and Human Services (HHS)
BIODEFENSE RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES - NIAID
RELEASE DATE: July 8, 2003
NOTICE: NOT-AI-03-047
Application Types and Standard Receipt Dates: T32, T35, F32, F31,
and K mechanisms.
(For all receipt dates, see
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
(http://www.niaid.nih.gov)
PURPOSE
To expedite research training and career development in research areas
focusing on biodefense, including prevention, detection, diagnosis, and
treatment of diseases caused by potential bioterrorism agents.
BACKGROUND
As concern grows about the use of biological agents in acts of bioterrorism
or war, the NIAID is evaluating and accelerating measures to protect the
public from the health consequences of such events. Recent events have
reminded us that bioterrorism can be a major contributor in disease
emergence.
NIAID biodefense research focuses on the need for basic studies on the
biology of the microbe, the host response, as well as basic and applied
research aimed at the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines
against these agents. In addition, NIAID recognizes the need to enhance the
areas of research resources, facilities, and biosafety. Further, it is clear
that a growing cadre of highly trained investigators is needed in order to
address the biodefense research agenda proposed by the NIAID. NIAID
recognizes that in order to effectively conduct research on this rapidly
evolving area of emerging infectious disease, new researchers will need to be
trained to work with special agents, reagents, and animals necessary to
pursue this line of research. In addition, expertise in a wide variety of
areas including structural biology, medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics,
diagnostics, and therapeutic and vaccine candidate production is needed.
NIAID BIODEFENSE INFORMATION
NIAID maintains comprehensive information on its programs in Biodefense and
emerging infectious diseases at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/
NIAID RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NIAID encourages applications for research training and career development in
the following areas:
Pathogen replication and pathogenesis
o Study of pathogens and their interactions with their hosts, including
genomic and proteomic analyses. These studies can also include the
development of innovative technologies.
o Identification and characterization of pathogen and host molecular targets
for interventions.
o Identification and evaluation of new targets for development of passive
antibody therapies. Development of genetic systems to study pathogens.
o Basic and comparative studies on microbial physiology.
Animal models of infection and immunity
o Development and use of animal models of infection to characterize
mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interactions. These include
studies of pathogenesis and comparative pathogenesis, studies of pathogen-
host gene expression, and characterization of host genetic risk factors for
disease susceptibility.
o Development of animal models to define protective immune mechanisms and to
allow for validation of vaccines, diagnosis, and treatment regimens for
pathogens. Investigators are encouraged to use gene profiling to assess
disease progression and unique host cellular signatures indicative of initial
infection.
o Development of animal models to define mechanisms of immunopathology and
immune evasion.
o Development of animal models to study mechanisms of vaccination adverse
events to include (but not limited to) eczema vaccinatum and atopic
dermatitis (associated with smallpox vaccination), methods for avoiding the
introduction of adventitious agents during vaccine manufacture, and novel
methods of vaccine production to enhance vaccine safety.
Host response
o Research into the mechanisms of mucosal immunity to pathogens, including
natural and bioengineered agents. Special emphasis on mechanisms of
immunoregulation in the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.
o Identification and characterization of immunoregulatory pathways in the
very young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
o Development of novel vaccine strategies that will optimize specific
protective primary and secondary immune responses. These include new
strategies for adjuvants, vaccine formulation, identification of protective
B- and T-cell epitopes, and their optimal delivery in vaccines.
o Development of novel vaccine technologies and delivery systems.
o Identification and characterization of innate immune pathways as targets
for passive immunotherapy.
o Identification and analysis of genetic variations and polymorphisms in
human hosts associated with resistance and susceptibility to infection,
including innate and adaptive immunity, and responses to vaccines and
therapies. Use of microarray technology is encouraged.
o Studies of factors that influence the innate and adaptive immune responses
such as age-specific receptor expression, synergy and regulation of multiple
responses, optimization of antigen presentation and immune memory, and
adjuvants.
o Mechanistic studies of the molecular and cellular connections between
nutrition, host immunity, and infections.
o Use of imaging and other emerging technologies to study pathogenesis and
immune response in vivo.
o Use and development of mathematical models focused on characterization of
host immune responses, pathogenesis, and infectivity.
Epidemiology and natural history of Categories A-C organisms and the diseases
they cause
o Studies of the natural history of microbial pathogens in natural non-human
and human hosts, including disease spectrum and distribution, prognostic
indicators and characterization of risk factors, host and environmental
factors related to disease acquisition and severity, and outcome.
o Characterization of population immunity, correlates of immunity, and
immunopathogenesis.
o Studies of the distribution and determinants of microbial pathogens in
human populations.
o Studies and modeling of vehicles and mechanisms of transmission of
pathogens in human populations in endemic areas.
o Studies of the natural rates of horizontal gene transfer, especially of
plasmid-encoded toxins and resistance factors, in the microbial ecosystems
likely to be most exposed to agents of bioterrorism.
o Identification of the biotic and abiotic factors that are necessary for
the maintenance of these pathogens in the external environment and the
factors that support the maintenance and expansion of the pathogen population
in the environment.
Laboratory Containment
o Research experience using BL3 or BL4 facilities
o Design and improvement of BL3 or BL4 facilities
In addition, NIAID encourages applications from individuals in which both
academic and private sectors are engaged in addressing areas of biodefense
research.
MECHANISMS OF SUPPORT
Institutional Training Grants
o Institutional National Research Service Award (NRSA) Training Grants (T32)
in the area of biodefense research. Applicants for T32 training grants should
refer to the Program Announcement
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-109.html). Please note
that NIAID has a single receipt date: September 10.
o Supplements to NIAID grantees for additional trainee slots in biodefense-
related areas will not be accepted.
o Applicants for training grants in biodefense research should include the
following criteria:
1. Principal Investigators (PIs) should address, describe, and
justify biodefense research relevance throughout their grant applications.
2. Applications should include didactic features such as courses and
seminars specific to biodefense research topics.
3. Applications should have faculty onboard with relevant expertise
in biodefense research, either on-site or through collaborative efforts.
Expertise can be in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, immunology,
structural biology, genomics, pharmacology, or other relevant areas.
4. Scientists with microbiology and infectious diseases backgrounds
are strongly encouraged to collaborate with researchers working in the field
of immunology.
o Short Term Institutional Research Training Grants (T35) for health
professional students. Applicants for T35 training grants should refer to
this page for instructions
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-027.html).
Individual Fellowships
o Individual NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowships (F32). Applicants for F32
fellowships should refer to this page for instructions
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-104.html).
o Individual Pre-Doctoral Fellowships (F31) for minority students or for
students with disabilities. Applicants for F31 fellowships should refer to
the appropriate Program Announcement for instructions: for minority students
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-069.html) or for
students with disabilities
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-068.html)
Career Development (K) awards
o K02 Independent Scientist Award
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-020.html) for early
mid-career independent investigators.
o K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-003.html) intended for
individuals with clinical degrees who wish to pursue basic research careers.
o K22 Research Scholar Development Award
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-02-018.html) intended for
postdoctoral trainees who wish to move to positions of assistant professor at
academic institutions.
o K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-004.html) intended for
individuals planning research careers involving direct contact with patients.
o K24 Mid-Career Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-005.html) intended for
well-established mid-career independent investigators with strong records of
achievement patient-oriented research and training.
INQUIRIES
Inquiries are strongly encouraged and, in the case of supplements to existing
T32 grants, required. Opportunities to clarify any issues or questions from
potential applicants are welcome.
o Direct programmatic inquiries to:
Milton J. Hern ndez, Ph.D.
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Room 21233, MSC-7610
6700-B Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-7610
Bethesda, MD 20817-7610 (for express/courier service)
Telephone: (301) 496-3775
FAX: (301) 496-8729
Email: [email protected]
Susan Garges, Ph.D.
Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Room 5009, MSC-6603
6610 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-6605
Telephone (301) 402-8584
FAX: (301) 480-1260
Email: [email protected]
Lawrence J. Prograis, M.D.
Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Room Number 3065, MSC-6601
6610 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-6601
Bethesda, MD 20817-6601 (for express/courier service)
Telephone:(301) 496-1886
FAX: (301) 402-2571
Email: [email protected]
o Direct fiscal and grants management inquiries to:
Barbara Huffman
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Room Number 2132, MSC-7610
6700B Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-7610
Bethesda, MD 20817-7610 (for express/courier service)
Telephone: (301) 496-3821
FAX: (301) 496-8729
Email: [email protected]
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