June 3, 2022
PAR-20-240 - Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce in Translational Neuroscience
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
This Notice highlights the NINDS’s interest in receiving grant applications focused on advancing the careers of a diverse translational research workforce in response to PAR-20-240, NIH Neuroscience Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce (R25).
Background and Research Objectives
The primary goal of this notice is to seek proposals to the NIH Neuroscience Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce (R25) that provide participants with the necessary skills, education, and training required to successfully contribute to translational science within the NINDS mission. Applications should propose educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences (see, Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity, NOT-OD-20-031), to pursue further studies or careers in translational neuroscience within the NINDS mission (learn more: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Current-Research/Research-Funded-NINDS). Translation is defined as the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public. Translation of basic discoveries to clinical application (“bench to bedside”) requires a close collaboration between basic scientists and clinical investigators. Equally important, however, is an understanding of the overall process and specific practices required for designing projects with the potential for advancement through the translational pathway from basic discovery to clinical application.
Educational activities of interest include:
Courses for Translational Skills Development: Relevant proposals will impart skills and knowledge in translational processes and practices necessary to advance from fundamental biological mechanisms that contribute to neurological diseases and disorders, toward therapies and diagnostics. Examples of courses and workshops include courses in the field of translational science as well as complementary fields including but not limited to preclinical activities (e.g. proof of concept studies, device design considerations, drug development, regulatory approval, manufacturing principles), clinical practices, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, drug or product development, regulatory affairs, corporate and venture finance, commercialization, marketing, business development, intellectual property, and research administration.
Translational Research Activities: Relevant translational research activities will provide hands-on authentic experiences in translational research and related areas. Activities may include internships, shadowing and/or mentoring opportunities at the following types of institutes: start-up companies, biopharma companies, accelerators, tech-transfer offices, scientific foundations, venture capital, venture philanthropy organizations, or others that focus on translational research.
NINDS will not support projects, regardless of the results of merit review, if they do not fulfill current programmatic priorities. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that potential applicants consult scientific/research staff at the intended IC listed in Section VII before preparing an application. The following represents mission focus areas for NINDS:
-
The proposed program prepares trainees for a career in translational research, entrepreneurship, or business development within the NINDS mission.
-
Likelihood that the personnel expertise and research education development plans proposed will specifically increase participants' translational research and technology development skill set in neuroscience.
Michelle Jones-London, Ph.D.
Chief, Office of Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity
Email: NINDSDiversityTraining@mail.nih.gov
and Human Services (HHS)
