GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT OF SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS BY NIH

Release Date:  October 30, 1998 (see replacement PAR-03-176)

P.T.

National Institutes of Health

NOTE: These guidelines are reissued to provide updates for NIH
Institute/Center contacts and guidelines, but have no NIH policy changes.  The
previous guidelines were issued in the NIH GUIDE on May 9, 1997.

PURPOSE

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes the value of supporting
scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops that are relevant to its
scientific mission and to public health.  Support of these meetings is
contingent on the interests and priorities of the individual Institutes and
Centers (I/C) as well as the investment that each I/C determines is
appropriate.  Each I/C has the flexibility to support conferences according to
its specific needs. As indicated in this document, changes have been
introduced to reduce some of the burdensome and time-consuming processes for
applicant organizations as well as NIH.  Some Institutes and Centers require
prior contact and/or approval before submission.

The guidelines presented here are general guidance for applicant organizations
in the development of applications for requesting support for scientific
meetings. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the individual I/C
staff listed in this document for specific I/C information.

This document contains information about

o  NIH policy and procedures concerning the application process for the
support of scientific meetings

o  NIH Staff contacts and funding opportunities available from each NIH
component for support of scientific meetings via grants or cooperative
agreements (See Attachment 1)

o  Supplemental Instructions for Application Form PHS-398 (See Attachment 2)

o  "Guidelines on Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Persons with
Disabilities in NIH-Sponsored and/or -Supported Intramural and Extramural
Scientific Meetings and Conferences" (NIH Guide, Vol. 24, No. 15, April 28,
1995) (See Attachment 3)
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not95-124.html

This document only applies to those conferences, workshops, or scientific
meetings supported by NIH grants or cooperative agreements. It does not apply
to those conferences, workshops, or scientific meetings sponsored or initiated
by NIH and funded by contracts or by direct operating funds, or workshops
conducted as an adjunct to scientific peer review group activities.

POLICY

Scientific meetings may be funded by assistance mechanisms (grants and
cooperative agreements) and may be funded for up to five (5) years.  All
applications for such meetings will be evaluated for programmatic relevance by
Institute/Center (I/C) staff and reviewed for merit by the Institute/Center. 
Each NIH I/C may support those applications that are within its mission. 
Applications of interest to more than one NIH component may be co-funded. 
Each NIH I/C has designated a conference award contact, this individual is the
I/C focal point for information on the NIH component"s general interest in
supporting a scientific meeting on a specific topic or by a specific
mechanism, for any I/C-specific guidelines, and for identification of the
appropriate program staff within the I/C for further presubmission
discussions.  Please note that Institutes/Centers may also include in their
guidelines a requirement for prior approval before submission of an
application for support of scientific meetings, in this case, a letter of
intent may be requested.  Institutes/Centers may also include in their
guidelines dollar limits and other budget guidelines.

Organizers of scientific meetings must comply with the "Guidelines on
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in NIH-
Sponsored and/or -Supported Intramural and Extramural Meetings and
Conferences."  (See attachment 3). Appropriate representation of women,
racial/ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, and other individuals
who have been traditionally underrepresented in science, must be included in
all aspects of planning, organization and implementation of NIH-sponsored
and/or -supported meetings. "Appropriate" means representation based on the
availability of scientists from these groups known to be working in a
particular field of biomedical or behavioral research.  If appropriate
representation is not apparent, no award will be issued until program staff
are assured of concerted efforts.

ELIGIBILITY

A U.S. institution or organization, including an established scientific or
professional society, is eligible to apply.  An individual is not eligible to
receive an award for the support of a scientific meeting.

Both domestic and international meetings may be supported, however, an
international meeting can be supported only through the United States
representative organization of an established international scientific or
professional society.

GENERAL PROCEDURES

A scientific meeting is defined as a gathering, symposium, seminar, workshop
or any other organized, formal conference where persons assemble to
coordinate, exchange and disseminate information or to explore or clarify a
defined subject, problem or area of knowledge.

Types of Support

o  Investigator-initiated conference grants (R13 awards)

o  Cooperative agreement awards, with substantial programmatic involvement by
NIH staff after award (U13 awards)

o  Multiple year awards (R13 or U13) for up to five years to a permanently
sponsoring organization for conferences held annually or biennially on a
recurring topic.

Application Instructions

Prospective applicants are encouraged to inquire in advance concerning NIH"s
interest in supporting a scientific meeting by contacting the appropriate
conference award contact who is the I/C"s focal point for identification of
appropriate program staff for further presubmission discussions, including
requirements for letters of intent and prior approval.  Applicants may contact
another I/C, if one I/C is not interested in supporting the scientific
meeting.

All information regarding supplemental instructions for preparation of
application Form PHS 398 is outlined in attachment 2.

Multiple year conference applications for up to five years may be submitted by
permanent sponsoring organizations for conferences held annually or
biennially.  Continued funding beyond the first year is contingent upon
scientific progress as determined annually by I/C procedures.

Receipt dates will be determined by the individual I/C, however, potential
applicants are encouraged to submit applications on the three Center for
Scientific Review (CSR) deadlines(February 1, June 1, October 1).  All
applications must be submitted at least 6 months prior to the conference.  The
conference award contact can provide specific information on receipt dates.

Application Assignment within NIH

Each application will be assigned to one or more I/Cs by the CSR Referral
Office based on established I/C guidelines for relevance. However, program
staff will accept applications for assignment, including secondary
assignments, only if there is interest in supporting the scientific meeting,
thus, submission of an application does not ensure acceptance.

Evaluation of Applications

Applications will be evaluated by the I/C or CSR by means deemed appropriate.
Review criteria include:

o  the need and timeliness for the scientific meeting,
o  its format and agenda,
o  qualifications of the organizers and proposed participants,
o  past performance where applicable,
o  appropriateness of the meeting site,
o  plans for the appropriate* involvement of women, racial/ethnic minorities
and persons with disabilities in the planning and implementation of the
proposed meeting, and
o  appropriateness of budget, per I/C guidelines.

[*  See "policy" section of this document and Attachment 3.]

Recommendations are documented in a standard summary statement format and sent
to the applicant.

Depending on I/C policy, applications may be reviewed by the appropriate
National Advisory Council or Board.

Funding

Each I/C may support any application that is within its mission, interests and
support guidelines, and which has been recommended for support by the review
group.  Applications of interest to more than one I/C may be co-funded. 
Notices of Grant Award for awards covering conferences for up to five years
will contain information in the Terms and Conditions that a shift in
conference focus would preclude further funding in subsequent years.

Funding by Cooperative Agreement

When the I/C determines that there is sufficient need to have substantial
involvement in the planning and conduct of a scientific meeting, the I/C may
determine that a cooperative agreement (U13) award should be made. Specific
terms and conditions of the award may be obtained from the I/C contact.

Reporting Requirements

A report of the meeting must be prepared and two copies submitted to the
awarding unit that supported the meeting within 90 days after the completion
of the meeting.  The report should include (a) the grant number, (b) the
title, date and place of the meeting, (c) the name of the person shown on the
application as the conference director, principal investigator, or program
director, (d) the name of the organization that conducted the meeting, (e) a
list of the individuals, and their institutional affiliations, who
participated as speakers or discussants in the formally planned sessions of
the meeting, and (f) a summary of topics discussed/conclusions.

Multiple year awards require an annual progress report that contains a
description of specific plans for the next award period, in similar detail and
format as for a single meeting, this should be submitted six months before the
next conference.  NIH Program staff will evaluate these reports and plans in
approving annual non-competing continuation awards.

Copies of proceedings or publications resulting from the meeting, including
items (a) through (f) listed above, may be substituted for the annual and
final progress report, with approval of the NIH awarding unit.

Additional information on support of conferences is available in Appendix 7 of
the PHS Grants Policy Statement at
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/gps/app7.htm.

SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS AND GUIDELINES AT EACH NIH
COMPONENT

The following listing provides the names of the conference award contacts at
each of the NIH Institutes and Centers (I/C) and the general programmatic and
funding guidelines for support of scientific meetings at that Institute or
Center.  Details for each I/C"s program and budget guidelines and information
on NIH application instructions for support of scientific meetings may be
obtained from the conference award contact listed.

Detailed information about the I/C programs may also be obtained from the NIH
Extramural Programs book, which is available on the NIH Homepage on the WWW at
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding.htm.

Specific information about program areas is provided.

RECEIPT DATES: All applications must be submitted at least six (6) months
prior to the meeting.  Applications will be received on the three CSR receipt
deadlines of February l, June l and October 1, unless otherwise noted below.

LETTER OF INTENT: Letters of Intent are required by some I/Cs as noted below. 
These letters should be submitted to the I/C contact person noted below at
least 30 days before the application deadline. Potential applicants are
encouraged to talk to the I/C contacts as well.

Budget guidelines are also provided by several I/Cs.

1.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING (NIA)

NIA Contacts:

Behavioral and Social Research Program
Richard Suzman, Ph.D.
phone: 301/496-3138  fax: 301/402-0051
e-mail: [email protected]

Biology of Aging Program
Huber Warner, Ph.D.
phone: 301/496-4996  fax: 301/402-0010
e-mail: [email protected]

Geriatrics Program
Evan Hadley, M.D.
phone: 301/435-3044 fax: 301/402-1784
e-mail: [email protected]

Neuroscience & Neuropsychology of Aging Program
Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, Ph.D.
phone: 301/496-9350 fax: 301/496-1494
email: [email protected]

The NIA is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and
workshops in the following areas:  biology of aging, geriatrics, behavioral
and social research on aging, neuroscience and neuropsychology of aging.

Letter of Intent:  NIA does not require a letter of intent prior to acceptance
of submission of applications.  However, applicants are encouraged to contact
NIA staff before preparing their applications.

Applications of interest to more than one IC will be cofunded.  NIA will also
provide partial support in conjunction with other funding sources.

2.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM (NIAAA)

NIAAA Contact:

Ernestine Vanderveen, Ph.D.
phone: 301/443-2531 fax: 594-0673
Email: [email protected]

The NIAAA is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and
workshops on all health issues related to alcohol abuse and alcoholism,
including the biomedical, behavioral, and social consequences of alcohol use
and abuse.

The NIAAA does require a letter of intent prior to acceptance of submission of
a grant application. The NIAAA does not have any specific requirements
regarding partial funding by applicants, dollar limits on applications or
other funding policies.

3.NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID)

NIAID Contacts:

Dr. Robert Quackenbush
Div. of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
phone: 301/496-5644 fax: 402-3255
e-mail: [email protected]

Joan Kondratick
Division of AIDS
phone: 301/402-0755 fax: 480-5703
e-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Lawrence Prograis
Div. of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation
phone: 301/496-1886 fax: 402-2571
e-mail: [email protected]

NIAID is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and
workshops in the following areas: acquired deficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS-
related diseases, microbiology, infectious diseases, allergy, immunology and
transplantation.  NIAID encourages applicants of major annual or biennial
conferences to contact staff concerning submission of applications for up to
five years of conference support.

Receipt Dates: All applications must be submitted at least six months prior to
the meeting. NIAID will accept applications on the three CSR deadlines.  NIAID
will also accept applications throughout the fiscal year with prior approval
from NIAID staff (see contacts above).

Letter of Intent: NIAID requires a letter of intent prior to acceptance of
submission of conference applications.  NIAID will accept applications for
full or partial support. NIAID will not support any conference for less than
$2,500.  When NIAID is the awarding NIH component and NIAID staff will
participate significantly in conference planning, conduct, and reporting,
NIAID will normally award the grant as a cooperative agreement (U13).

Details for NIAID"s program and budget guidelines and information on
application instructions for support of scientific meetings may be obtained
from the NIAID conference award contacts listed above.

4.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES
(NIAMS)

NIAMS Contacts:

Rheumatic Diseases Branch
Dr. Susana Serrate-Sztein, Chief
phone: 301/594-5032 fax: 480-4543
e-mail: [email protected]

Skin Diseases Branch
Dr. Alan Moshell, Chief
phone: 301/594-5017 fax: 480-4543
e-mail: [email protected]

Musculoskeletal Diseases Branch
Dr. Joan McGowan, Chief
phone: 301/594-5055 fax: 480-4543
e-mail: [email protected]

Muscle Biology Branch
Dr. Richard Lymn, Chief
phone: 301/594-5128 fax: 480-4543
e-mail: [email protected]

Specific I/C information:

The NIAMS is interested in supporting conferences in any of the basic and
clinical areas related to the numerous rheumatic diseases, disorders of the
musculoskeletal system, and diseases of muscle, bone, and skin. The NIAMS is
also interested in research on the normal structure and function of the
joints, muscles, bones, connective tissue, and skin.  Areas of special
emphasis within the NIAMS include: osteoporosis, Paget"s disease, autoimmune
diseases such as lupus, connective tissue diseases, exercise physiology and
musculoskeletal fitness, sports injuries and occupational diseases.

Letter of Intent: The NIAMS would appreciate receiving a letter of intent
prior to acceptance of submission of applications for support of conferences
of more than one year.

The NIAMS, in general, only provides partial support for scientific
conferences and workshops.  Specific information about fiscal limitations can
be obtained from program staff.

5.  NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI)

 NCI Conference Award Contact:

Dr. Ray Bramhall
Division of Extramural Activities, NCI
phone: 301/496-3428 fax: 402-0275
e-mail:  [email protected]

Specific NCI Information:

The NCI is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and
workshops in the scientific program priority areas indicated in the NIH
Extramural Programs book available on the Internet at
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/emprograms/index.html.

Letter of Intent: NCI requires a letter of intent prior to acceptance of
submission of all applications.  In recent years, NCI has provided partial
support for scientific meetings which has been in the range of 3 to 15
thousand dollars per award.  Additional support which may be anticipated by
the applicant should be requested from other sources.  Therefore it is
important for prospective applicants to inquire in advance concerning NCI"s
interest in supporting a scientific meeting, especially where more than one of
the NIH institutes and centers might be involved in providing funding for the
same meeting.

6.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD)

NICHD Contacts:

Dr. Louis Quatrano
National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
phone: 301/402-2242 fax: 402-0832
e-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Florence Haseltine
Director, Center for Population Research
phone: 301/496-1101 fax: 496-0962
e-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Sumner J. Yaffe
Director, Center for Research for Mothers and Children
phone: 301/496-5097 fax: 480-7773
e-mail: [email protected]

Conference grant applications are accepted in all areas related to the mission
of the NICHD.

Receipt Dates: NICHD will accept applications on the three CSR receipt
deadlines only.  Applicants should assure that sufficient time is allowed
between application submission and the planned meeting date.

Letter of Intent: NICHD strongly encourages potential applicants to submit a
letter of intent prior to acceptance of submission of applications.

Applications of interest to more than one IC will be cofunded.

7.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (NIDCD)

NIDCD Contact:

Judith A. Cooper, Ph.D.
phone: 301/496-5061 fax: 402-6251
e-mail: [email protected]

NIDCD supports scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops in the areas of
hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language.

Letter of Intent:  NIDCD strongly encourages  a letter of intent and
discussions with Institute staff prior to submission of applications.  All
applications are reviewed by program staff to determine relevance to the
mission of the NIDCD.

Budget Considerations:  NIDCD will accept applications with a budget limit of
$30,000.  The Institute usually supplies significantly less than the $30,000
award ceiling and frequently supplies only partial support for a conference. 
NIDCD often co-funds conferences with other NIH Institutes.

8.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL RESEARCH (NIDR)

NIDR Contact:

Dr. Norman S. Braveman
phone: 301/594-2089 fax: 480-8318
e-mail:  [email protected]

The NIDR is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences and
workshops in the following areas:

Inherited Diseases and Disorders -
Infectious Diseases -
Neoplastic Diseases -
Chronic Disabling Diseases -
Biomaterials, Biomimetics, and Tissue Engineering -
Behavior, Health Promotion and Environment -
Diversity Programs  -
Clinical Trials  -

Receipt Dates:  NIDR will accept applications on the three CSR deadlines only. 
Exceptions to this can be made on a case-by-case basis with permission from
the Institute.

Letter of Intent: NIDR requests a letter of intent for all conference grant
applications.

Budget Guidelines:  NIDR practice is to provide partial support for all
conference grants at three levels as follows: (1) Applications directly
relevant to the mission of NIDR and for which we are the primary awarding IC
and for which NIDR program staff have been contacted prior to application - 
up to $35,000, (2) Applications relevant to the mission of NIDR and for which
we are a secondary or other assignee - up to $10,000 (depending on the degree
of relevance to current program priorities), (3) Applications minimally
relevant to the mission of NIDR which includes major grantees of the Institute
as participants - up to $3,000.

9.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES (NIDDK)

NIDDK Contacts:

Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases:
Ronald N. Margolis, Ph.D.
45 Center Drive, Room 5An12J
phone: 301/594-8819 fax: 435-6047
e-mail: [email protected]

Digestive Diseases and Nutrition:
Michael Kenneth May, Ph.D.
45 Center Drive, Room 6An18J
phone: 301/594-8884 fax: 480-8300
e-mail: [email protected]

Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases:
Charles H. Rodgers, Ph.D.
45 Center Drive, Room 6As19J
phone: 301/594-7726 fax: 480-3510
e-mail: [email protected]

The NIDDK is interested in supporting conferences in all scientific areas
related to its mission including diabetes, endocrinology, metabolic diseases,
digestive diseases, nutrition and obesity, kidney diseases, urologic diseases
and disorders, and hematologic diseases and disorders.

 Letter of Intent: NIDDK requires a letter of intent to be submitted
approximately 30 days prior to submission of a conference grant application. 
Institute staff must accept the letter of intent before an application will be
accepted for review.  Early consultation with Institute staff is highly
recommended.

NIDDK will accept applications under the following budget guidelines: The
Institute, in general, will provide only partial support for conferences and
workshops.  (A special interest of the Institute is to support the attendance
of new, minority, and disabled investigators.)  Although the NIDDK does not
have absolute ceilings on the size of awards made for the support of
conferences, awards of more than $20,000 are highly unusual, and the majority
of awards are for less than $10,000.  Prospective applicants should discuss
the size of their anticipated request with Institute staff prior to
submission.

10.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)

NIDA Contacts:

Teresa Levitin, Ph.D.
Office of Extramural Program Review
phone:  301/443-2755 fax: 443-0538
e-mail:  [email protected]

Dorynne Czechowicz, MD
Treatment Research Branch
Division of Clinical and Services Research
phone: 301/443-0107 fax: 443-8674
e-mail: [email protected]

Nobel Jones
Office for AIDS and Other Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse
phone: 301/443-6046 fax: 443-4100
e-mail: [email protected]

Charles Sharp, Ph.D.
Division of Basic Research
phone: 301/443-1887 fax: 594-6043
e-mail: [email protected]

Susan David, MPH
Division of Epidemiology  and Prevention Research
phone: 301/443-6543 fax: 443-2636
e-mail:  [email protected]

Jamie Biswas, Ph.D.
Chemistry/Pharmaceutics Branch
Medications Development Division
phone:  301/443-5280 fax: 443-2599
e-mail:  [email protected]

Cindy Miner, Ph.D.
Office of Science Policy and Communication
phone:  301/443-6036 fax: 443-6277
e-mail:  [email protected]

The NIDA is interested in supporting scientific meetings,conferences, and
workshops in the following areas:  basic and clinical neurosciences,
behavioral and social sciences, treatment, prevention, epidemiology, health
services, etiology, genetics, community research, HIV/AIDS, and  medications
development.

Letter of Intent:  The NIDA will require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of all conference applications.

Budget Guidelines:  NIDA will support applications for partial or full
funding.  Applications of interest to more than one IC will be cofunded.

11.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS)

NIEHS Contact:

Martha I. Barnes
NIEHS, P.O. BOX 12233
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC 27709
phone: 919/541-3336 fax: 919/541-5064
e-mail: [email protected]

NIEHS has recently formulated and published a set of "special emphasis areas"
that represent a broad spectrum of research opportunities within environmental
health sciences (see
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/dert/programs/special/special.htm).

Consistent with this scientific focus, NIEHS is currently interested in
supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops in the following
areas:

o  basic molecular mechanisms of environmental insult,
o  development of alternative models for toxicology testing,
o  genetic susceptibility,
o  human health effects of complex mixtures,
o  human health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals,
o  impact of environmental exposures on women, children, and minorities.

o  prevention research, including basic molecular approaches as well as
applied community-based strategies and environmental justice,
o  role of the environment in neurodegenerative diseases.

Special areas of emphasis will be updated periodically.  Thus,  potential
applicants are encouraged to refer to the NIEHS homepage (www.niehs.nih.gov)
and/or contact program staff for additional information.

Receipt Dates: All applications must be submitted at least six (6) months
prior to the meeting. NIEHS will accept applications only on the 3 CSR
deadlines for new applications.

Letter of Intent: A letter of intent is encouraged, but not required, for
submission of an application.  Potential applicants are encouraged to consult
with program staff prior to application submission.

NIEHS will not accept investigator-initiated applications for cooperative
agreements (U13).  NIEHS may, according to programmatic need, solicit U13
cooperative agreements through specific Requests for Applications.

NIEHS will accept applications under the following budgets guidelines: For
R13s, the maximum level of support is $25,000, an average award is $7,500. 
NIEHS actively participates in cofunding with other NIH institutes for
conferences related to environmental health sciences.

12.  NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI)

Contact: Ralph J. Helmsen, Ph.D.
phone: 301/496-5301 fax: 301/402-0528
e-mail: [email protected]

Specific NEI information:  The National Eye Institute (NEI) supports
investigator-initiated scientific meetings using the conference cooperative
agreement mechanism, in most instances, rather than the traditional conference
grant mechanism.  The scientific meeting must be relevant and responsive to
NEI scientific program goals and key research questions identified in "Vision
Research - A National Plan: 1999-2003," a report of the National Advisory Eye
Council.  This document is available via the NEI Web site at: 
http://www.nei.nih.gov.

Letter of Intent:  The NEI does not require a formal letter of intent. 
However, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Helmsen
for general information regarding this notice and for referral to the
appropriate NEI extramural program director.  If the application is funded as
a cooperative agreement, NEI extramural program staff will be substantially
involved in the planning and conduct of the scientific meeting, assisting the
Principal Investigator according to specific Terms and Conditions.

Budget Guidelines:  No special guidelines.

13.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS) NIGMS CONTACTS:

Dr.  James C.Cassatt
Director, Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics
phone: 301/594-0828 fax: 480-2004
e-mail:  [email protected]

Dr.  Judith H. Greenberg
Director, Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology
phone: 301/594-0943 fax: 480-2228
email:  [email protected]

Dr.  Michael E.  Rogers
Director, Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry
phone: 301/594-3827 fax: 480-2802
email: [email protected]

The NIGMS is interested in supporting scientific meetings,conferences, and
workshops in the following areas:

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) primarilysupports
basic biomedical research that is not targeted to specific diseases or
disorders.  NIGMS has three divisions that support research in basic
biomedical science fields.  Additional information can be obtained from the
NIGMS web site at: http://www.nih.gov/nigms/about_nigms/about.html. The
Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics seeks greater understanding of the
structure and function of cells, cellular components, and the biological
macromolecules that make up these components. The  Division of Genetics and
Developmental Biology supports studies directed toward gaining a better
understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of inheritance and development.
The Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry supports a
broad spectrum of research aimed at improving the molecular-level
understanding of fundamental biological processes and discovering approaches
to their control.

The NIGMS publication, "NIGMS Divisions and Grant Award Mechanisms," provides
additional information and is available from:

The Public Information Office
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
45 Center Drive MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD  20892-6200
phone: 301/496-7301 fax: 402-0224
email: [email protected]

Information on NIGMS Divisions and grant award mechanisms is also posted on
the NIGMS web site (http://www.nih.gov/nigms).

LETTER OF INTENT:  NIGMS  will require a letter of intent prior to acceptance
of submission of all applications.

For this announcement NIGMS does not wish to state any budget limits.

14.  NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI)

NHLBI Conference Award Contacts

Thomas P. Blaszkowski, Ph.D.
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
phone: 301/435-0417 fax: 480-1864
e-mail: [email protected]

John Fakunding, Ph.D.
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
phone: 301/435-0505 fax: 480-1454
e-mail: [email protected]

Carol E. Vreim, Ph.D.
Division of Lung Diseases
phone: 301/435-0233 fax: 480-3547
e-mail: [email protected]

Carol H. Letendre, Ph.D.
Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
phone: 301/435-0080 fax: 480-0867
e-mail: [email protected]

The NHLBI is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and
workshops in any program area relevant to heart and vascular diseases, lung
diseases, blood diseases and resources, the biobehavioral, epidemiology and
clinical aspects of heart, lung and blood diseases, and sleep disorders.

Receipt Dates: All applications for conference grants should be submitted on
the standard NIH grant receipt dates of Feb 1, June 1, and Oct 1 and must be
submitted at least six months prior to the meeting.  Applications require
approval of the NHLBI before they will be accepted by the Institute.

Letter of Intent: the NHLBI requires a letter of intent which must be received
at least six weeks prior to the submission of an application.  Letters should
be submitted to the conference coordinators listed above.

The NHLBI will provide a minimum support level of $10,000 for each conference
grant, which will likely represent partial support.  These same financial
guidelines will apply to any conference grant cofunded with another I/C.

15.  NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NHGRI)

NHGRI Contact: .

Name:  Elise Feingold, Ph.D
phone: 301/496-7531 fax: 480-2770
e-mail: [email protected]

For programmatic issues related to the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications
Program, contact:

Elizabeth Thomson, M.S., R.N.
phone: 301/402-4997 fax: 402-1950
e-mail: [email protected]

The NHGRI is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and
workshops in the following areas: new and improved technologies for DNA
sequencing, development and application of new technologies for comprehensive
sequence-based approaches to the understanding of genome function, including
the elucidation of  the biological roles of gene products and non-coding
functional elements, the interaction among functional elements in the cell,
the biological consequences of genome organization, the study of DNA sequence
variation, including the dynamics of polymorphisms in populations and the
functional significance of genomic variation, and the ethical, legal, and
social implications of genetic research.

Receipt Dates: October 1, February 1, June 1.  Expedited review may be
arranged with prior approval of NHGRI Staff.

Letter of Intent: A letter of intent, or direct program contact, is encouraged
at least two months prior to the receipt deadline, but is not required.

NHGRI will accept applications for full or partial support.  However, as a
rule, NHGRI will not support the travel of foreign scientists to meetings in
the U.S.  NHGRI is willing to co-fund with other ICs.

16.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)

NIMH CONTACTS:

Henry Khachaturian, Ph.D.
Office of Science Policy and Program Planning
phone: 301/443-4335 fax: 301/443-3225
e-mail: [email protected]

The NIMH is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences, and
workshops designed to focus research attention on understanding, treating, and
preventing mental illnesses through basic research on the brain and behavior,
and through clinical, epidemiological, and mental health services research.

Letter of Intent: The NIMH suggests applicants submit a letter of intent prior
to submission of applications.

17.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS)

NINDS Contacts:

General Information and Conference Grant Guidelines:
Constance W. Atwell, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Extramural Activities
phone: 301/ 496-9248 fax: 402-4370
e-mail: [email protected]

Discussions concerning potential program interest in conference or assistance
in constructing application:

Michael D. Walker, M.D.
Director, Division of Stroke, Trauma and Neurodegenerative Disorders
phone: 301/496-2581 fax: 480-1080
e-mail: [email protected]

Floyd J. Brinley, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Division of Convulsive, Infectious and Immune Disorders
phone: 301/ 496-6541 fax: 402-0302
e-mail: [email protected]

Robert W. Baughman, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Fundamental Neuroscience and Developmental Disorders
phone: 301/496-5745 fax: 402-1501
e-mail:  [email protected]

Conference grant applications are accepted in all areas related to the mission
of the NINDS.

Letter of Intent: NINDS does not require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance of submission of applications, but applicants are strongly
encouraged to discuss their plans with the Division contact listed above.

NINDS supports conferences  in part or in full and participates in co-funding
with other I/Cs.  Awards are typically under $10,000, but larger awards are
sometimes made.  Discussions with program staff are especially important if
larger amounts are requested.

18.  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH (NINR)

The NINR does not offer conference grants.

19.  NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE (NLM)

NLM Contact:

Milton Corn, M.D.
Division of Extramural Programs
National Library of Medicine
phone: 301/496-4621 fax: 402-2952
e-mail: [email protected]

Prospective applicants are advised to contact Dr. Corn before submitting
applications.

20.  NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES (NCRR)

NCRR Program contact for R13s:
Louise E. Ramm, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, NCRR
phone: 301/496-6023 fax: 301/402-0006
e-mail: [email protected]

The NCRR is interested in supporting scientific meetings, conferences and
workshops in the following areas: animal (both mammalian and nonmammalian)
models, clinical research, biomedical technology, bioengineering, and science
education.

Receipt Dates: All applications must be submitted at least six months prior to
the meeting.

Letter of Intent: NCRR does not require a letter of intent prior to
acceptance, however, if an application"s budget is over $25,000, program staff
must be contacted prior to submission.  Also, applicants are encouraged to
contact NCRR staff before preparing their applications.

Applications of interest to more than one IC will be cofunded.

21.  FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER (FIC)

The Fogarty International Center does not provide support for conference
grants.

22.  OFFICE OF RARE DISEASES (ORD)

Conference Award Contact:

Stephen C. Groft, Pharm.D.
Office of Rare Diseases
phone: 301/402-4336 fax: 301/402-0420
e-Mail: [email protected]

The Office of Rare Diseases provides support for scientific workshops and
symposia to stimulate research on rare diseases and conditions. Primary
consideration for support will be given to those rare diseases and conditions
or groups of related diseases where current research is lacking or lagging or
the likelihood of stimulating research is a possible outcome of the workshop
or symposia.  A rare diseases is defined as a disease or condition with a
prevalence of less than 200,000 people in the United States.

Letter of Intent: The Office of Rare Diseases does not require a letter of
intent prior to acceptance of submission of applications.

The Office of Rare Diseases  will accept applications under the following
budget guidelines:  Full or partial support contributed by Office of Rare
Diseases will be no more than $20,000 per award.  All awards will be made
through one of the categorical research institutes of NIH following the
customary review process of the categorical research Institutes and Centers of
the NIH.

SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION FORM PHS 398 FOR CONFERENCE AWARDS

The following instructions are to be used in conjunction with the instructions
accompanying application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95 or later version).  They
refer only to selected items in the application.  All PHS 398 requirements
should be adhered to, with the exception of those items modified by the
following instructions.  Please note that some information to be omitted from
the application at the time of submission may be requested by NIH staff
following review if an application may be funded.

Face Page  :

Item 1:  Provide the title of the meeting.
Item 2:  Check the box marked "YES," if appropriate. Enter "PA"  and the code
"R13."
Item 6:  Enter the exact, inclusive dates of the meeting.

Page 2:

Description:  Complete a very brief description of the proposed meeting,
including the dates, location, types of participants, goals, and topics to be
covered.

Performance Site(s):  Enter the site of the meeting or workshop.

Key Personnel:  List only those key individuals responsible for the planning
and conduct of the meeting.

Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period (Page 4) :Do not complete or submit
this page.

Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support (Page 5):Composite Budget Table: 
Enter total direct costs requested.

Justification:  Provide a narrative justification for each proposed personnel
position, including role and proposed level of effort. Provide narrative
justification for the support requested within the context of the total budget
for the conference.

Please note the following general NIH policy covering allowable and
non-allowable costs for conference awards.  The appropriate Institute/Center
conference award contact should be consulted for specific guidance:

Allowable Costs:  Salaries in proportion to the time or effort spent directly
on the meeting, rental of necessary equipment, travel and personal expenses
(prior approval authority is suspended), supplies needed for conduct of the
meeting only if received for use during the budget period, conference
services, publication costs, registration fees, speaker"s fees.

Non-allowable Costs:  Purchase of equipment, transportation costs exceeding
coach class fares, visas, passports, entertainment, tips, bar charges,
personal telephone calls, laundry charges, per diem, travel or expenses other
than local mileage for local participants, organization dues, honoraria or
other payments for the purpose of conferring distinction or communicating
respect, esteem or admiration, patient care, alterations or renovations,
indirect costs.

Biographical Sketch (Page 6):

(Complete for each of the key personnel listed on Page 2.)

Research and Professional Experience:  List current position(s) and those
previous positions directly relevant to the application.

List selected peer-reviewed publications directly relevant to the proposed
meeting, with full citations.

Provide information on research projects completed and/or research grants in
which the investigator participated during the last 5 years that are relevant
to the proposed meeting.  For each project or grant listed, provide title,
name of principal investigator, funding source, and role on project (if not
principal investigator).

Other Support (Page 7):

Do not complete or submit this section.

Research Plan (This section may not exceed 13 pages.):

1.  Single Year Applications

Use this section of the application to describe the objectives, specific
program, and logistical arrangements for the meeting. Describe the format and
agenda, including the principal topics to be covered, problems to be
addressed, and developments or contributions the meeting might stimulate. 
Provide a detailed justification for the meeting, including the scientific
need, timeliness, and usefulness of the meeting to the scientific community. 
Describe the composition and role of the organizing committee, and provide the
names and credentials of key participants in the meeting, including the basis
for their selection and documentation of their agreement to participate.

Describe plans for the appropriate involvement of women, minorities, and
persons with disabilities in the planning and implementation of the proposed
meeting (See Attachment 3).  Estimate the expected size and composition of the
audience, as well as the method of selection.  Describe plans for publicizing
the meeting and publication of proceedings.  Identify related meetings held on
the subject during the past 3 years.  If this is one of a series of periodic
meetings held by a permanent sponsoring organization, briefly describe and
evaluate the last meeting in the series.

2.  Multiple Year Applications

Applications for multiple year awards for up to five years may be submitted
when a series of annual or biennial meetings is proposed by a sponsoring
organization.  Support for meetings to be held on a less frequent schedule
must be applied for individually.

For applications requesting multiple years of support, the following
additional information must be provided for each future year requested, in as
much detail as possible:  (1) meeting topic, (2) tentative dates, locations,
and participants, (3) contingency plans for future meetings dependent on, for
example, outcome of the first year"s meeting or developments in the field.

For multiple year awards, the noncompeting application (PHS 2590) must be
submitted no later than six (6) months prior to the next scheduled meeting. 
It should include a report on the previous meeting supported by the current
grant, as well as a full description of the next planned meeting including all
information requested under section 1, above.

Appendix:

The Appendix is limited to the following items:

1.  Announcement and report of previous meetings under the same sponsorship.

2.  Letters of agreement from participants.

 Checklist:

The Checklist should not be submitted.

"Guidelines on Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities
in NIH-Sponsored and/or -Supported Intramural and Extramural Scientific
Meetings and Conferences" (NIH Guide, Vol. 24, No. 15, April 28, 1995). 
Available through the NIH/OER Homepage(https://grants.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm) and
at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not95-124.html.

Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892