Full Text PA-97-039
 
LINKING NURSING AND GENETIC RESEARCH - INDIVIDUAL POSTDOCTORAL AND SENIOR FELLOWSHIPS
 
NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 6, February 21, 1997
 
PA NUMBER:  PA-97-039
 
P.T. 22

Keywords: 
  Nursing 
  Genetics 
  Ethics/Values in Science & Technol 

 
National Institute of  Nursing Research
National Human Genome Research Institute
 
PURPOSE
 
Based on NIH National Research Service Awards for Individual
Postdoctoral Fellows Guidelines, Vol. 25, No. 31, September 20, 1996;
Tuition Costs on NIH NRSA Training Grant and Fellowship Awards, Vol.
25, No. 2, February 2, 1996; National Research Service Award (NRSA)
Stipend Increase, Vol. 25, No. 41, November 29, 1996; and Self-Only
Health Insurance and Tuition Costs on NIH NRSA Postdoctoral
Fellowship Awards - Modified Policy, Vol. 26, No. 1, January 10,
1997.
 
The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and the National
Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) announce the availability of
long and short term support for individual postdoctoral and senior
fellowships to scientists who are seeking training that will enable
them to investigate the clinical implications of human genetics
research.  The three-fold purpose of this initiative is to: (1)
incorporate genetic research into programs of research and research
training for nurse scientists; (2) integrate nursing research with
research training programs for genetic scientists; and (3) provide
opportunities for addressing the ethical, legal and social
implications of genetic research training.
 
HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000
 
The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This Program
Announcement (PA), Linking Nursing and Genetic Research - Individual
Postdoctoral and Senior Fellowships, is related to the priority areas
of health promotion and preventive services. Potential applicants may
obtain a copy of  "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:  Stock No.
017-001-11474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-11473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).
 
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
 
All policies and requirements that govern the research training
programs of the Public Health Service (PHS) apply. Applicants must
meet the respective criteria for the Individual Postdoctoral (F32)
National Service Awards (NRSA) Fellowship and the NRSA Senior
Fellowship (F33) as stipulated by the NINR, NHGRI, and PHS policy.
Applications from minority individuals, individuals with disabilities
and women are encouraged.
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
The mechanisms of support for this program will be the Individual
Postdoctoral NRSA (F32) and the Senior Fellowship NRSA (F33).  The
regulations that govern the research training programs of the NIH
will prevail.
 
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
 
Background
 
There are two general approaches for developing a cadre of
researchers trained in both nursing and genetics:  providing
additional basic science training in genetics for nurse scientists
and attracting genetic scientists into nursing research.  This PA
invites scientists from fields of nursing and genetics to participate
in genetic/nursing research training through postdoctoral fellowships
and senior fellowship awards.
 
The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is committed to
addressing relevant clinical questions by integrating genetics with
nursing research. These studies, which emerge from nursing questions,
will move basic science from the bench to the bedside as nursing
practice is validated through research. To assist NINR in identifying
unique research and research training opportunities in the field of
genetics, NINR convened a science workgroup in the spring of 1996,
entitled, "Opportunities in Genetics Research."  Participants were
basic and clinical scientists from multiple disciplines. This program
announcement is the first step in linking nursing and genetic
research training.
 
Genetics offers many opportunities for nursing research, ranging from
basic biological and behavioral investigations to clinical and
population studies.  In turn, nurse researchers offer a unique
perspective and special expertise that is not otherwise found in
genetics research.  Specific topics of interest to nursing research
that have immediate application to genetic studies include the role
of biopsychosocial factors in health and illness, managing and
diagnosing cardinal symptoms of chronic conditions in which genetics
plays a key role, cognitive decision making and learning styles,
family education and counseling, risk behaviors and risk reduction,
health promotion and disease prevention, and rehabilitation.  With an
emphasis in an integrated, whole-person approach, researchers can
provide valuable insight across the continuum of nursing
interventions, from genetic counseling and testing to the care and
rehabilitation of patients with genetic disorders. In these roles,
nurse researchers and genetic scientists are an essential component
of multidisciplinary research teams.
 
The intent of the nursing and genetic research Individual
Postdoctoral NRSA is to incorporate basic genetics research into
postdoctoral nursing research training programs.  Reciprocal research
training opportunities which would allow mentorship of molecular
biology and genetic postdoctoral fellows with nurse scientists for
periods of research training is also available.  A combination of
basic science content and clinical approaches (e.g., genetic testing
and counseling) should be incorporated into these research training
programs.
 
Senior fellowships are targeted for senior nurse researchers to
incorporate genetic science into programs of  nursing research.
Short-term training opportunities (for example, sabbaticals,
continuing-education courses and/or summer programs) are aimed at
nurse scientists in biological sciences who wish to add the ethical
and social implications of genetic science to ongoing programs of
research; or nurse scientists in the behavioral sciences who wish to
add genetic sciences to ongoing programs of research.
 
Research Training Objectives
 
The NINR and NHGRI are interested in offering postdoctoral and senior
fellowships to:
 
o  Nurse researchers with a doctoral degree in nursing or in the
behavioral sciences who are interested in genetic research training,
specifically, genomic analysis or other technical areas relevant to
genetic research.
 
o  Nurse researchers with a doctoral degree in genetics, molecular or
biological sciences who are interested in the ethical, legal and
social implications (ELSI) of genetic research training (For research
opportunities in this area, see PA-96-042).
 
o  Genetic or molecular biology researchers with a doctoral degree in
genetics, molecular or biological sciences who are interested in
nursing research training and research training that will allow them
to address the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of
human genetic research. (A complementary program is offered by NHGRI,
see PA-92-21).
 
o  Senior nurse researchers who wish to receive education and
training in genomic analysis or other technical areas relevant to
genetic research training, or training that will allow them to
address the ethical and social implications of clinical problems or
nursing questions.
 
The overall goal of this research training initiative is to increase
the number of nurse researchers and genetic scientists prepared to
explore the clinical needs of patients and their families when
diagnosed with a genetic illness or predisposition to developing a
genetic problem. An additional goal is to provide training in ELSI to
both groups of scholars.  To accomplish these goals, it is mandatory
for each application to include a nurse scientist and a genetic
expert as cosponsors.
 
Opportunities for nurse and genetic scientists to collaborate with
both disciplines are encouraged. Research training programs should
provide opportunities for research training fellows to conduct
supervised clinical and basic research with the primary objective of
extending their research skills and knowledge to the interface
between nursing and genetics.  The academic, clinical, and laboratory
environment should facilitate growth and development for new research
scientists and  mid-career and senior scientists.  Examples of
important training opportunities include ongoing interactive
departmental seminars, a faculty well published in refereed journals,
and an interactive, interdisciplinary research team with multiple
funding sources including an established sponsor with a funded
program of research.
 
Individual Postdoctoral NRSA (F32) Fellowships. The individual
postdoctoral NRSA nursing and genetic fellowship is designed to
provide postdoctoral research training to nurse scientists to refine
their research interests, initiate independent research programs, and
to gain depth of knowledge in their clinical and/or basic science
research area.  In order to prepare nurse scientists to explore areas
of genetics with clinical practice and research, applicants must
integrate nursing research and genetic research with a nursing
problem or a clinical practice issue.  For example, a postdoctoral
fellow would study with a genetic scientist to identify genetic
markers in sputum as an indication of pulmonary function in asthma
patients.  This information would be used with other biobehavioral
factors to better control and prevent bouts of shortness of breath
experienced by asthma patients.  Another example would be for
postdoctoral fellows to study with a social scientist or ethicist to
examine the impact of genetic testing in reproductive decision
making. Priority status will be given to nurses with doctorates who
submit a successful postdoctoral NRSA application enabling continued
training without a time break between predoctoral and postdoctoral
research training.  To ensure maximum growth and development as a
research scientist and to increase the integration of new
perspectives and ideas, postdoctoral fellows are advised to choose
universities or departments other than the site of their doctoral
training.
 
Senior NRSA (F33) Fellowships.  The NRSA senior nursing and genetic
fellowship is designed to provide advanced training for experienced
nurse scientists (with at least seven years of relevant research
experience beyond the doctoral level). These awards will enable nurse
scientists to take time from regular professional responsibilities
and to make major changes in the direction of their research careers
or to broaden their scientific background by acquiring new research
capabilities.  This award is directed at nurse researchers well
prepared in biological science who desire to learn new methodologies
and techniques.  For example, a nurse scientist might combine
sabbatical time with senior fellowship funding to investigate the
interactive influences of genetics, the environment, obesity, diet,
gender and life style changes on the development of  diabetes
mellitus. Another example would be for the nurse scientist to study
the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing for
the risk of developing diabetes mellitus.
 
Meritorious applications that are responsive to the objectives of
this program announcement will be given high program relevance.
 
INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS
 
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided
that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects or the purpose of the research.  This policy results from
the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law
103-43).  All investigators proposing research involving human
subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and
Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been
published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59
14508-14513) and in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 23,
No. 11, March 18, 1994.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
 
Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS
416-1 (rev. 8/95) and will be accepted on the standard receipt dates
of April 5, August 5, and December 5.  Application kits are available
from most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the
Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National
Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910; Bethesda, MD
20892-7710, telephone (301) 710-0267, email:
[email protected].  The title and number of this program
announcement must be typed on line 3 of the PHS 416-1 application
form.  In addition, indicate in Item 3 the initials, NINR or NHGRI,
as the institute most appropriate to the research training area of
the application.  This information will be used as a guide in the
application assignment process.
 
Applications must include at least three sealed letters of reference
attached to the face page of the original application.  Applications
submitted without the required number of reference letters will be
considered incomplete and will be returned without review.
 
Support for fellowships will be provided through the NRSA.  The
stipend levels for the individual postdoctoral NRSA range from
$20,292 to $32,300, depending on the number of years of relevant
experience subsequent to the award of the doctoral degree.  The
stipend level for senior fellowships is $32,300 per annum.
Individual postdoctoral fellowships are made for project periods of
up to three years.  Recipients of NRSAs are subject to payback
provisions.  Refer to the following notices published in the NIH
Guide for Grants and Contracts:  NIH NRSAs for Individual
Postdoctoral Fellows Guidelines, Vol. 25, No. 31, September 20, 1996;
Tuition Costs on NIH NRSA Training Grant and Fellowship Awards, Vol.
25, No. 2, February 2, 1996; NRSA Stipend Increase, Vol. 25, No. 41,
November 29, 1996; and Self-Only Health Insurance and Tuition Costs
on NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards - Modified Policy, Vol.
26, No. 1, January 10, 1997.
 
The original and two copies of the application must be submitted to:
 
DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040, MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)
 
REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS
 
Applications in response to this program announcement will be
reviewed in competition with other applications and in accord with
the customary NIH peer review procedures and criteria.  Applications
will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an initial
review group.  Second level review will be conducted by an
appropriate Executive Review Group in the assigned institute.  The
following factors are considered in the review of fellowship
applications: (1) the candidate's potential for a research career;
(2) the scientific merit and training potential of the research
training proposal; (3) the training environment and resources; and
(4) the protections according human subjects and vertebrate animals.
 
AWARD CRITERIA
 
The following criteria will be used in making awards: availability of
funds and program balance among research training areas.
 
INQUIRIES
 
Applicants interested in NINR for institute assignment are encouraged
to access the documents "Enhancing Chances for Support" as well as
Program Announcement (PA-92-035) titled "Training and Development:
Nursing and Biology Interface" on the NINR Website,
http:/www.nih.gov/ninr/
 
Written and telephone inquiries concerning this program announcement
are encouraged.  The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions
from potential applicants are welcome.
 
Direct inquires regarding programmatic issues to:
 
Hilary D. Sigmon, Ph.D., R.N.
Scientific Program Administrator
National Institute of Nursing Research
45 Center Drive, Room 3AN-12, MSC 6300
Bethesda, MD  20892-6300
Telephone:  (301) 594-5970
FAX:  (301) 480-8260
Email:  [email protected]
 
Elizabeth J. Thomson, M.S., R.N.
Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications Research Program
National Human Genome Research Institute
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 402-4997
FAX:  (301) 402-0837
Email:  Elizabeth_Thomson @nih.gov
 
Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:
 
Mr. Jeff Carow
Grants Management Office
National Institute of Nursing Research
45 Center Drive, Room 3AN-18, MSC 6300
Bethesda, MD  20892-6300
Telephone:  (301) 594-6869
FAX:  (301) 480-8260
Email:  [email protected]
 
Ms. Jean Cahill
Grants and Contracts Management Branch
National Human Genome Research Institute
Building 38A, Room 613, MSC 6050
Bethesda, MD  20892-6050
Telephone:  (301) 402-0733
FAX:  (301) 402-1951
Email:  [email protected]
 
AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.361, Nursing Research and No. 93.172, Human Genome
Research.  Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health
Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by
Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and administered under PHS
grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 45 CFR Part 74. The
program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements
of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.  Awards
will be administered under PHS grants policy as stated in the PHS
Grants Policy Statement (April 1, 1994).
 
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.
 
.

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