Full Text PA-96-020
 
ACADEMIC RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT AWARD
 
NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 2, February 2, 1996
 
PA NUMBER:  PA-96-020
 
P.T. 34

Keywords: 
  Grants Administration/Policy+ 

 
National Institutes of Health
 
Application Receipt Date:  June 26, 1996
 
PURPOSE
 
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is continuing to make a
special effort to stimulate research in educational institutions that
provide baccalaureate training for a significant number of the
Nation's research scientists, but historically have not been major
recipients of NIH support.  Since Fiscal Year (FY) 1985,
Congressional appropriations for the NIH have included funds for this
initiative, the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) program.
 
The AREA funds are intended to support new research projects or
expand ongoing research activities proposed by faculty members of
eligible institutions in areas related to the health sciences.
Applications received in June 1995 for AREA grants to be awarded this
year (FY 1996) have been reviewed for scientific merit and program
relevance.  Approximately $14 million will be available for the NIH
AREA program in FY 1996.  As a result, about 140 AREA grants will be
made from the applications received June 1995.  Since it is
anticipated that additional funds will be available next year, the
NIH is inviting grant applications at this time for AREA grants to be
awarded competitively in FY 1997.
 
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
 
Applicant Institutions
 
o  All domestic health professional schools and other academic
institutions offering baccalaureate or advanced degrees in the
sciences related to health are eligible, EXCEPT those that have
received research grants and/or cooperative agreements from the NIH
totaling more than $2 million per year (direct and indirect costs) in
each of four or more years during the period from FY 1989 through FY
1995.
 
o  For purposes of eligibility for the AREA program, "research grants
and cooperative agreements" include the following activity codes
ONLY:
 
K01, K02, K04, K05, K06, K08, K11, K12, K14, K15, K16, K20, K21, P01,
P40, P41, P42, P50, P60, R01, R03, R10, R21, R22, R23, R24, R29, R35,
R37, R55, U01, U10, U24, U41, U42, and U54.
 
o  "Health professional schools" (schools of medicine, dentistry,
osteopathy, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary medicine, public health,
optometry, allied health, and podiatry) means an accredited public or
non-profit private school in a State that provides training leading
to a degree granted by that school, for example, a doctor of
medicine, a doctor of dentistry, or equivalent degree.  The term
"accredited" means a school or program that is accredited by a
recognized body or bodies approved for such purpose by the Secretary
of Education.
 
o  "Other academic institutions" means, as a SINGLE eligible
component, all other schools, departments, colleges and free-standing
institutes of the institution, EXCEPT the health professional
schools.
 
o  Several applications proposing different research projects may be
submitted by an applicant institution.
 
Proposed Principal Investigators
 
o  Must not have active research grant support as the principal
investigator at the time of award of an AREA grant.
 
o  May not submit an application to NIH for a research project grant
(e.g., R01, R29) for essentially the same project as a pending AREA
application.
 
o  Are expected to conduct the majority of the proposed research at
their own institution, although limited access to special facilities
or equipment at another institution is permitted.
 
o  May not be awarded more than one AREA grant at a time nor be
awarded a second AREA grant to continue the research initiated under
the first AREA grant.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
 
Applications for the AREA program will be accepted under the
application submission procedures of the Division of Research Grants
(DRG), NIH.  The research grant application form PHS 398 (revised
5/95) is to be used in applying for an AREA grant.
 
Applicants must obtain the AREA Program Guidelines containing
supplemental instructions for AREA applications (see ~Inquiries~
below).  These instructions identify the AREA program (R15) as a
~just in time~ mechanism and must be followed in preparing an
application.
 
AREA grants are awarded on a competitive basis.  Applicants may
request support for up to $75,000 for direct costs (plus applicable
indirect costs) for a period not to exceed 36 months.  No more than
$35,000 may be requested for direct costs for any one year.  Although
this award is non-renewable, it will enable qualified individual
scientists within the eligible institutions to receive support for
feasibility studies, pilot studies, and other small-scale research
projects preparatory to seeking more substantial funding from the NIH
research grant programs.
 
REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS
 
Applications for the AREA program will be subjected to the standard
peer review process involving two sequential levels of review.  The
first level of review is performed by initial review groups composed
primarily of non-Federal scientists selected for their competence in
particular scientific fields.  The second level of review is made by
the National Advisory Council or Board of the NIH awarding component
to which the grant application has been assigned by the DRG for
potential funding.  These groups are composed of both scientific and
lay representatives who are chosen for their expertise, interest, or
activity in matters related to the mission of the individual awarding
component.  Council or Board recommendations are based on both
scientific merit and relevance to awarding component program goals.
 
AWARD CRITERIA
 
Funding decisions will be based on the proposed research project's
scientific merit and relevance to NIH programs and the institution's
contribution to the undergraduate preparation of doctoral-level
health professionals.  Among projects of essentially equivalent
scientific merit and program relevance, preference will be given to
those submitted by institutions that have granted baccalaureate
degrees to 25 or more individuals who have obtained academic or
professional doctoral degrees in the health related sciences during
the period 1986-1995.  Scientists working in eligible minority and
women's educational institutions are encouraged to participate in
this program.  Since a primary purpose of the AREA program is to
furnish support to those undergraduate institutions that provide
student training in the sciences, principal investigators are
encouraged to include the participation of students in the proposed
Research Plan to the extent practicable.
 
INQUIRIES
 
AREA Program Guidelines
 
The AREA Program Guidelines may be accessed through the NIH Home Page
on the World Wide Web (http://www.nih.gov) or by contacting the
office named below.
 
The AREA Program Guidelines are appended to the Program Announcement
in the electronic editions of the NIH Guide and will be available
through the NIH Home Page on the World Wide Web (http://www.nih.gov)
under the Grants and Contracts sub-menu.  Printed copies may be
requested from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information
Resources.
 
Application Forms
 
Form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application packages may be obtained from:
 
Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources
Office of Extramural Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6207 - MSC 7910
Bethesda, MD  20892-7910
Telephone:  (301) 710-0267
FAX:  (301) 480-3963
Email:  girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov
 
Questions regarding eligibility, policies, procedures, and other
administrative aspects of the NIH AREA program should be referred
FIRST to the Office of Sponsored Programs at the educational
institution.  Issues that remain AFTER consultation with the
institutional Office of Sponsored Programs and that are NOT ADDRESSED
in the AREA Program Guidelines may be directed to:
 
Special Programs
Office of Extramural Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6186 - MSC 7910
Bethesda, MD  20892-7910
Telephone:  (301) 435-2770
FAX:  (301) 480-0146
Email:  sk13n@nih.gov
 
AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance, No. 93.390.  Grants will be awarded under authority of
the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301 (Public Law 78-
410, as amended; 42 USC 241) and administered in accordance with the
PHS Grants Policy Statement and Federal regulations at 42 CFR Part 52
and 45 CFR Part 74.
 
The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to
provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco
products.  In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of
1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any
portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education,
library, day care, health care or early childhood development
services are provided to children.  This is consistent with the PHS
mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the
American people.
 
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
 
ACADEMIC RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT AWARD (AREA)
 
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
 
Application Receipt Date: June 26, 1996
 
INTRODUCTION
 
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is continuing to make a
special effort to stimulate research in educational institutions
which provide baccalaureate training for a significant number of our
nation's research scientists but which historically have not been
major recipients of NIH support. Since Fiscal Year (FY) 1985,
Congressional appropriations for the NIH have included funds for this
initiative, which NIH has implemented through the Academic Research
Enhancement Award (AREA)program. Grant applications received in June
1995 for AREA grants to be awarded this year (FY 1996) have been
reviewed for scientific merit and program relevance; the most highly
rated will receive funding shortly. (Approximately $14 million will
be available for the AREA program in FY 1996.  As a result, about 140
AREA grants will be made from the applications received in June
1995.) It is anticipated that additional funds will be available next
year. Therefore, these AREA Program Guidelines are intended for the
grant application receipt date of June 26, 1996, which is the single
receipt date for the FY 1997 competition for AREA grants. It is
anticipated that FY 1997 awards will be issued beginning April 1,
1997.
 
AREA grants are for the support of new or expanded health-related
research projects conducted by faculty in institutions that are not
research-intensive. The AREA will enable qualified individual
scientists to receive support for feasibility studies and other small
scale research projects. These grants create a research opportunity
for scientists and institutions otherwise unlikely to participate
extensively in NIH programs, to participate in the nation's
biomedical research effort. It is anticipated that principal
investigators supported under the AREA program will benefit from this
unique opportunity to conduct independent, preliminary research
studies preparatory to seeking more substantial funding through other
traditional NIH grant mechanisms; that the grantee institution will
benefit from the strengthened research environment initiated through
AREA grants and furthered by participation in the diverse extramural
programs of the NIH; and that students will benefit from exposure to,
and participation in, research and thus be encouraged to pursue
graduate studies in the health sciences. The following information
and guidelines have been prepared to assist interested faculty in
preparing a research grant application for submission to the AREA
program.
 
BACKGROUND
 
The NIH is the principal research arm of the  Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS). At present, 21 awarding components and
several support and service divisions constitute the NIH.
 
The NIH fosters the development of new knowledge in the biomedical
and behavioral sciences, the ultimate goal of which is to combat
disease and improve the health of mankind. To achieve its goals, NIH
conducts research in its own laboratories and clinics and funds
research by means of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts in
research and academic institutions throughout the world. The majority
of grantees are academic institutions, but other research-oriented
organizations-- including for-profit organizations -- participate
significantly as well. The NIH provides funds for research projects,
research training, career development of new and established
scientists, and research and medical library resources.
 
Research grant awards represent the largest proportion of all NIH
extramural awards. The research plan for each research grant
application is generated and developed by an investigator, referred
to as the "principal investigator." The institution, on behalf of the
investigator, submits the research grant application to the NIH for
consideration for support. Principal investigators listed on NIH
grant applications are most frequently affiliated with universities
or medical schools, and most of them hold doctorate degrees.
 
The Division of Research Grants (DRG), a service component of the
NIH, receives all grant applications submitted to the NIH for
support; assesses each one for relevance to the health mission of the
NIH; and assigns those that are acceptable to the appropriate initial
review group (IRG) for scientific merit review, and to the
appropriate NIH awarding component for consideration for an award.
 
Since its inception, the NIH has used a dual peer review system for
the evaluation of applications. The NIH system, which has a statutory
base, ensures that only the most meritorious and relevant   proposals
are considered for funding. The first level of review involves panels
composed primarily of non-Federal experts, referred to as IRGs or
study sections, which are established generally according to
scientific disciplines. These panels of experts render an impartial
review and evaluation of each application. They consider not only the
scientific merit of a proposal, but also the background and
experience of the principal investigator, the research facilities
available for the project, and the appropriateness of the budget
estimate.
 
Each application will receive a "priority score" ranging from best
(100) to worst (500), unless the IRG determines that an application
(1) should be deferred for additional information or (2) should be
"not recommended for further consideration" (NRFC).  NRFC means that
an application does not have "significant and substantial merit."
The second level of review is made by the National Advisory Council
or Board of the awarding component to which the application is
assigned. These groups, composed of scientists, physicians, and
leaders in public affairs, are chosen for their expertise, interest,
or activity in matters related to the awarding component's mission.
The council or board will take into account the scientific merit
review of the IRG, plus elements such as the relevance of the goals
of the proposed research to the mission of the awarding component,
program balance, and the availability of funds.
 
The AREA program and its application, review, and award procedures
have been developed within this established framework for NIH
grant-supported research activities.
 
AREA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
 
1. Applicant Institutions
 
All domestic health professional schools and other academic
institutions offering baccalaureate or advanced degrees in the
sciences related to health are eligible, except those that have
received research grants and cooperative agreements from the NIH
totaling more than $2 million per year (direct and indirect costs) in
each of four or more years during the period from FY 1989 through FY
1995.
 
For purposes of eligibility to apply for the AREA program, "research
grants and cooperative agreements" include the following activity
codes only:
 
K01, K02, K04, K05, K06, K08, K11, K12, K14, K15, K16, K20, K21, P01,
P40, P41, P42, P50, P60, R01, R03, R10, R21, R22, R23, R24, R29, R35,
R37, R55, U01, U10, U24, U41, U42, and U54. (These and all other
activity codes are presented in a booklet entitled "Activity Codes,
Organization Codes, and Definitions Used in Extramural Programs"
prepared by the DRG, NIH, and available by calling Ms. Felicia
Shingler on [301] 435-0996.)
 
"Health professional schools" (schools of medicine, dentistry,
osteopathy, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary medicine, public health,
optometry, allied health, and podiatry) means an accredited public or
non-profit private school in a State that provides training leading
to a degree granted by that school, for example, a doctor of
dentistry or equivalent degree, a degree of bachelor of science in
nursing or equivalent degree, etc. The term "accredited" means a
school or program that is accredited by a recognized body or bodies
approved for such purpose by the Secretary of Education.
 
"Other academic institutions" means, as a single eligible component,
all other schools, departments, colleges, and free-standing
institutes of the institution, except the health professional
schools.
 
Multiple applications proposing different research projects may be
submitted by an applicant institution.
 
2. Proposed Principal Investigators
 
(a) Must not have active research grant support as the principal
investigator (including an AREA) from the NIH at the time of award of
an AREA grant.
 
(b) May not submit a regular NIH research grant application for
essentially the same project as a pending AREA application.
 
(c) Are expected to conduct the majority of their research at their
own institution, although limited access to special facilities or
equipment at another institution is permitted.
 
(d) May not be awarded more than one AREA grant at a time nor be
awarded a second AREA grant to continue the research initiated under
the first AREA grant.
 
Questions regarding eligibility, policies, procedures, and other
administrative aspects of the AREA program should be referred to the
Office of Sponsored Programs at the academic institution.
Administrative questions that remain after consultation with the
institutional Office of Sponsored Programs and that are not addressed
in these AREA Program Guidelines may be directed to: Special
Programs, Office of Extramural Research, NIH, 6701 Rockledge Drive,
Room 6186, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, phone: (301) 435-2770,
fax: (301) 480-0146, e-mail: sk13n@nih.gov. Questions of a scientific
program nature should be addressed to the program representative of
the appropriate awarding component listed below.
 
In conformance with the spirit of the House Committee Report 98-911
(to accompany H.R. 6028, HHS Appropriations for FY 1985) special
consideration will be given in the funding decision process to
applications from those "smaller, less prominent, four-year, public
and private colleges and universities which provide undergraduate
training for a significant number of our nation's research scientists
but which have not shared adequately in the growth of the NIH
extramural program." (The NIH implements this direction through the
following policy statement: Among projects of essentially equivalent
scientific merit and program relevance, preference will be given to
those submitted by institutions that have granted baccalaureate
degrees to 25 or more individuals who have obtained academic or
professional doctoral degrees in the health-related sciences during
the period  1986-1995.) Scientists working in eligible minority and
women's educational institutions are encouraged to participate in
this program. Since a primary purpose of the AREA program is to
furnish support to those undergraduate institutions which provide for
student training in the sciences, we would encourage principal
investigators to include the participation of students in the
proposed Research Plan to the extent practicable.
 
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM INFORMATION
 
AREA grants will support small scale, new or expanded health-related
research projects, such as pilot research projects and feasibility
studies; development, testing, and refinement of research techniques;
secondary analysis of available data sets; and similar discrete
research projects that demonstrate research capability.
 
Listed below, by awarding component, are research topics which may be
of particular interest to potential principal investigators under the
AREA program. Also listed is the appropriate awarding component
program representative whom a potential applicant is encouraged to
contact for additional scientific program information and for
pre-application guidance.
 
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Miriam Kelty
Associate Director, Office of Extramural Affairs
National Institute on Aging
7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 2C218
Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
Phone: (301) 496-9322
Fax: (301) 402-2945
E-mail: mk46u@nih.gov
 
The NIA is interested in, and has responsibilities for, aging
research that includes fundamental studies of biological processes,
including studies of aging at the molecular, organelle, cellular,
organ, and organ system levels; the interaction of aging and diseases
of aging; biomedical and psychosocial factors in maintaining health
and effective functioning in the middle and later years; relevant
social and behavioral relationships; and research that broadens the
base of knowledge underlying adequate health services for the aging
and the aged. The Institute is interested in normal physiological and
biochemical changes with aging, involving areas such as immunology,
neurobiology, endocrinology, nutrition, and exercise physiology, as
well as clinical diseases and disorders of aging such as Alzheimer's
disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, falls, and urinary
incontinence. The Institute also has responsibility for research
concerned with the biological, social, psychological, cultural, and
economic factors that affect both the process of growing old and the
status and roles of older people in society. Under this broad
mandate, health and well-being are viewed as the outcome of complex
biological, physiological, medical, psychological, and
socioenvironmental processes.
 
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Ernestine Vanderveen
Associate Director, Division of Basic Research
 
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and  Alcoholism
6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20892-7003
Phone: (301) 443-1273
Fax: (301) 594-0673
E-mail: tv9f@nih.gov
 
The NIAAA supports basic and applied research on mechanisms of action
of alcohol on biobehavioral processes and effects of alcohol on the
mind and body. Support is available to develop new knowledge in a
wide range of areas relevant to alcohol abuse and alcoholism;
biochemical, physiologic, and behavioral mechanisms leading to
pathologic drinking behavior; alcohol-induced organ damage; and
clinical, behavioral, and epidemiological studies that will lead to
more effective diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The NIAAA
supports alcohol-relevant research involving all of the life-science
disciplines.
 
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
 
Program Contact:
 
Mr. Al Czarra
Director, Office of Program Coordination and Operations
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Solar Building, Room 3C28
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301) 496-7291
Fax: (301) 402-0369
E-mail: ac20a@nih.gov
 
The objective of NIAID's research program is to acquire the knowledge
which will eventually lead to the treatment and prevention of
infectious, allergic, and immunologic diseases. The Institute's
overall strategy of attacking the array of problems on a broad front
relies on free-ranging research in microbiology and includes the
following research problem areas: isolation, characterization, and
biology of disease-causing microbes; antibiotic or drug resistance
among bacteria, viruses, and parasites; development of successful and
safe antimicrobial compounds, particularly for viruses and parasites;
and new approaches to understand and manipulate the immune system.
 
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Steven J. Hausman
Deputy Director
National Institute of Arthritis and  Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases
Building 31, Room 4C32
Bethesda, MD 20892-2350
Phone: (301) 402-1691
Fax: (301) 480-6069
E-mail: sh41g@nih.gov
 
The NIAMS supports basic and clinical studies related to the
rheumatic diseases and diseases and disorders of connective tissue,
bone, and skin. Areas of research include: Inflammation, infectious
agents and genetic factors related to rheumatic diseases; structure
and function of cartilage and connective tissue; arthritis in
children; systemic lupus erythematosus; rheumatoid arthritis;
osteoarthritis; spondylitis and related syndromes; gout and
pseudogout; the structure and function of skeletal muscle; bone
structure, formation, degradation and repair; osteoporosis;
biomaterials, biomechanics, and joint replacement; inherited
connective tissue diseases; bone immunology and transplantation;
metabolism of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat; immunologically
mediated cutaneous disorders; photobiology, photoallergy, and
phototoxic reactions; vitiligo; psoriasis; bullous diseases of the
skin; and acne.
 
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Vincent T. Oliverio
Associate Director for Program Coordination
Division of Extramural Activities
National Cancer Institute
Executive Plaza North, Suite 600
Bethesda, MD 20892-7405
Phone: (301) 496-9138
Fax: (301) 402-0956
E-mail: vo3c@nih.gov
 
The NCI is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer
research and control. Programs of the NCI focus on: (1) cancer
etiology including laboratory, field, and epidemiologic and biometric
research on the cause and natural history of cancer and means for
preventing cancer, as well as studies on the mechanisms of cancer
induction and promotion by chemicals, viruses, and environmental
agents; (2) cancer biology and diagnosis research in the areas of
cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, developmental biology,
biochemistry, genetics, and pathology; (3)cancer treatment research
in the areas of drug development, biological response modifiers, and
radiotherapy development, including diagnostic imaging and clinical
trials for curing or controlling cancer; and (4) cancer prevention
and control research, development, technology transfer,
demonstration, and education and information dissemination programs
to expedite the use of new information relevant to prevention,
detection, and diagnosis of cancer and pretreatment evaluation,
treatment, rehabilitation, and continuing care of cancer patients.
 
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
 
Program Contact:
Ms. Hildegard Topper
Special Assistant, Office of the Director
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Building 3l, Room 2A-03
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
Phone: (301) 496-0104
Fax: (301) 402-1104
E-mail: ht20t@nih.gov
 
The goal of NICHD's research programs is the improvement of maternal,
infant, and child health through support of basic and clinical
research to elucidate normal and abnormal growth, development, and
maturation, from gametogenesis through maturity. To this end, NICHD
supports research in: reproductive biology, chemistry, and medicine;
fertility regulation; contraceptive development and evaluation;
perinatology, pregnancy, and labor; developmental and clinical
genetics; population dynamics; developmental endocrinology; social,
cognitive, and affective development; and the biological bases of
behavioral development.
 
The NICHD also supports biomedical and behavioral research on mental
retardation and developmental disabilities; pediatric, adolescent,
and maternal HIV infection and AIDS; and, in the context of its
National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, NICHD also
supports the development of medical, behavioral, psychological,
social, and technological interventions designed to optimize
functioning after impairment, disability, or handicap.
 
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
(NIDCD)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Judith Cooper
Deputy Director, Division of Human Communication
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Executive Plaza South, Suite 400-C
Bethesda, MD 20892-7180
Phone: (301) 496-5061
Fax: (301) 402-6251
E-mail: jc148m@nih.gov
 
Programs of the NIDCD focus on the identification, encouragement, and
support of research aimed at improved diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention of disorders of human communication. This would include
research in all aspects of speech, hearing, language, equilibrium,
and the special senses (taste, touch, smell). Basic and clinical
studies of anatomical, physiological, biochemical, behavioral,
acoustical and pathological aspects of communicative disorders and
otolaryngological diseases are encouraged.
 
National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR)
Program Contact:
Dr. Norman S. Braveman
Assistant Director for Program Development
National Institute of Dental Research
Building 45, Room 4AN-24
Bethesda, MD 20892-6401
Phone: (301) 594-2089
Fax: (301) 480-8318
E-mail: nb10u@nih.gov
 
The mission of the NIDR is the advancement of knowledge concerning
the oral-facial complex in all of its aspects. This includes the
conduct and support of research into the etiology, epidemiology,
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of such dental diseases as
caries and periodontal disease; increasing our knowledge about
craniofacial development and malformations; studies of various oral
soft tissue diseases, including herpes and oral cancer; and
increasing knowledge about orofacial pain and other oral sensory and
motor dysfunctions. Cutting across these oral disease or dysfunction
areas are research activities in such areas as salivary glands and
secretions, mineralization and fluorides, tooth pulp biology,
nutrition, behavioral studies, and research related to dental
implants, replants, and transplants and to dental restorative
biologically compatable and derived materials.
 
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Walter S. Stolz
Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Building 45, Room 6AS-25C
Bethesda, MD 20892-6600
Phone: (301) 594-8834
Fax: (301) 480-3504
E-mail: ws23e@nih.gov
 
The NIDDK conducts and supports research focused on a number of
diseases that are characterized by chronicity and long-term disabling
effects. Areas of interest include: diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and
other errors of metabolism; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
including the liver and gallbladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of
the blood; kidney and urological diseases; and studies of nutrition
and nutrition-related disorders. NIDDK's responsibilities in these
areas encompass investigations of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis,
and treatment.
 
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
 
Program Contact:
Ms. Eleanor C. Friedenberg
Director, Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Parklawn Building, Room 10-42
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: (301) 443-2755
Fax: (301) 443-0538
E-mail: ef27d@nih.gov
 
The research programs of the NIDA are devoted to increasing the
understanding of the causes and consequences of drug abuse. This goal
is accomplished by support of extramural research projects that
improve and refine the methods for the assessment, treatment and
prevention of drug abuse. The scientific studies supported are broad
and include: fundamental studies on the mechanisms of action of
abused drugs; biochemical strategies for identifying and developing
successful drug abuse treatment agents; behavioral and clinical
pharmacology; services research; epidemiology, natural history and
prevention of drug abuse; treatment research; community-based
research on reduction of drug-taking behaviors; and studies of drug
abuse as a contributing factor in the AIDS epidemic.
 
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Jerrold Heindel
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233, North Campus
MD 3-03
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: (919) 541-0781
Fax: (919) 541-2843
E-mail: jh190f@nih.gov
 
The NIEHS is the principal Federal agency for biomedical research on
the effects of chemical, physical, and biological environmental
agents on human health and well-being. The Institute supports
research and training focused on the identification, assessment, and
mechanism of action of potentially harmful agents in the environment.
Research results form the basis for preventive programs for
environmentally-related diseases and for action by regulatory
agencies. The NIEHS, thus, has responsibility for providing knowledge
to assist in societal decisions involving current and future
chemicals, processes, and other factors which may have impact on
human health either directly or indirectly by altering man's
environment. This responsibility mandates efforts toward a thorough
understanding of the early manifestations and the mechanism of human
disease brought about by toxic agents and the development of more
accurate and more rapid methods to predict and assess the toxicity of
such agents.
 
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Program Contact:
 
Dr. Ralph J. Helmsen
Research Resources Officer
National Eye Institute
Executive Plaza South, Suite 350
Bethesda, MD 20892-7164
Phone: (301) 496-5301
Fax: (301) 402-0528
E-mail: rh27v@nih.gov
 
The mission of the NEI is to gain new knowledge concerning the normal
functions of the eye and visual system and the pathology of visual
disorders. Working to this end, the NEI supports research and
research training aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of visual disorders and fosters research in the
rehabilitation of the visually handicapped. Both laboratory and
clinical research are funded under the following major NEI programs:
Retinal and Choroidal Diseases; Corneal Diseases; Cataract; Glaucoma;
Strabismus, Amblyopia and Visual Processing. Within each program,
research ranges from attempts to elucidate the fundamental biological
processes that underlie disease to the development and clinical
testing of new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
 
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Michael R. Martin
Deputy Associate Director for Extramural Activities
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Building 45, Room 2AN-32K
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
Phone: (301) 594-3910
Fax: (301) 480-1852
E-mail: mm72k@nih.gov
 
The NIGMS supports non-disease-targeted research in the basic
biomedical sciences. Research areas of interest include biophysics,
cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, and those
areas of chemistry which have relevance to biomedical problems. The
emphasis is on understanding basic biological mechanisms,
particularly at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels.
 
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Ronald Geller
Director, Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7100
Bethesda, MD 20892-7922
Phone: (301) 435-0260
Fax: (301) 480-3460
E-mail: rg33k@nih.gov
 
The NHLBI supports basic and clinical research pertaining to the
structure, function, and diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary,
and blood systems. The Institute's research program also includes
transfusion medicine and blood resources. The NHLBI carries out its
mission through a number of research programs that provide support
for projects ranging from studies at the molecular level to whole
body studies in man and animals. Examples of research areas supported
by the Institute include atherosclerosis, hypertension,
cerebrovascular disease (directed at the dependent variable of blood,
heart, or blood vessel), coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular
diseases, arrhythmias, heart failure, and shock, congenital and
rheumatic heart diseases, cardiomyopathies and infections of the
heart, circulatory assistance, structure and function of the lung,
chronic obstructive lung diseases, pediatric pulmonary diseases,
occupational and immunologic interstitial lung diseases, respiratory
failure, pulmonary vascular diseases, bleeding and clotting
disorders, disorders of the red blood cell, sickle cell disease, and
blood resources.
 
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Hugh Stamper
Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Mental Health
Parklawn Building, Room 9-105
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: (301) 443-3367
Fax: (301) 443-0954
E-mail: hs19s@nih.gov
 
The NIMH exerts leadership on behalf of the Nations's mentally ill
citizens by creating a firm scientific foundation for the clinical
care of mental disorders; by developing and assessing innovative
approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental
illnesses; and by exchanging information nationally and
internationally with all relevant individuals and organizations to
improve the state of mental health knowledge and its application. The
NIMH conducts and supports an integrated program of basic and
clinical research and research training in biology, neuroscience,
epidemiology, and psychology and other behavioral sciences, as well
as services research on the organization, administration, and
financing of mental health services and service systems. These
studies include theoretical, laboratory, epidemiologic, clinical,
methodologic and field research on well and ill human subjects and
populations of all ages, and on animals where appropriate to the
research questions.
 
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
 
Program Contact:
Mr. Edward Donohue
Deputy Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Federal Building, Room 1016
Bethesda, MD 20892-9190
Phone: (301) 496-4188
Fax: (301) 402-4370
E-mail: ed25b@nih.gov
 
The NINDS serves as the focal point at the NIH for research on the
nervous system, including cerebrovascular disease (when the dependent
variable is the nervous system), the neuromuscular apparatus, and the
special senses of touch and pain.
 
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Lynn Amende
Director, Extramural Research
National Institute of Nursing Research
Building 45, Room 3AN-12
Bethesda, MD 20892-6300
Phone: (301) 594-5968
Fax: (301) 480-8260
E-mail: la18g@nih.gov
 
The NINR supports research on the biological and behavioral aspects
of critical health problems that confront the Nation. According to
its broad mandate, the Institute seeks to reduce the burden of
illness and disability by understanding and easing the effects of
acute and chronic illness; to improve health-related quality of life
by preventing or delaying the onset of disease or slowing its
progression; to establish better approaches to promoting health and
preventing disease; and to improve clinical environments by testing
interventions that influence patient health outcomes and reduce costs
and demand for care. The NINR is interested in studies containing
innovative ideas and sound methodologies in all aspects of nursing
research consistent with its mission. Examples of areas of special
interest include biobehavioral aspects of pain; management of
symptoms associated with specific diseases or disorders; effects of
life threatening illnesses; prevention or reduction of risk factors,
particularly in young children; interactions among genetic factors,
environment, and life style; developmental issues related to
life-stage transitions; ameliorating effects of chronic illnesses;
and health of minorities and other underserved populations.
 
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Roger W. Dahlen
Chief, Biomedical Information Support Branch
National Library of Medicine
Building 38A, Room 5S522
Bethesda, MD 20894
Phone: (301) 496-4221
Fax: (301) 402-0421
E-mail: rd57e@nih.gov
 
The objective of NLM's research program is the support of
investigations related to the generation, organization, and
utilization of health knowledge. Such support may involve: (1)
medical informatics research, a branch of investigation of the
fundamental issues of health knowledge communication vis-a-vis
advanced computer technologies; (2) research in health science
librarianship and information science; or (3) assistance for the
preparation and publication of scientific works in the health area.
 
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Louise E. Ramm
Deputy Director
National Center for Research Resources
Building 12A, Room 4009
Bethesda, MD 20892-5662
Phone: (301) 496-6023
Fax: (301) 402-0006
E-mail: lr34m@nih.gov
 
The NCRR administers programs that develop and ensure the
availability of resources essential to the efficient and effective
conduct of human health related research. NCRR programs are primarily
institutional in nature but, while support is generally in the form
of resource grants, the NCRR makes awards for support of projects
which contribute to improvement of the capability of resources to
serve biomedical research.
 
The following are research areas appropriate to the NCRR interests:
(1) Research and Development in Instrumentation and Specialized
Technologies for Biomedical Research. This encompasses instruments,
devices, and processes to facilitate research in biomolecular and
cellular structure and function. (Instrumentation includes mass
spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance,
equipment for fast kinetic research, X-ray diffraction, electron
microscopy, and flow cytometry.) The application of computer science,
computer engineering, and biomedical engineering to biomedical
research problems is also of interest. (This includes knowledge
engineering, information technology, computer graphics, image
processing, computer modeling and simulation, task dedicated computer
systems, and development of implantable microsensors and
transducers.);(2) Research in Laboratory Animal Sciences. (This
includes the etiology, pathogenesis, and control of laboratory animal
diseases, as well as the environmental requirements of laboratory
animals.);and (3) Development of Biomedical Research Methods
Employing Lower Organisms, Tissues/Cells in Culture, or Mathematical
and Computer Simulations.
 
National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR)
 
Program Contact:
Dr. Bettie J. Graham
Chief, Research Grants Branch
National Center for Human Genome Research
Building 38A, Room 610
Bethesda, MD 20894
Phone: (301) 496-7531
Fax: (301) 480-2770
E-mail: bg30t@nih.gov
 
The NCHGR is currently engaged in a research program designed to
characterize the human genome and the genomes of selected model
organisms. This research program has the following interrelated
goals: the construction of high resolution genetic linkage maps; the
development of a variety of physical maps; the determination of the
complete nucleotide sequence of the DNA of selected organisms; the
development of the capability for collecting, storing, distributing,
and analyzing the data produced; and the development of appropriate
new technologies to achieve these goals. This project will develop a
series of resources that will be available to the research community
to facilitate both basic research and the application of the
knowledge gained to the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of
disease.
 
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
 
The deadline for receipt of applications is June 26, 1996. The budget
request in each application may be for up to $75,000 for direct costs
(plus applicable indirect costs) for a period not to exceed 36
months. However, no more than $35,000 may be requested for direct
costs for any one year. Allowable direct costs include salaries for
the principal investigator and other research personnel, supplies,
equipment, travel, and other items specifically associated with the
proposed research project.
 
Applications will be received by the DRG and will be reviewed for
scientific and technical merit and program relevance as described
above (see Background). In carrying out the scientific and technical
merit review of AREA applications, the IRGs will take into account:
 
(a) the significance, originality, and technical merit of the
proposed study, including, where appropriate, the project's potential
as a basis for more extensive research;
 
(b) the adequacy of the methodology;
 
(c) the competency of the principal investigator, including academic
qualifications, research experience, productivity, and any special
attributes;
 
(d) the facilities, resources, and environment of the applicant
institution, including existing relevant equipment, animal and/or
computer resources, and departmental or interdepartmental
cooperation;
 
(e) the appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration,
including the justification for requested items in terms of the aims
and methods of the proposed study; and
 
(f) the adequacy of the proposed means for protecting against or
minimizing any adverse effects upon humans, animals, or the
environment, where an application involves such activities.
 
CRITERIA FOR AWARD
 
The NIH expects that approximately $14 million will be available for
this program. It is anticipated that approximately 140 awards will be
made from applications received June 26, 1996, with expected start
dates beginning April 1, 1997. Funding decisions will be based on a
project's scientific merit as determined by peer review and relevance
to NIH programs, and on an institution's contribution to the
undergraduate preparation of doctoral-level health professionals.
Among projects of essentially equivalent scientific merit and program
relevance, preference will be given to those submitted by
institutions that have granted baccalaureate degrees to 25 or more
individuals who have obtained academic or professional doctoral
degrees in the health-related sciences during the period 1986-1995.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
 
All PHS discretionary grants, including those awarded under the AREA
program, are governed broadly by the grants administration policies
set forth in the PHS Grants Policy Statement. Of particular relevance
to grant recipients is the broad subject of POSTAWARD ADMINISTRATION
which is dealt with on pages 8-1 through 8-26 of the PHS Grants
Policy Statement. Among the various postaward administrative topics
covered in that document are the following:
 
o Changes in Expenditures/Activities
o Property Management and Accountability
o Patents and Inventions
o Publications
o Procurement Standards
o Reporting Requirements
o Audit Process
o Closeout Procedures
o Grant Appeals Procedures
 
It is important to note the following "AREA program" exceptions to
information and guidance contained in the PHS Grants Policy
Statement:
 
(1) Grant-supported research projects under the AREA program (a) may
not be renewed (investigators may apply for further support through
other established mechanisms); and (b) in most cases, will be funded
by a single grant award in an amount up to $75,000 direct costs (plus
applicable indirect costs) for a period not to exceed 36 months.
 
(2) AREA grants may be administratively transferred to a replacement
grantee institution only if the replacement is an AREA-eligible
institution also.
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS TO FORM PHS 398 (REVISED 5/95)
 
Applications must be submitted on Form PHS 398, revised 5/95.
 
Copies of the "398" application package may be obtained by
contacting:
 
Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources Office of
Extramural Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6207 - MSC 7910
Bethesda, MD  20892-7910
Phone: (301) 710-0267
Fax: (301) 480-3963
E-mail: girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov
 
Read the application package carefully and use its instructions
except as indicated below.
 
The Department of Health and Human Services has designated the NIH a
"reinvention laboratory." One reinvention objective is to simplify
and improve each stage in the grant process: application, review,
award, and administration. The AREA program is part of an experiment
to determine how to reduce the administrative burden in applying for
an NIH grant without compromising the information needed by the
initial peer review group to assess the scientific and technical
merit of the proposed project and the reasonableness of the proposed
budget. Some of the instructions below refer to items that have been
modified and others that should not be completed at the time of
submission of the application, but will be requested by the NIH
awarding component if the application has a likelihood for funding.
 
Page 7--Item 2 (Face Page)--Check the "YES" box and enter PA-96-20
and "Academic Research Enhancement award."
 
Page 9--Item 6 (Face Page)--The entire proposed project period must
not exceed three years and will begin on or after April 1, 1997.
 
Page 9--Item 8a (Face Page)--This amount must not exceed $75,000.
 
Page 11--Type of Appointment/Months (Form Page 4)--Do not complete at
the time of application. This information will be requested by the
NIH awarding component if the application has a likelihood for
funding.
 
Page 12--Institutional Base Salary (Form Page 4)--Do not complete at
the time of application. This information will be requested by the
NIH awarding component if the application has a likelihood for
funding.
 
Page 12--Salary Requested (Form Page 4)--Do not complete at the time
of application. This information will be requested by the NIH
awarding component if the application has a likelihood for funding.
 
Page 12--Totals (Form Page 4)--Do not complete at the time of
application. However, you must show the Subtotals.
 
Page 12--Consultant Costs (Form Page 4)--Provide the total dollar
amount requested. Itemize and justify according to the instructions
only if this category exceeds $10,000 or a consultant is identified
as "Key Personnel" on form page 2.
 
Page 13--Equipment (Form Page 4)--Provide the total dollar amount
requested. Itemize and justify according to the instructions only if
this category exceeds $15,000.
 
Page 13--Travel (Form Page 4)--Provide the total dollar amount
requested. Itemize and justify according to the instructions only if
this category exceeds $5,000.
 
Page 13--Other Expenses (Form Page 4)--Provide the total dollar
amount requested. Itemize and justify according to the instructions
only if this category exceeds $5,000.
 
Page 14--Other Support (Format Page 7)--Do not complete at the time
of application. This information will be requested by the NIH
awarding component if the application has a likelihood for funding.
 
Page 15 Resources (Form Page 8)--In addition to the information
requested under "Other," provide an estimate of the number of
individuals who have obtained the baccalaureate degree at the
applicant institution and who have obtained academic or professional
doctoral degrees in the health-related sciences during the period
1986-1995.
 
Page 15--Research Plan--Do not exceed 20 pages for the entire
Research Plan (including literature citations). No appendix may be
included. There is no further limitation on the number of pages for
the entire application.
 
Page 15--Introduction--Do not submit an introduction unless this is a
revised application.
 
Page 16--Preliminary Studies/Progress Report--This section is
optional. However, should it be used, three to four pages are
recommended, including literature citations as indicated on page 18
of the application package.
 
Page 16--Research Design and Methods--There is no specific
recommended number of pages for this section. However, the entire
Research Plan (including Specific Aims; Background and Significance;
Preliminary Studies/Progress Report, if used; Research Design and
Methods; Literature Citations) may not exceed 20 pages.
 
Page 19--Appendix--Do not submit an appendix.
 
Page 20--Indirect Costs--Checklist--Questions concerning negotiation
of indirect cost rate agreements should be directed to the
appropriate regional office of the HHS Division of Cost Allocation.
The address and telephone number of each office is provided on the
final page of these Guidelines.
 
Page 21--Receipt Date--The application receipt date is June 26, 1996.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING OF EXISTING GRANTS
 
The NIH recognizes the need to increase the number of
underrepresented minority scientists participating in biomedical and
behavioral research. As a result, the NIH is emphasizing the use of
administrative supplements to existing grants in order to attract
underrepresented minorities into biomedical and behavioral research.
See the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 22, No. 43 November
26, 1993, for a full discussion of this additional funding
opportunity and procedures for submitting a request for a supplement.
This information may also be obtained from the Office of Extramural
Outreach and Information Resources, Office of Extramural Research,
NIH, at the address shown above.
 
Principal Investigators at domestic institutions who hold an active
NIH research grant (including an active AREA grant) are eligible to
submit a request for an administrative supplement to the awarding
component which issued the parent grant. For purposes of the active
AREA grant, the request will be to support a minority candidate who
is a high school or undergraduate student. Exceptions to this rule
may be made by the awarding component which issued the AREA grant.
 
The NIH recognizes also the need to extend opportunities to
individuals with disabilities who are capable of entering or resuming
research careers. According to the Americans With Disabilities Act, a
"disabled individual" is one who has a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more major life activities, who has
a record of such impairment, or who is regarded as having such an
impairment. Accordingly, Principal Investigators of an active AREA
grant may submit a request for an administrative supplement for this
purpose also to the awarding component which issued the parent grant.
See the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 21, No. 3, January
24, 1992, for a full discussion of this additional funding
opportunity and procedures for submitting a request for a supplement.
This information may also be obtained from the Office of Extramural
Outreach and Information Resources, Office of Extramural Research,
NIH, at the address shown above.
 
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 
DIVISION OF COST ALLOCATION
 
Region Address For Grantees Located In
 
Northeast
26 Federal Plaza , Room 41-118
New York, NY 10278
Telephone: (212) 264-2069
 
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
 
Mid-Atlantic
Cohen Building, Room 1067
330 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
Telephone: (202) 245-0483
 
Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
 
Central
1200 Main Tower Building
Room 1115
Dallas, TX 75202
Telephone: (214) 767-3261
 
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas,
Wisconsin
 
Western
50 United Nations Plaza
Room 304
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: (415) 556-1704
 
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana,
Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
 
.

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