Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
and Human Services (HHS)
July 16, 2021
PAR-20-220 - Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training (U2C-Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOT-DK-21-026 - INotice of Correction to Effort Requirements Identified in NOT-DK-21-018 for PAR-20-220
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
This Notice is inform applicants of a change in budget instructions for PAR-20-220 "Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training (U2C-Clinical Trial Not Allowed)", and to provide further clarification on the inclusion of kidney, urologic, and hematologic disciplines in training programs.
Summary of Changes to Budget Instructions
The purpose of this program is to recruit, support, and retain as many talented trainees as possible into benign kidney, urologic, and hematologic (KUH) research disciplines, and to propel discovery forward in these fields. To this end, the majority of the total award budget should be used to directly support trainee costs (via the NRSA Training Core, or TL1). More specifically, the collective total cost of the U2C (Administrative Core, Networking Core, and Professional Development Core) should not exceed 70% of the total cost of the TL1 (NRSA Training Core).
In addition, the maximum salary support that can be requested for all senior key personnel effort combined is six calendar months per budget period. This applies across all U2C cores and the TL1 core. Minimum effort requirements for PIs of the application will no longer be in effect, though effort commitment should ensure the success of the program. The six-months of salary support for senior key personnel effort can be divided amongst participating faculty as needed. There is no cap on other personnel effort, provided the total cost of the award adheres to the restrictions outlined above.
Clarification on the Inclusion of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic (KUH) Disciplines in Training Proposals
Institutional Network Awards applications that engage trainees across all three K-, U-, and H- disciplines are encouraged and preferred. While equal representation across these disciplines is not required, NIDDK encourages applicants to leverage available resources -- to the extent possible -- to maximize the training opportunities across K-, U- AND H- research. This may be accomplished by partnering with other departments within a given institution or by partnering with other institutions in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (if feasible). Multi-institutional applications are not required, but they are encouraged if partnership enhances the training environment and experience.
Therefore, the following sections of the Funding Opportunity Announcement are amended to read as follows:
Part 2. Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
Currently Reads:
Purpose
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). These U2C/TL1 awards will be designed to cultivate a highly integrated cohort of people and resources to propel KUH training and research. 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:
Successful programs will provide an environment that will optimize the ability of trainees to conduct rigorous, ethical research to generate new knowledge, apply interdisciplinary approaches to research questions, and utilize principles of team-science to further their leadership and problem-solving skills. Programs should also support the development of a peer-to-peer network and provide ample career development resources for the community of K, U, and H trainees within the institution. Trainees who complete training under this program should be able to use their skills to publish in the scientific literature, compete for additional research support, and be prepared to successfully navigate the next steps towards a scientific research career.
To foster a true community of trainees, applicant organizations may submit only one Institutional Network Award application. A single, consolidated application from several institutions within the same metropolitan area, that include multiple departments with a different research focus are strongly encouraged and preferred. Programs should be inclusive of all trainees across the entire research mission of the Division of KUH. In other words, trainees may be engaged in benign kidney, urologic, or hematologic research within a single program.
Overtime, it is expected that each Institutional Network Award will actively participate in a nationwide program -- formed by the collection of individual KUH U2C/TL1 awards -- to train a cohort of researchers capable of achieving the scientific breakthroughs necessary to improve the care of people with kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases
Revised to read (italicized and bolded below):
Purpose
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). These U2C/TL1 awards will be designed to cultivate a highly integrated cohort of people and resources to propel KUH training and research. 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:
Successful programs will provide an environment that will optimize the ability of trainees to conduct rigorous, ethical research to generate new knowledge, apply interdisciplinary approaches to research questions, and utilize principles of team-science to further their leadership and problem-solving skills. Programs should also support the development of a peer-to-peer network and provide ample career development resources for the community of K, U, and H trainees within the institution. Trainees who complete training under this program should be able to use their skills to publish in the scientific literature, compete for additional research support, and be prepared to successfully navigate the next steps towards a scientific research career.
To foster a true community of trainees, applicant organizations may submit only one Institutional Network Award application. A single, consolidated application from several institutions within the same metropolitan area, that include multiple departments with a different research focus are strongly encouraged and preferred. Programs should be inclusive of all trainees across the entire research mission of the Division of KUH. In other words, trainees may be engaged in benign kidney, urologic, or hematologic research within a single program. Institutional Network Awards applications that engage trainees across all three K-, U-, and H- disciplines are encouraged and preferred. While equal representation across these disciplines is not required, NIDDK encourages applicants to leverage available resources -- to the extent possible -- to maximize the training opportunities across K-, U- AND H- research. This may be accomplished by partnering with other departments within a given institution or by partnering with other institutions in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (if feasible). Multi-institutional applications are not required, but they are encouraged if partnership enhances the training environment and experience.
Overtime, it is expected that each Institutional Network Award will actively participate in a nationwide program -- formed by the collection of individual KUH U2C/TL1 awards -- to train a cohort of researchers capable of achieving the scientific breakthroughs necessary to improve the care of people with kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases
Part 2. Section II. Award Information
Currently Reads:
Award Budget
Application budgets are not limited but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.
Revised to read (italicized and bolded below):
Award Budget
The total costs of the Administrative Core, Professional Development Core, and Networking Core (U2C) should not exceed 70% of the total cost of the NRSA Training Core (TL1). In other words, the total costs of the U2C divided by the total costs of the TL1 should not exceed 0.70.
Part 2. Section III. Eligibility Information
Currently Reads:
Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator)
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area relevant to the mission of the Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees to the approved research training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.
The NIDDK encourages multiple PDs/PIs, particularly when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance the training program. At least one of the multiple PDs/PIs should be an investigator with an active research program in basic, translational, or clinical science aligned with the mission of KUH, capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. Additional PDs/PIs, including individuals with experience in areas such as science education, program evaluation, mentoring, and career development and advancement for early-career scientists, may be included to achieve the training goals.
In keeping with the effort to enhance the involvement of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in training, and in providing role models that bring diversity to a training environment, it is strongly encouraged that institutions include women and/or individuals from diverse backgrounds when forming the leadership team of the program.
The PDs/PIs are expected to commit at least two person months and preferably three to six person months effort on the award annually. For programs with multiple PD/PIs, each PD/PI must contribute at least two person-months effort.
Revised to read (italicized and bolded below):
Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator)
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area relevant to the mission of the Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees to the approved research training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.
The NIDDK encourages multiple PDs/PIs, particularly when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance the training program. At least one of the multiple PDs/PIs should be an investigator with an active research program in basic, translational, or clinical science aligned with the mission of KUH, capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. Additional PDs/PIs, including individuals with experience in areas such as science education, program evaluation, mentoring, and career development and advancement for early-career scientists, may be included to achieve the training goals.
In keeping with the effort to enhance the involvement of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in training, and in providing role models that bring diversity to a training environment, it is strongly encouraged that institutions include women and/or individuals from diverse backgrounds when forming the leadership team of the program.
The PDs/PIs are expected to commit sufficient effort to ensure the program’s success. Requests for salary support should follow budgetary guidelines; total salary support for Overall PIs and Core Directors across all U2C cores and the TL1 core should not exceed six calendar months per year.
Part 2. Section IV. Application and Submission Information
Currently Reads:
Budget (Administrative Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
Revised to read (italicized and bolded below):
Budget (Administrative Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
The total costs of the Administrative Core, Professional Development Core, and Networking Core (U2C) should not exceed 70% of the total cost of the NRSA Training Core (TL1). In other words, the total costs of the U2C divided by the total costs of the TL1 should not exceed 0.70.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
Part 2. Section IV. Application and Submission Information.
Currently Reads:
Budget (Professional Development Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
Revised to read (italicized and bolded below):
Budget (Professional Development Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
The total costs of the Administrative Core, Professional Development Core, and Networking Core (U2C) should not exceed 70% of the total cost of the NRSA Training Core (TL1). In other words, the total costs of the U2C divided by the total costs of the TL1 should not exceed 0.70.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
Part 2. Section IV. Application and Submission Information.
Currently Reads:
Budget (Professional Development Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
Revised to read (italicized and bolded below):
Budget (Professional Development Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
The total costs of the Administrative Core, Professional Development Core, and Networking Core (U2C) should not exceed 70% of the total cost of the NRSA Training Core (TL1). In other words, the total costs of the U2C divided by the total costs of the TL1 should not exceed 0.70.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
Part 2. Section IV. Application and Submission Information
Currently Reads
Budget (Network Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
Revised to read (italicized and bolded below):
Budget (Network Core)
Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.
The total costs of the Administrative Core, Professional Development Core, and Networking Core (U2C) should not exceed 70% of the total cost of the NRSA Training Core (TL1). In other words, the total costs of the U2C divided by the total costs of the TL1 should not exceed 0.70.
Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.
All other aspects of this Funding Opportunity Announcement remain unchanged.
Victoria Spruance, PhD
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Telephone: 301-827-5091
Email: victoria.spruance@nih.gov