MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION RESEARCH NETWORKS IN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
Release Date: October 4, 2001
RFA: RFA-NS-02-011
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(http://www.ninds.nih.gov/)
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: December 17, 2001
Application Receipt Date: January 18, 2002
THIS RFA USES "MODULAR GRANT" AND "JUST-IN-TIME" CONCEPTS. MODULAR
INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE USED FOR RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATIONS REQUESTING
LESS THAN $250,000 PER YEAR IN ALL YEARS. MODULAR BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS
ARE PROVIDED IN SECTION C OF THE PHS 398 (REVISION 5/2001) AVAILABLE AT
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html.
PURPOSE
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
invites grant applications for the formation of cross-disciplinary
networks of scientists interested in studying the neural mechanisms of
cognition and other complex behaviors. These research networks will
allow the formation of novel collaborations among cognitive scientists,
neuroscientists, behavioral and computational neuroscientists, imaging
specialists and clinical scientists in order to develop integrative and
cutting edge research programs that advance our understanding of the
circuits and pathways of cognitive function. The research plan for
these networks must be driven by a cognitive neuroscience question
(e.g., neural mechanisms of attention, emotion, language acquisition,
memory, perception, sensorimotor integration in various model systems
and in various clinical populations) and must combine imaging
techniques with other psychophysiological methods. This RFA is intended
to begin a process where scientists from various disciplines can
overcome barriers to cross-disciplinary research agendas addressing the
dynamic nature of underlying physiological and cognitive systems.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Background
An NINDS workshop on dynamic neuroimaging and multimodal methodologies
in Cognitive Neuroscience was held on the NIH campus on November 28 29,
2000 to discuss the opportunities and needs for development of research
programs in Cognitive Neuroscience that focus on the integration of
multiple technologies in order to advance our understanding of the
circuits and pathways of cognitive function. As a result of the
recommendations from this workshop, this RFA is seeking applications
that will foster this integration and create a forum for
interdisciplinary research approaches.
Cognitive Neuroscience, by its very nature, involves the interface of
physiological, psychological, and computational approaches to
understanding cognition. While brain imaging techniques have given us
greater insight into many cognitive processes, current analyses have
assumed a single brain state corresponding to a single pattern of
activity. In order to progress beyond localization of activation, it is
necessary to understand the interactions among brain areas. One
promising approach is multimodal integration - the combination of
imaging and electrophysiological recording techniques to increase the
precision of temporal and spatial data beyond what is possible with the
use of a single technique. This initiative will focus on the formation
of cross-disciplinary networks of scientists interested in studying the
neural circuits and pathways of cognitive function. These networks are
intended to facilitate the use of dynamic neuroimaging that integrates
methodologies such as electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography,
evoked related potentials, transcranial magnetic stimulation, event
related optical signals, diffusion tensor imaging (EEG, MEG, ERP, TMS,
EROS, DTI). The goal of this RFA is to act as a catalyst for the
formation of novel collaborations among cognitive scientists,
neuroscientists, behavioral and computational neuroscientists, imaging
specialists and clinical scientists. Applications received in response
to this RFA must include a research plan for an integrative and cutting
edge research program that advance our understanding of the circuits
and pathways involved in any specified cognitive neuroscience question.
Research Goals and Topics
Approaches that simultaneously employ fMRI or PET with noninvasive
electrophysiological techniques provide increased spatial and temporal
resolution and improve the interpretation of data on any given
cognitive tasks. Electrophysiological measures have a temporal
resolution in the millisecond time frame whereas the ultimate temporal
resolution of fMRI techniques might be limited by the speed of the
hemodynamic response (in the range of seconds), although the scan time
for fast fMRI techniques (e.g., echo planar imaging) can be in the
range of 100 ms or less. Moreover, important information about
attributes of brain function can be gained from the relationship
between brain areas in their temporal dynamics (temporal cross
correlation, sharp rise time, stimulus decay, sustained activation). It
is clear that innovative solutions for quantifying and analyzing
cognitive neuroimaging data will require close collaborations among
scientific teams centrally involving statistical, computational
scientists, cognitive neuroscientists and biophysicists. The Networks
proposed under this RFA must present a creative and well-designed
research plan that address cognitive neuroscience questions that
benefit from integrative perspectives. Examples of potential research
questions would include but not be limited to issues such as:
o Functional and effective connectivity mapping by combining
neuroimaging and psychophysical measures.
o Studies of pathways of cognition with improved design in
neuroimaging strategies such as event-related imaging, diffusion
imaging, echo planar imaging, event-related optical signals.
o Validation of neural and behavioral models using neuroimaging and
multi-array recording.
o Studies that compare and calibrate optical imaging data with direct
electrical recordings.
o Development of quantitative methods that facilitate integration and
synthesis among modalities (fMRI, EEG, MEG, ERP, EROS, DTI,TMS etc..)
o Development of computational modeling systems to provide theoretical
integration of cognitive functioning and dynamic brain activity.
o Development of more sophisticated statistical methods and parallel
data processing algorithms to incorporate and integrate results from
multiple methodologies.
Funded network activities might include opportunities for training and
hosting among network scientists at alternative laboratories or
research settings to facilitate collaborative grant writing and/or
pilot funding for collaborative feasibility studies. The purpose of
these activities and meetings will be to refine conceptual frameworks
for organizing cross-disciplinary research and identifying which
specific questions and possible experiments show the greatest promise
for advancement.
Networks must include representation from multiple disciplines. For
example, a network would include investigators with demonstrated
expertise in fMRI, neurophysiology, statistics, signal processing and
clinical neuroscience. Investigators are encouraged to participate in
only one network, although exceptions can be made with appropriate
scientific justifications.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Principal investigators of grants resulting from this RFA will be asked
to participate in yearly meetings to report progress, discuss problems,
and share information related to the conduct of their networks.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 award
mechanism. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution
of the proposed networks will be solely that of the applicant. The
total project period for an application submitted in response to this
RFA may not exceed three years. This RFA is a one-time solicitation.
Future unsolicited competing continuation applications will compete
with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed according
to the customary peer review procedures. The earliest award date is
September 30, 2002.
Specific application instructions have been modified to reflect
"MODULAR GRANT" and "JUST-IN-TIME" streamlining efforts that have been
adopted by the NIH. Complete and detailed instructions and information
on Modular Grant applications have been incorporated into the PHS 398
(rev. 5/2001). Additional information on Modular Grants can be found at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm
FUNDS AVAILABLE
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke intend to
commit $3,000,000 to fund approximately 6-8 new networks in response to
this RFA ($1.5M in FY 2002 and $1.5M in FY 2003). An applicant may
request a project period of up to three years and a budget for direct
costs of up to $250,000 per year (or up to $275,000 per year for
network grants that include more than one institution to allow for
facilities and administrative (F&A) costs on consortium arrangements),
to support research funding for network projects, travel, meeting
expenses, and cross-training of network scientists. All applications
submitted in response to this RFA must follow modular grant procedures.
Because the nature and scope of the research proposed may vary, it is
anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. Although the
financial plans of the institute provide support for this program,
awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of
funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of
outstanding scientific and technical merit. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to discuss their applications with program staff listed
under INQUIRIES prior to the submission.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, for-profit and
non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities,
colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local
governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government.
Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with
disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators.
INQUIRIES
Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to
clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome.
Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 2109
Bethesda, MD 20892-9521
Telephone: (301) 496-9964
FAX: (301) 402-2060
Email: ee48r@nih.gov
Direct inquiries regarding review issues to:
Lillian Pubols, Ph.D.
Chief, Scientific Review Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3208
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-9223
FAX: (301) 402-0182
Email: lp28e@nih.gov
Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:
Ken Bond
Grants Management Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3290
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-9231
FAX: (301) 402-0219
Email: bondk@nih.gov
LETTER OF INTENT
Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that
includes a descriptive title of the proposed network, the name,
address, and telephone number of the principal investigators
participating in the proposed network, the identities of other key
personnel and participating institutions, and the number and title of
the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted.
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 NINDS staff to estimate the potential review
workload and plan the review.
The letter of intent must be received by December 17, 2001 as listed in
the heading of this RFA. The letter of intent is to be sent to:
Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.
Program Director
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 2109
Bethesda, MD 20892-9521
Telephone: (301) 496-9964
FAX: (301) 402-2060
Email: ee48r@nih.gov
SCHEDULE
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: December 17, 2001
Application Receipt Date: January 18, 2002
Peer Review Date: June 2002
Council Review: September 2002
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2002
Some of the applications selected for funding under this RFA will be
awarded in fiscal year 2002 (earliest start date of September 30,
2002), and some will be awarded in fiscal year 2003 (earliest start
date of December 1, 2002). While NINDS will attempt to accommodate the
requested start date shown on the PHS 398 application face page, some
applications will be funded in FY 2003. The start date will not affect
the likelihood of funding.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
The PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev.
5/2001)available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html are to be used
in applying for these grants. This version of the PHS 398 is available
in an interactive format. For further assistance contact Grants Info,
Telephone 301/710-0267, Email:
GrantsInfo@nih.gov.
ALLOWABLE COSTS
Requests for funds to support attendance at these meetings, to be held
in the Washington, D.C. area, should be included as a part of the
budget proposal. Funds may also be requested to support administrative
costs for the Network Director, communication costs, travel expenses in
order to attend and participate in the scheduled activities and
meetings of the network, as well as the evaluation and analysis of
pilot data by network members.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS
For the purposes of this RFA, all applications must follow modular
grant procedures.
The modular grant concept establishes specific modules in which direct
costs may be requested as well as a maximum level for requested
budgets. Only limited budgetary information is required under this
approach. 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, reviewers and NIH staff. The research grant
application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html is to be used
in applying for these grants, with modular budget instructions provided
in Section C of the application instructions.
The RFA label available in the PHS 398 application form must be affixed
to the bottom of the face page of the application. Type the RFA number
on the label. Failure to use this label could result in delayed
processing of the application such that it may not reach the review
committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title and number
must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and
the YES box must be marked. The RFA label is available at:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf.
Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the
Checklist, and three 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)
At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application
must be sent to:
Lillian Pubols, Ph.D.
Chief, Scientific Review Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3208
Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service)
Applications must be received by the application receipt date listed in
the Heading of this RFA. If an application is received after that
date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Center
for Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in response
to this RFA 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
substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such
applications must include an introduction addressing the previous
critique.
REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS
Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR
and responsiveness by NINDS staff. Incomplete and/or non-responsive
applications will be returned to the applicant without further
consideration.
Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be
evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer
review group convened by NINDS in accordance with the review criteria
stated below. 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 the applications under review, will be
discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level
review by the NINDS National Advisory Council.
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 the application in order to judge the likelihood
that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the
pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and
considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as
appropriate for each application. Note that the 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,
an investigator 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 this study address an important problem? If the
aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be
advanced? 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? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem
areas and consider alternative tactics?
(3) Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or
method? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project
challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or
technologies?
(4) Investigator: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well
suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the
experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers
(if any)?
(5) Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work
will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed
experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific
environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there
evidence of institutional support?
Additional criteria that are specific for applications received under
this RFA include:
o Scientific, technical, or medical significance of the goals that the
network is designed to achieve. Is there evidence that the integrative
approach proposed in the network application will address the dynamic
nature of cognitive systems?
o Appropriateness and adequacy of the proposed network design and
membership for achieving these goals through cross-disciplinary
interaction.
o Feasibility of network participants successfully completing
scheduled meetings and activities.
In addition to the above criteria, in accordance with NIH policy, all
applications will also be reviewed with respect to the following:
O The adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities and their
subgroups, and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the
research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will
also be evaluated.
O The reasonableness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to
the proposed research.
O 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.
O The adequacies of the proposed plan to share data, if appropriate.
AWARD CRITERIA
Award criteria that will be used to make award decisions include:
o scientific merit (as determined by peer review)
o availability of funds
o programmatic priorities
Only applications judged to have met the highest scientific standards
of excellence will be considered for award. Networks must demonstrate
feasibility for integrated discussions among investigators in pursuit
of cross-disciplinary research agendas. Networks proposing themes that
address high-risk experimental questions, but with high potential
benefits, will be given careful consideration.
INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification are provided
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 research involving human subjects should
read the UPDATED "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities
as Subjects in Clinical Research," published in the NIH Guide for
Grants and Contracts on August 2, 2000
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-048.html),
a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm.
The revisions relate to NIH defined Phase III clinical trials and
require: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols to 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) all investigators to report accrual,
and to conduct and report analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender
and/or racial/ethnic group differences.
INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS
It is the policy of NIH 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 was published
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is
available at the following URL address:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html
Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program
staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide
additional relevant information concerning the policy.
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. Reviewers are cautioned that
their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an
Internet site.
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. This policy announcement is found
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement dated June 5,
2000, at the following website:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html
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. NIH has
provided guidance at:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm
Applicants may wish to place data collected under this RFA 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.
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 Request for
Applications (RFA), Multimodal Integration Research Networks in
Cognitive Neuroscience, 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
No. 93.853. 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 and Federal Regulations 42
CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 74 and 92. This program is not subject to the
intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or
Health Systems Agency review.
The NIH Grants Policy Statement is available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm. This document includes
general information about the grant application and review process,
information on the terms and conditions that apply to NIH grants and
cooperative agreements, and a listing of pertinent offices and
officials at the NIH.
The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In
addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits
smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a
facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care,
health care, or early childhood development services are provided to
children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and
advance the physical and mental health of the American people.
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