October 13, 2023
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
The purpose of this Notice is to alert potential applicants of the addition of a Frequently Asked Questions page to RFA-AI-23-055, Research Tools for Difficult to Culture Eukaryotic Pathogens (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed).
Currently Reads:
Phased Innovation Awards
Due to the high-risk, high-impact nature of the research, this NOFO will use the R61/R33 Exploratory/Developmental Phased Award activity code. Support will be provided for up to three years (R61 phase) for milestone-driven research to develop robust culture techniques and detailed protocols, and/or genetic and molecular tools to better understand the biology of these select eukaryotic pathogens. This phase should be dedicated to the production of research tools only, and not to testing hypotheses on pathogen biology.
Up to two years of support (R33 phase) may follow the R61 phase for additional activities as appropriate, such as expanded development and/or application of the research tools developed during the R61 phase to address questions of pathogen biology. Proposed milestones will be reviewed and negotiated prior to award.
Before the end of the R61 phase, awardees will submit the R33 transition package, which includes a detailed progress report describing advancement toward the initial milestones and a description of how the completed work justifies continuation with the originally proposed R33 studies. These materials will be evaluated by NIH Program staff. Awards selected for continued funding will transition to an R33 award without the need to submit a new application. Transition to the R33 phase is neither automatic nor guaranteed. R33 funding decisions will be based on the original R61/R33 peer review recommendations, successful completion of R61 milestones, program priorities, and availability of funds. It is expected that approximately 50% of grants funded in the R61 phase will transition to the R33 phase.
See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.
Modified to Read (changes shown in bold italics):
Phased Innovation Awards
Due to the high-risk, high-impact nature of the research, this NOFO will use the R61/R33 Exploratory/Developmental Phased Award activity code. Support will be provided for up to three years (R61 phase) for milestone-driven research to develop robust culture techniques and detailed protocols, and/or genetic and molecular tools to better understand the biology of these select eukaryotic pathogens. This phase should be dedicated to the production of research tools only, and not to testing hypotheses on pathogen biology.
Up to two years of support (R33 phase) may follow the R61 phase for additional activities as appropriate, such as expanded development and/or application of the research tools developed during the R61 phase to address questions of pathogen biology. Proposed milestones will be reviewed and negotiated prior to award.
Before the end of the R61 phase, awardees will submit the R33 transition package, which includes a detailed progress report describing advancement toward the initial milestones and a description of how the completed work justifies continuation with the originally proposed R33 studies. These materials will be evaluated by NIH Program staff. Awards selected for continued funding will transition to an R33 award without the need to submit a new application. Transition to the R33 phase is neither automatic nor guaranteed. R33 funding decisions will be based on the original R61/R33 peer review recommendations, successful completion of R61 milestones, program priorities, and availability of funds. It is expected that approximately 50% of grants funded in the R61 phase will transition to the R33 phase.
For additional information about this NOFO, see Frequently Asked Questions.
See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.
All other aspects of the NOFO remain unchanged.
Dona Love, Ph.D.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Telephone: 301-761-7788
Email: [email protected]
Glen McGugan, Ph.D.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Telephone: 240-627-3314
Email: [email protected]