The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to invite applications for Institutional Network Awards for Research Training (U2C/TL1). The purpose of these awards is to cultivate a highly integrated cohort of trainees and early career investigators and to develop career development resources in order to accelerate kidney, urologic, and hematologic research. To maximize integration and promote a true trainee community, institutions are invited to submit a single, unified U2C/TL1 application to engage, recruit, prepare, and sustain the next generation of kidney, urology, and hematology researchers. Applications covering a single metropolitan area are strongly encouraged.

This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.

The FOA is expected to be published in Spring 2020 with an expected application due date in Fall 2020.

This FOA will utilize the U2C/TL1 activity code. Details of the planned FOA are provided below.

Ressearch Initiative Details

The Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases (KUH) of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) aims to reshape and refocus its Institutional Training Award (T32) program. Compared to the traditional NIDDK/KUH NRSA T32 programs, the program supported by this Funding Opportunity Announcement will have fewer, larger Institutional Network Awards (U2C/TL1). The U2C cooperative component will coordinate and provide administrative support for the Institutional Network Award activities, while the TL1 training component will allow the institution to recruit and fund at least 5 highly competitive pre- and/or post-doctoral trainees across K-, U- and H-mission focused research. Together, each U2C/TL1 Award is expected to:

• Increase Networking and Outreach (U2C Networking Core). Coordinate a vibrant and dynamic cohort of K, U and H trainees, including those supported directly by the TL1 component of this award and those institutional trainees currentlysupported by other NIH training and related mechanisms, such as Fellowships (Fs), Career Development Awards (Ks), Short-term Training Grants (T35s), and Education Program Grants (R25s). Support a robust mentoring environment, including active peer-to-peer and alumni networks.
• Enhance Career Preparation (U2C Professional Development Core). Promote interdisciplinary team science by exposing trainees to diverse and innovative technologies and critical research resources. Develop tailored and structured educational experiences, including specific training in professional development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.
• Recruit and train Interdisciplinary Researchers (TL1 Training Core). Fund highly talented trainees from demographically and scientifically diverse backgrounds via the TL1 component of this award.

Victoria Spruance, Ph.D.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
301-827-5091
[email protected]

Tracy Rankin, Ph.D., M.P.H.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Telephone: 301-594-4748
Email: [email protected]