This notice has expired. Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices.

EXPIRED


This Program Announcement expires on February 28, 2004.

MINORITY INSTITUTIONS' DRUG ABUSE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (MIDARP)

Release Date:  October 22, 2001

PA NUMBER:  PAR-02-016 (This PA has been reissued, see PAR-05-069)

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Application Receipt Dates:  February 21 and August 21, 2002; 
                            February 21 and August 21, 2003 and 
                            February 23 and August 23, 2004

PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to increase the capacity of minority 
institutions with limited sponsored research experience in the biomedical, 
social, and behavioral sciences to conduct research in drug abuse and 
addiction.  Grants will be provided to develop the capacity of minority 
institutions and their minority faculty, staff and students, in particular, 
to conduct rigorous drug abuse research in all areas of research supported by 
the NIDA including neuroscience, epidemiology, behavioral, clinical, social 
science, public health, biological, HIV/AIDS, health disparities, and health 
services areas.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health 
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-
led national activity for setting priority areas.  This PA, "Minority 
Institutions' Drug Abuse Research Development Program (MIDARP)," is related 
to one or more of the priority areas.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy 
of  Healthy People 2010  at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Institutions applying for this award must demonstrate eligibility through (a) 
minority status and (b) research capacity development need.

Applications may be submitted by an organization, university or college that 
meet one of the following criteria regarding minority status:

(1) A public or private nonprofit university, four-year college, or other 
institution offering undergraduate or graduate degrees with a traditionally 
high (more than 50 percent) minority (Black, Hispanic, Native American or 
Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander) student enrollment.  This category 
includes Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic 
Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges.  An Indian tribe, which in 
conjunction with one or more institutions of higher learning, offers 
undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines relevant to drug abuse, 
which has a recognized governing body, and which performs substantial 
governmental functions, or an Alaska Regional Corporation (ARC) as defined in 
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) is eligible.

(2) A college or university with a minority student enrollment of at least 
25% in each of the previous five years. In addition, applicants must 
demonstrate commitment to minority research development goals through (a) 
evidence of efforts to recruit faculty and students who are members of 
minorities nationally underrepresented in behavioral and biomedical research, 
and (b) demonstration of efforts to provide research support and resources to 
minority faculty and students.

Applicant institutions meeting the minority status requirement must also 
demonstrate that they have a need for research capacity development in drug 
abuse and addiction.  They cannot have received over $500,000 in direct costs 
from NIH per year over the last five (5) years for research in drug abuse and 
addiction.  Awards specific to minority institutions and research capacity 
development awards, including support for current MIDARP grantees, are 
excluded in calculating this total.  Excluding the Principal 
Investigator/Program Director, faculty participating as Project Directors in 
the proposed MIDARP cannot have been the Principal Investigator on an NIH 
award in the last five years.

Applications must indicate which of the above eligibility conditions apply to 
the institution and provide documentation in support of the eligibility 
claim. (See APPLICATION PROCEDURES, below.)

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R24 award mechanism.  
Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed 
project will be solely that of the applicant.  An application may request no 
less than three or no more than five years of support.  MIDARP awards are 
renewable.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

Participation of minority institutions and individuals in sponsored 
biomedical and behavioral research is low. Reasons for this under-
representation in research include the following:  (1) the primary, historic 
mission of many minority institutions has been to provide excellent teaching 
in order to prepare its students for work and/or advanced studies at other 
institutions, (2) community service has been an important, time-consuming 
expectation of faculty and staff members, (3) many minority-serving 
institutions have not had graduate research programs, and (4) support for 
research (e.g., facilities, equipment, release time, library resources, 
personnel) has been either unavailable or inadequate.

Many minority institutions, however, are redefining and expanding their 
mission to include a strong emphasis on research and have made strides in 
recent years to broaden and strengthen their research infrastructure and 
endeavors.  In addition, minority institutions have increased their interest 
and involvement in drug prevention and treatment programs and are 
particularly poised to expand these endeavors into the research arena.  For 
example, many are engaged in various drug and HIV/AIDS education, prevention, 
and training activities; some have current but limited drug abuse research; 
some have strong ties to community-based organizations, agencies, and schools 
that are addressing drug abuse problems; and almost all have indicated 
interest in developing competency in drug abuse research.  This program is 
intended to provide support to minority institutions that demonstrate a 
commitment to developing a supportive environment for fostering faculty and 
student involvement in drug abuse research and careers and conducting drug 
abuse research.

Research Goals

The goals of the MIDARP are to: (1) develop the drug abuse research 
infrastructure of minority institutions; (2) provide research development 
support and experiences to faculty and staff to facilitate independent drug 
abuse research careers; and (3) encourage drug abuse career research interest 
in students and provide them research experiences.  The development of 
minority faculty and students is particularly encouraged.

Research in any areas of drug abuse research supported by NIDA is encouraged.  
NIDA is interested in biomedical, social, and behavioral research and 
supports research on drug abuse in the following broad areas:  epidemiology, 
etiology, prevention, treatment and services, basic research, and medications 
development.  Research areas of particular interest are on HIV/AIDS as it 
relates to drug use and abuse and understanding disparities in health related 
to drug abuse and addiction experienced by racial/ethnic populations. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact staff at NIDA if additional information 
regarding specific research interests is needed. 

Each MIDARP must have a thematic research focus around which all research and 
training activities are directed.  Each application must include plans for 
four core activities as well as detailed descriptions of the Program Director 
and the External Advisory Board and a letter of institutional commitment.  
The core activities are: (1) an Institutional Research Development Plan, (2) 
a Faculty/Project Directors Development Plan, (3) Primary and/or Pilot 
Research Projects, and (4) a Student Development Plan.  The descriptions of 
the MIDARP Program Director and the External Advisory Board should include 
explanations of the roles and responsibilities of the Program Director and 
External Advisory Board in the MIDARP.  The letter of institutional 
commitment must be signed by a Dean or other institutional official with 
authority to commit the institution to meeting the needs of the MIDARP. 

Institutional Research Development Plan

The strategy for building research capacity should be based upon assessments 
of the applicant institution's current level of drug abuse research, its 
capacity for research in areas other than drug abuse, environmental factors, 
levels of commitment, and availability of support.  Assessments should 
examine not only needs but also strengths and resources which currently exist 
and upon which further capacity could be built.  The plans should provide for 
a MIDARP Program Director, with or without additional administrative 
personnel, who has the necessary research experience and expertise and who is 
appropriately positioned within the applicant institution to be able to lead 
the MIDARP program effectively.

To achieve the capacity building goals, activities that will strengthen the 
institution's research infrastructure and enhance the capability of 
individual faculty members and students to engage in competitive drug abuse 
research should be considered.  These activities may include establishment of 
consultant and collaborative arrangements with investigators at other 
institutions, and the development of courses, curricula and seminars relevant 
to drug abuse research, including training in the responsible conduct of 
research. Enhancement of business-related (e.g., grants administration) and 
research-relevant (e.g., IACUC and IRB) capacities may be part of the 
strategy.

The application must describe the support the institution needs in order to 
meet the drug abuse research capacity, and faculty and student development 
objectives proposed.  The application should plan to address the 
institution's needs for resources and facilities that are important to 
conducting research in the specific drug abuse research area in which the 
institution proposes to focus.  The plan should address, for example, 
research equipment, laboratory space, administrative support, faculty 
development and support needs, collaborative arrangements, consultant 
expertise, and data management and analysis support that are necessary for 
the research focus area proposed.  A strategy for establishing and evaluating 
courses, curricula and seminars in areas relevant to research on drug abuse 
and addiction should also be included.  Any plans for the enhancement of 
business and research administration capacity should be given.

A critical assessment of the probable impact of the proposed program should 
be provided.  The application should discuss the probable success of the 
proposed plan by describing the realistic changes in institutional policies, 
procedures, resources, and programs germane to the proposed program for drug 
abuse research and faculty and student development that are likely to occur.  
Applicants are expected to identify areas where development or change is 
desirable but may be difficult or not possible to address within the scope of 
this announcement, and show how the proposed plan of infrastructure 
development is likely to have a significant impact on the impetus and 
capacity of the institution to engage in drug abuse research.  Discuss, for 
example, how the proposed plan will change the institution's ability to 
develop a drug abuse research focus and agenda; seek and support drug abuse 
research; prepare its students and faculty for drug abuse research careers 
and participation in sponsored research, in general; provide sufficient time 
and incentives for faculty to engage in drug abuse research; develop 
collaborations with established researchers/research institutions or drug 
abuse facilities; and expand library and resource materials.

Faculty/Project Directors  Development Plan

This plan should detail the experiences and support intended for faculty 
members and how providing these will increase their capacity to independently 
conduct drug abuse related research.  Much of the faculty development is 
expected to come from active involvement in the primary and/or pilot research 
projects supported by the program and through other career development 
activities such as workshops and training.  Brief individualized plans must 
be submitted for faculty members serving as current and future research 
project directors supported under this program. Plans should include support 
for publishing research study results and scientific writing, in general. In 
addition, activities may be proposed for general research development 
activities for all faculty, e.g., seminars, grants development workshops.

Faculty members who are currently conducting drug abuse research sponsored by 
other sources (e.g., federal, state, private sector) may be designated as 
Associate Project Directors.  They may request funds to support minority 
undergraduate or graduate students to serve as Associate Research Assistants 
on their already funded projects.  MIDARP funds may not be used to replace 
any research assistant positions supported by other federal or non-federal 
awards, and strong explanation of the benefits to be gained by the proposed 
research assistants and the research itself must be provided.

Research Projects

The program will provide support for primary or pilot research projects by 
one or more faculty members. New applications must not propose more than five 
research projects. Primary research projects refer to research studies that 
are fully developed with well-specified specific aims, 
background/significance, methods, hypotheses, and data analysis plans.  
Primary research projects should not exceed 10 pages in length each (see 
Application Procedures).  They are not necessarily expected to meet the 
rigorous scientific review requirements of R01 applications expected of 
applicants who have drug abuse research experiences and resources.  Pilot 
projects refer to research studies with convincing arguments of the potential 
significance of the research to the field but where methods and hypotheses 
are in their early formative stages.  Pilot projects should not exceed five 
pages in length each (see Application Procedures).  Pilot projects are 
expected to result in confirmation of the significance of the research, 
feasibility of the methods, and refinement/delineation of the hypotheses.

At least two research projects, one of which must be a primary project, must 
be proposed.  These projects must relate to the core research focus area and 
the institutional infrastructure support that is requested and be of 
significance to the drug abuse research field.  The expectation is that this 
support in concert with the institutional infrastructure enhancement plan 
will enable the individual project investigators to become competitive in 
other sponsored research programs.  In addition to costs associated with the 
particular study proposed, individual investigators may request support for 
minority undergraduate and graduate students underrepresented in the 
biomedical and behavioral sciences to serve as research assistants.

The MIDARP Program Director may apply for a research project.  Research 
Project Directors are responsible for the administration and implementation 
of their projects, with the guidance and support of the MIDARP Program 
Director and the institution.  Project Directors should have sufficient 
training to enable them to conduct the research they propose, whether primary 
or pilot projects.  It is expected that participating faculty will vary in 
the level of support they will need to become independent drug abuse 
researchers.

To remain viable, the MIDARP must have research projects ongoing throughout 
the duration of the award, although individual research projects need not 
last throughout the full period of support, and start-up time is expected.  
For example, if five years of support are requested for the MIDARP, one or 
more primary or pilot research projects must be ongoing during the project 
period.  Securing other support for research projects under the MIDARP 
umbrella such as from the university, foundations or other NIDA mechanisms is 
encouraged.

Student Development Plan

The goal of the Student Development Plan is to stimulate student interest in 
drug abuse and addiction research and to prepare students to pursue careers 
in drug abuse and addiction related areas through research development 
experiences.  Students are expected to participate in research projects 
supported by the program and to be encouraged to pursue programs of study 
that will prepare them for careers in biomedical, behavioral and clinical 
research.  It is also expected that students selected for participation in 
research activities will be provided with other research development 
opportunities such as participation in relevant conferences and mentoring in 
scientific writing.  In addition, activities may be proposed to increase 
knowledge about drug abuse and career opportunities in drug abuse research 
for all students, e.g., seminars.

MIDARP Program Director

Each MIDARP must have a designated Program Director who will be responsible 
for the scientific and technical direction of the MIDARP.  He/she will be 
responsible for the implementation of the institutional research development 
plan and will provide scientific oversight for the individual research 
project(s).  He/she should be a scientist with appropriate training and 
experience and institutional authority and support to provide effective 
leadership to the project and guidance and support to project director(s).  
The Program Director will have overall responsibility for the goals, 
organization, administration, integrity, and conduct of the MIDARP.  He/she 
will be responsible for: (1) recruiting faculty to participate in the 
individual research development activities; (2) assisting faculty in 
obtaining appropriate consultation and research training during the grant 
period; (3) developing the institutional infrastructure required to implement 
drug abuse research; (4) providing needed fiscal and other project support; 
(5) recruiting students and providing them with drug abuse research career 
support and experiences, and (6) providing the overall administration of the 
grant.

External Advisory Board

Plans should include details on the establishment of an Advisory Board to 
help guide the overall MIDARP and the development and implementation of the 
research projects.  Ideally such a panel would consist of three to five 
external individuals with expertise in the drug abuse research focus area of 
the MIDARP and in the development of research development programs.  
Applications should contain a biographical sketch and a letter of commitment 
to serve from each proposed member of the advisory panel.

Letter of Institutional Commitment

The application should include a signed letter from an institutional official 
with authority to commit the institution to the establishment of the MIDARP 
program.  It should detail the resources the institution is willing to 
provide including office and laboratory space, computer and internet access, 
library resources, and guarantees of protected time for faculty and students 
to perform the research and training activities enumerated in the 
application.  The letter should also describe the institution’s level of 
confidence that the MIDARP program, under the guidance of the proposed 
Program Director, will be successful in achieving its goals.

Progress Report for MIDARP Renewals (Competing Continuations) and Former 
MIDARP Grantees

A progress report must provide the work accomplished as a result of the 
MIDARP award.  A section on progress and continued needs must be included for 
applications to renew MIDARP awards (competing continuations). MIDARP awards 
may be renewed through the competing application process after the initial 
period of funding.  The application’s assessment of needs and plans must 
demonstrate a need for continued development.  Further, a Progress Report 
section must be included that provides evidence that the initial funding 
period did result in development of the capacity of the institution and its 
faculty, staff and students to conduct and pursue drug abuse research and 
research careers.  Examples of evidence of progress should be noted (e.g., 
changes over time in drug abuse related publications, success in obtaining 
funding, faculty service as peer reviewers, evidence of growth in skills, 
creation of courses or seminars, recruitment and retention of high quality 
researchers and students, patents).

Allowable Costs

Up to $350,000 in direct costs per year may be requested for a project period 
ranging from three to five years. Funds may be used for activities needed to 
implement a MIDARP including but not limited to such expenses as salaries and 
benefits of MIDARP faculty, students and staff at levels commensurate with 
percent effort expended on MIDARP related administration, research and 
training activities; time devoted to developing, teaching or participating in 
courses and/or seminars in drug abuse and addiction; travel by faculty and 
students to scientific meetings; and travel to or by consultants, including 
an External Advisory Panel. Costs for resources designed to enhance 
recruitment and retention of scientists may be requested.  Equipment, 
administrative personnel, enhancement of IRB/IACUC expertise and similar 
needs may be funded, as congruent with the assessment of needs and 
developmental plans.

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 are 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 
UPDATED "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in 
Clinical Research," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on 
August 2, 2000 
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-048.html); 
a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm.  The 
revisions relate to NIH defined Phase III clinical trials and require:  a) 
all applications or proposals and/or protocols to provide a description of 
plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by 
sex/gender and/or racial ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable: 
and b) all investigators to report accrual, and to conduct and report 
analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group 
differences.

INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS

It is the policy of NIH that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) 
must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by 
the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.  
This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for 
receipt dates after October 1, 1998.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the 
"NIH Policy and Guidelines on the Inclusion of Children as Participants in 
Research Involving Human Subjects" that was published in the NIH Guide for 
Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is available at the following URL 
address: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html.

Investigators also may obtain copies of these policies from the program staff 
listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant 
information concerning the policy.

REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS

NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants 
for all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human 
subjects.  This policy announcement is found in the NIH Guide for Grants and 
Contracts Announcement dated June 5, 2000, at the following website: 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.

NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON DRUG ABUSE RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR THE 
ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS TO HUMAN SUBJECTS

The National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse recognizes the importance of 
research involving the administration of drugs to human subjects and has 
developed guidelines relevant to such research.   Potential applicants are 
encouraged to obtain and review these recommendations before submitting an 
application that will administer compounds to human subjects. The guidelines 
(revised September, 2000) are available on NIDA's Home Page at 
http://www.nida.nih.gov under Funding, or they may be obtained by calling 
301-443-2755.

URLS IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES

All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within 
specified page limitations.  Unless otherwise specified in an NIH 
solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide 
information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation 
to view the Internet sites.  Reviewers are cautioned that their anonymity may 
be compromised when they directly access an Internet site.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to 
provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) under some circumstances.  Data that are (1) first produced in a 
project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) 
cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action 
that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed 
through FOIA.  It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope 
of this amendment.  NIH has provided guidance at:  
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.

Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public 
archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the 
distribution for an indefinite period of time.  If so, the application should 
include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include 
information about this in the budget justification section of the 
application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure 
informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the 
potential for wider use of data collected under this award.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001) 
at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html must be used in 
applying for these grants.  Application receipt dates are: February 21 and 
August 21, 2002; February 21 and August 21, 2003 and February 23 and August 
23, 2004.  This version of the PHS 398 is available in an interactive, 
searchable format.  The NIH will return applications that are not submitted 
on the 5/2001 version.  For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone 
301/710-0267, Email:  [email protected].

Organize the application according to PHS form 398 instructions, except as 
noted.  Precede the section that would normally be the Research Plan 
(Sections a-d if following standard instructions) with a one-page 
introduction that establishes the eligibility of the applicant institution.  
This does not count toward the other page limits.  Then use no more than 25 
pages (this would normally be the Research Plan; Sections a-d) to present an 
assessment of needs and the plans for the MIDARP including the faculty and 
student development plans.  If the application is a request to continue an 
established MIDARP (a  competing continuation  application), the 25 pages 
must include an assessment of progress in the previous funding periods.  
Following the 25 pages, Primary Research Projects and Pilot Research Projects 
should be presented.  Primary Research Projects should not exceed 10 pages 
per project and Pilot Research Projects should not exceed 5 pages per 
project.  Applications exceeding the page limits will be returned without 
review.

The completed original and five legible copies must be sent or delivered to:

CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW 
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE MSC-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for courier/overnight service)

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

PAR applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an 
appropriate scientific review group convened in accordance with the standard 
NIH peer review procedures.  As part of the initial merit review, all 
applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which 
only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, 
generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, 
assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the 
appropriate national advisory council or board.

Review Criteria

It is important to bear in mind that an application to establish or continue 
MIDARP programs may come from institutions that vary in their level of 
research readiness.  Consequently, the needs of programs at different 
institutions may be very different.  Accordingly, it is expected that reviews 
will appropriately consider the current research capabilities of the 
applicant institution.  In addition, the progress of the MIDARP should be 
evaluated for competing continuation applications.

Current Capacity Assessment:  

Evaluate the assessment of the present capacity of the institution to support 
biomedical and/or behavioral research in general and drug abuse research in 
particular, considering such elements as: 

a. Current faculty involvement and interest in drug abuse related research 
including current/recent research and participation in drug abuse related 
professional development activities.

b. Student interest and involvement in drug abuse related research.

c. Current curriculum offerings including courses and seminars in or related 
to drug abuse research particularly as they relate to the research focus of 
the proposed MIDARP.

d. Proposed Principal Director/Program Director involvement in research and 
other activities related to drug abuse.

e. Other factors related to the appropriateness of the environment, such as 
physical plant, instrumentation, financial support, collaborative 
relationships and opportunities to participate in and discuss scientific 
research.

f. Degree to which the assessment has taken into account strengths of the 
institution.

Note:  Because the MIDARP is designed to strengthen capacity, the focus of 
the review is on how well current capacity was assessed, not the level of 
capacity, per se.

Capacity Development Plan:

Evaluate the appropriateness and adequacy of the Institutional Research 
Development Plan for establishing or continuing a MIDARP at the applicant 
institution, consistent with the needs identified in the assessment of 
current capacity.  The faculty and student development plan are included in 
this section.

a. Plans for faculty/staff development in drug abuse research careers to 
include the extent to which the proposed program will provide an appropriate 
environment for participating faculty and staff to pursue independent drug 
abuse research careers.  Assessments may include the appropriateness and 
feasibility of faculty goals relevant to drug abuse research, availability of 
career development assistance provided to faculty in areas such as scientific 
writing and publication, research design and analyses, seminars on drug abuse 
topics, participation in meetings and conferences, mentoring, and research 
opportunities and support.

b. Plan for student development to include the extent to which the proposed 
program will stimulate drug abuse relevant research/research career interest 
in students and provide them research experiences.  This may include the 
appropriateness and feasibility of student goals relevant to drug abuse 
research and careers, and career development assistance provided to students 
in areas such as scientific writing and publication, participation in 
meetings and conferences, mentoring, research experiences, and preparation 
for graduate study.

c. Plan for establishing and evaluating courses and seminars in or related 
to the MIDARP’s focus.

d. Qualities and qualifications of the Program Director to lead the MIDARP 
program to successful accomplishment of its goals. Criteria may include how 
well he/she can provide direction and leadership in the research proposed, 
support of the institution, and confidence of the faculty and students.

e. Plans for the establishment of an external advisory panel to provide 
advice and consultation to the Program Director on the direction and progress 
of the MIDARP.

f. Likelihood that the proposed MIDARP program will have a significant 
impact on the capacity of the institution to engage in drug abuse 
research/research career preparation and fill a gap in drug abuse research at 
the applicant institution.

g. Institutional commitment to the MIDARP.  This might include consideration 
of guarantees of protected time for faculty and students to engage in drug 
abuse research, research mentoring and research training; opportunities to 
recruit and retain quality faculty and students; opportunities for career 
development for faculty engaged in drug abuse research.

h. Plan to address research resource needs such as laboratory equipment, 
additional space, enhanced business and research administration, etc.

For competing continuation applications, evaluate the extent to which the 
program has enhanced the research infrastructure of the applicant institution 
and enabled the institution to encourage and foster increased 
research/research career development activities in drug abuse and addiction 
for faculty and students.  Evidence of progress may include: participation of 
faculty and students in drug abuse research; increased support and conduct of  
drug abuse research; changes over time in submission and publication of 
manuscripts on drug abuse or resulting from drug abuse research; success 
obtaining other sources of funding; service in drug abuse related activities 
such as peer reviewers for research grants, contracts, or manuscripts; 
indication of developing skills in students and faculty; ongoing seminars or 
courses; improvements in institutional processes and procedures related to 
sponsored research such as IRBs and other review requirements; students 
entering graduate programs with expressed interest in drug abuse; established 
collaborations with others around drug abuse research or activities; securing 
patents related to drug abuse research or treatment; etc.

Primary Research Projects

Primary research projects refer to research studies that are fully developed 
with well-specified specific aims, background, methods, hypotheses and data 
analyses plans. Evaluate the primary research projects to determine the 
overall thoroughness of the research plan given the resources and environment 
currently available and the likelihood that the research as developed will 
make a worthwhile contribution to the field.

(a) Value of the study to the field and to the MIDARP’s research focus; 
importance of the specific aims or hypotheses/research questions.

(b) Approach of the study is the conceptual framework, design, methods, and 
analyses adequately developed and appropriate to the aims of the project at 
this stage?  Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and 
consider alternative tactics?

(c) Innovativeness of the proposed research.

(d) Capability of the investigator to carry out the work proposed.

(e) Adequacy of institutional resources and support to be made available 
including sufficient release time, if needed.

Pilot Research Projects

Evaluate the pilot research projects recognizing that these are pilot 
projects and are not intended to be fully developed protocols.

(a) Value of the research question to the faculty member’s development, the 
MIDARP program and the field.

(b) Appropriateness/adequacy of the literature review to demonstrate 
knowledge of the field and support the research question.

(c) Appropriateness of the proposed methods for pilot work.

(d) Adequacy of the resources and support provided to the faculty 
investigator.

(e) Likelihood that the faculty investigator can administer the project with 
support of the program director and other institutional resources and support 
as needed.

For the entire MIDARP, reviewers will also address: adequacy of the budget; 
adequacy of plans to include both genders, as well as minorities and their 
subpopulations and children in the proposed research; adequacy of protections 
for human subjects; adequacy of data and safety monitoring plans and adequacy 
of protections for live vertebrate animals as appropriate.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries are encouraged.  The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions 
from potential applicants is welcome.  Staff members are available for 
consultation concerning application development.  Potential applicants are 
encouraged to contact NIDA staff for information and guidance in developing 
research applications.

Lula Beatty, Ph.D.
Special Populations Office
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Boulevard
Room 4216, MSC 9567
Bethesda, MD  20892-9567
Telephone:  (301) 443-0441
FAX:  (301) 480-8179
Email:  [email protected]

A complete list of programmatic areas and staff may be found at 
http://www.drugabuse.gov/Funding/resfundslist.html.

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A.
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3131
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 443-6710
FAX:  (301) 594-6847
Email:  [email protected]

Direct inquiries regarding review issues to:

Teresa Levitin, Ph.D.
Office of Extramural Affairs
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3158
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 443-2755
FAX:  (301) 443-0538
Email:  [email protected]

AUTHORITY AND REGULATION

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 
93.279.  Awards are made under authorization of sections 301 and 405 of the 
Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered 
under NIH grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 
74 and 92.  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review 
requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.

The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant 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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NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices



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