NOT-AA-21-038: Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Collaborative Partnership between Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) and Alcohol Research Centers (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Collaborative Partnership between Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) and Alcohol Research Centers (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

Notice Number:

NOT-AA-21-038

Key Dates

Release Date:

July 15, 2021

Estimated Publication Date of Funding Opportunity Announcement:

August 01, 2021

First Estimated Application Due Date:

December 15, 2021

Earliest Estimated Award Date:

September 01, 2022

Earliest Estimated Start Date:

October 01, 2022

Related Announcements

None

Issued by

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Purpose

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) intends to re-issue the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) RFA-AA-20-010. This reissue of the FOA is to facilitate planning and implementation of collaborative partnerships between Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) and institutions with extensive alcohol research programs, including NIAAA-funded alcohol research centers and consortia (ARC). The long-range goal of the collaborative partnership program between RCMI and ARC is to strengthen the alcohol research capacity, develop research expertise in biomedical and clinical fields to identify, characterize, and reduce adverse health effects due to alcohol use and misuse. This FOA aims to support RCMI to build alcohol research infrastructure and capacity and to enhance diversity in the biomedical workforce. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants at an RCMI sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations with ARC partners.

The FOAs are expected to be published in Summer 2021, with an expected application due date in late Fall 2021. The FOAs will utilize the U54 activity code.

Research Initiative Details

Alcohol consumption is associated with a broad range of adverse health and social consequences, both acute and chronic. The scope and variety of these problems are attributable to differences in the amount, duration, and patterns of alcohol consumption; in genetic vulnerability to particular alcohol-related consequences; and in economic, social, and other environmental determinants. Adverse health consequences associated with alcohol consumption include brain neurodegeneration, cirrhosis and alcohol-associated liver diseases, cardiomyopathy, cancer, pancreatitis, psychiatric comorbidity, and alcohol-related sleep disorders. To better address adverse health consequences associated with alcohol consumption in diverse populations in the US, NIAAA is seeking: 1) to increase the diversity of the alcohol research workforce, and 2) to establish and support alcohol research programs that promote the participation of scientists from diverse backgrounds.

By partnering with ARCs, RCMIs can expand their research programs into areas that address the problems of alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder. The goal of the FOA is to build a biomedical research environment at the RCMI capable of solving current and future challenges in alcohol research. The funding initiative will support infrastructure and research proposals. The collaborations are expected to be tailored to the unique needs of RCMI, providing guidance and support for the RCMI to develop an independently funded diverse alcohol research faculty and portfolios. NIAAA encourages RCMIs to seek partnership with local and regional ARCs, and likewise for ARCs to pursue collaborative partnership with RCMIs.

Research shows that diverse teams working together outperform homogenous teams. Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds and with different life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems. Diverse teams of scientists will lead the way to develop more innovative inclusive research that will more broadly enhance public health. Fostering diversity by addressing underrepresentation in the scientific research workforce is a key component of the NIH strategy to identify, develop, support, and maintain the quality of our scientific workforce. It is expected that theRCMIs and ARCs will include a diverse group of scientists, including individuals from underrepresented backgrounds as per NOT-OD 20-031 (Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity). NIAAA is especially interested in enhancing representation from racial, ethnic and gender minorities and early-stage investigators. Any individuals referenced in NOT-OD 20-031 (Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity) are expected to serve as key contributors to the biomedical research along with investigators who have a strong track record of funding. In addition, research teams should include investigators from various disciplines/departments and specialties.

Funding Information

Estimated Total Funding

NIAAA intends to fund an estimate of 1 -2 awards, corresponding to a total of $1,500,000, for fiscal year 2022. Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations.

Expected Number of Awards

Estimated Award Ceiling

Applications for the RCMI are limited to a budget of up to $700,000 in direct costs during Years 1-2. Direct costs can increase in years 3-5 to a maximum of $750,000 per year. An RCMI can partner with only one alcohol research intensive institution (ARC). The aggregate total direct costs for the partnering ARC are capped at $200,000 direct cost per year.

Primary Assistance Listing Number(s)

93.273

Anticipated Eligible Organizations

Private Institution of Higher Education
Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education

Applications are not being solicited at this time.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Abraham P. Bautista, Ph.D.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
bautista@mail.nih.gov