710-0267
TTY 301-451-5936
Email: [email protected]
eRA Commons Help Desk(Questions regarding eRA Commons
registration, tracking application status, post submission issues)
Phone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
TTY: 301-451-5939
Email: [email protected]
Arthur L. Castle, Ph.D.
Program Director, Metabolomics and Informatics
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 791, MSC 5460
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5460
(Fed ex 20817)
Telephone: 301-594-7719
Email:[email protected]
Richard A. Baird, PhD
Director, Division of Interdisciplinary Training
Natl Inst of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
National Institutes of
Health
Democracy II, Suite 200
6707 Democracy Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20892-5477
(301) 496-7671 Office
(301) 480-1614 Fax
[email protected]
Dr. Francisco Calvo
Chief, Review Branch
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 752
Bethesda, MD 20892-5452
Bethesda, Maryland 20817 (for courier service)
Telephone: (301) 594-8897
FAX: (301) 480-3505
Email: [email protected].
Mary K. Rosenberg
Grants Management Branch, NIDDK
Democracy Plaza II, Room 745
6707 Democracy Blvd. MSC 5456
Bethesda, MD 20892 (express mail zip 20817)
301-594-8891
Fax: 301-594-9523
[email protected]
Recently issued trans-NIH policy notices may affect your application submission. A full list of policy notices published by NIH is provided in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 63A and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.
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NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
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