and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
Participating Organization(s) |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) |
|
Funding Opportunity Title |
Limited Competition: Initiative to Maximize Research Education in Genomics (R25): Diversity Action Plan |
Activity Code |
R25 Education Projects |
Announcement Type |
Reissue of PAR-09-245 |
Related Notices |
|
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number |
PAR-13-063 |
Companion Funding Opportunity |
|
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) |
93.172 |
Funding Opportunity Purpose |
This funding opportunity seeks to facilitate the training of individuals at all careers levels (the undergraduate, graduate, post baccalaureate, postdoctoral and faculty levels) from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in scientific disciplines relevant to genomics to enable them to pursue genomics research that spans all areas of interest to NHGRI later in their careers. This is a limited competition funding opportunity announcement and is limited to PD(s)/PI(s) with NHGRI applications or grants in the following areas: Centers of Excellence in Genome Science; databases, large-scale sequencing and institutional training grants. In all cases, the PD/PI of any of the previous applications/grants cited above, must be the PD/PI of the R25. |
Posted Date |
December 20,2012 |
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) |
April 25, 2013 |
Letter of Intent Due Date |
April 25,2013 |
Application Due Date(s) |
Standard dates apply, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. |
AIDS Application Due Date(s) |
Not Applicable |
Scientific Merit Review |
Standard dates apply. |
Advisory Council Review |
Standard dates apply. |
Earliest Start Date(s) |
Standard dates apply. |
Expiration Date |
New Date June 27, 2016 per issuance of PAR-16-345. (Original Expiration Date: September 7, 2016) |
Due Dates for E.O. 12372 |
Not Applicable |
Required Application Instructions
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Part 1. Overview Information
Part 2. Full Text of the Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
Section IV. Application and Submission
Information
Section V. Application Review Information
Section VI. Award Administration Information
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
The NIH recognizes a unique and compelling need to promote diversity in the NIH-funded biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences workforce. The NIH expects efforts to diversify the workforce to lead to the recruitment of the most talented researchers from all groups; improve the quality of the educational and training environment; balance and broaden the perspective in setting research priorities; improve the ability to recruit subjects from diverse backgrounds into clinical research protocols; and to improve the Nations capacity to address and eliminate health disparities.
Accordingly the NIH continues to encourage institutions to diversify their student and faculty populations and thus to increase the participation of individuals currently underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences such as: individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from socially, culturally, economically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have inhibited their ability to pursue a career in health-related research. Institutions are encouraged to identify candidates who will increase diversity on a national or institutional basis.
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) led the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) contribution to the International Human Genome Project, which had as its primary goal the sequencing of the human genome. This project was successfully completed in April 2003. Now, the NHGRI's mission has expanded to encompass a broad range of studies aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human genome and its role in health and disease. The success of the NHGRI research programs has been the ability to develop new technologies, resources, methods, to support genomic approaches. This requires expertise in the biological, physical, mathematical, and computer and engineering sciences.
To that end NHGRI supports the development of resources and technology that will accelerate genome research and its application to human health. A critical part of the NHGRI mission continues to be the study of the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genome research. NHGRI also supports the training of investigators and the dissemination of genome information to the public and to health professionals.
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is committed to increasing the pool of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have the training to pursue careers in genome and ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) research. Genome research offers tremendous challenges and opportunities for improving human health and ELSI research offers the chance to explore some of the most profound ethical, legal and social issues of our time. NHGRI wants the best minds to participate in this work. There are extraordinary career opportunities in genome and ELSI research that all should share in.
The very nature of genome and ELSI research demands including a diversity of points of view and scientific interests. A major emphasis of this research will be to investigate how DNA sequence variation affects phenotypic differences, especially differences in susceptibility to disease among various groups. The significant societal ramifications of this research will also need to be addressed. It is clearly desirable to have individuals involved who bring diverse perspectives to this research, including an interest in understanding diseases that disproportionately affect some populations. Genome research will affect all populations and thus all groups need to participate in setting the research agenda and examining the broader issues raised by it.
Early on, NHGRI reviewed the demographics of funded grantees and noted a lack of diversity among them. The most efficient way to increase the pool of individuals from diverse backgrounds involved in genomics research is to provide opportunities to participate in high quality genomic research at all career levels and receiving degrees in those disciplines that were critical to genomics research. For example, data from National Science Foundation, Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering: Fall 2009 (http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsf12300/content.cfm?pub_id=4118&id=2) show that the percentage of graduate students, by ethnic groups and scientific disciplines, is substantially less than would be expected given their presence in the 2010 census population, except from the Asian/Pacific Islanders which were combined in the NSF study: http://www.genome.gov/Pages/Grants/FundingOppsSupplement/Graduate_Students_2009_Census.xls
On April 16 - 17, 2001, the NHGRI convened a meeting to explore new and innovative ideas and models to increase the number of underrepresented minorities pursuing research careers in genomics and related sciences. The outcome of that meeting was a set of recommendations that NHGRI should consider. One of these recommendations was that NHGRI had specific grant programs (Centers of Excellence in Genome Science, large-scale sequencing programs, databases, and training grants) that were identified as preferred incubators for research education and training in genomics (http://www.genome.gov/10001707). Initiatives should be targeted to those at the undergraduate level and/or beyond, including the faculty level. The main focus should be on ensuring that individuals: (a) successfully transition to the next career level; (b) remain in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field; (c) pursue doctoral degrees or advanced training in fields relevant to genomics; and (d) pursue careers in genomics. Examples of how these objectives can be accomplished include, but are not limited to, academic enhancement programs, appropriate laboratory experience, development of critical thinking skills, mentoring appropriate to the career level, career development activities, enhancements in writing scientific papers and fellowship/grant applications, and developing scientific presentation and interviewing skills, etc. These same approaches are used today to expand the pool of researchers from all backgrounds underrepresented in genomics and related sciences.
The types of research experiences that can be supported under this award include, but are not limited to:
(1) short-term research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students;
(2) up to two years of full-time post baccalaureate research and academic support with the objective of transitioning to a F31 or other source of peer-reviewed support for graduate school; participants can take academic courses, but may not be enrolled in a formal graduate program.
(3) up to 24 months part-time support for graduate school with the objective of transitioning to a F31 or other source or peer-reviewed support; ) up to 24 months part-time for postdoctoral support with the objective of transitioning to a F32 or other source of peer reviewed support; and
(5) research experiences for faculty with the objective of obtaining preliminary data for research grant applications.
The proposed research education and training initiative may complement other ongoing research training and education programs at the applicant institution, but the proposed educational experiences must be distinct from those research training and research education programs currently receiving federal support and provide added value. The R25 is not a substitute for an institutional research training program (T32) and cannot be used to circumvent or supplement Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) mechanisms.
The NIH encourages all proposed programs to foster the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and women.
Funding Instrument |
Grant: support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity. |
Application Types Allowed |
New The OER Glossary and the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types. |
Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards |
The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations, and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. |
Award Budget |
Because the nature and scope of the proposed research education activities will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. It is expected that applications will stay within an annual direct costs of $300,000. See http://www.genome.gov/10003996. In rare exceptions, this limit may be waived for competing renewal applications. Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation. See NOT-OD-05-004. |
Award Project Period |
The project duration must not exceed 5 years. |
Personnel Costs |
Individuals designing, directing, and implementing the research education program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated cap. (If mentoring interactions and other activities with students/participants are considered a regular part of an individual's academic duties, then any costs associated with the mentoring and other interactions with students/participants are not allowable costs from grant funds). Limited support will be provided for clerical and administrative staff associated distinctly with the program, if the duties associated with the activity are not normally compensated by the applicant organization. |
Participant Costs |
Participants may be paid if specifically required for the
proposed research education program and sufficiently justified. Participant
costs must be itemized in the proposed budget Post Baccalaureate participants may receive continuous full-time support for up to 24 months as long as they are not enrolled in a formal graduate program. Because the R25 mechanism is not intended as a substitute for an NRSA institutional training program (T32), costs to support full-time participants other than post baccalaureates (supported for 40 hours/week for a continuous, 12-month period) are not allowable. |
Other Program-Related Expenses |
Consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel for key persons, and other program-related expenses may be included in the proposed budget. These expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available at the applicant institution. In general, travel for participants will not be provided. In rare cases, if travel funds are requested, they must be strongly justified. |
Indirect Costs |
Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees and expenditures for equipment), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement. |
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
This is a limited competition funding opportunity announcement and is limited to PD(s)/PI(s) with NHGRI applications or grants in the following areas: Centers of Excellence in Genomic Sciences; databases, large-scale sequencing and institutional training grants.
Higher Education Institutions
The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
For-Profit Organizations
Governments
Other
All Program
Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) must also work with their
institutional officials to register with the eRA Commons or ensure their
existing eRA Commons account is affiliated with the eRA Commons account of the
applicant organization.
All registrations must be completed by the application due date.
The sponsoring institution must assure support for
the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program
includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources
that can contribute to the planned program.
Institutions with existing Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service
Award (NRSA) institutional training grants (e.g., T32) or other Federally
funded training programs may apply for a research education grant provided that
the proposed educational experiences are distinct from those training programs
receiving NIH support. In many cases, it is anticipated that the proposed
research education program will complement ongoing research training occurring
at the applicant institution.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are
not eligible to apply.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible
to apply.
Foreign components, as defined in the NIH
Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.
Applicant organizations must complete the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. Applicants must have a valid Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to begin each of the following registrations.
All Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) must also work with
their institutional officials to register with the eRA Commons or ensure their
existing eRA Commons account is affiliated with the eRA Commons account of the
applicant organization.
All registrations must be completed by the application due date. Applicant
organizations are strongly encouraged to start the registration process at
least 4-6 weeks prior to the application due date.
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources
necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director/Principal
Investigator (PD/PI) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an
application for support. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented
racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women are always
encouraged to apply for NIH support.
For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple
Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key
Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.
The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which
the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and
scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed
program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and
submit all documents and reports as required.
This is a limited competition funding opportunity announcement and is limited
to PD(s)/PI(s) with NHGRI applications or grants in the following areas:
Centers of Excellence in Genome Science; databases, large-scale sequencing and
institutional training grants. An R25 will only be awarded if there is a NHGRI
funded Centers of Excellence in Genome Science, databases, large-scale
sequencing or institutional training grant, since the purpose of the R25 is to
provide research opportunities in laboratories that have received funding in
the specific types of grants cited above.
This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.
NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed within the past thirty-seven months (as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement), except for submission:
R25 Education programs are encouraged to recruit researchers from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral as teachers/lecturers/preceptors/mentors. Mentors should have research expertise and experience relevant to the proposed program and demonstrate a history or the potential for their intended roles.
Applications must describe the intended participants, and the eligibility and/or specific educational background characteristics that are essential for participation in the proposed research education program. Identify the career levels essential for participation in the planned program.
Individuals supported by NIH training and career development mechanisms (K, T, or F awards) are encouraged to participate in this program. Individuals supported by NIH training and career development mechanisms (K, T, or F awards) may not receive salary or stipend supplementation from the education program.
Participants are the beneficiaries of the educational activity. Unless strongly justified on the basis of exceptional relevance to NIH, research education programs should be used primarily for the education of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Applicants must download the SF424 (R&R) application package associated with this funding opportunity using the Apply for Grant Electronically button in this FOA or following the directions provided at Grants.gov.
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
For information on Application Submission and Receipt, visit Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.
By the date listed in Part 1. Overview Information, prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:
The letter of intent should be sent to:
Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D
Room 4073
5635 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20852
TEL: 301-496-7531
Email: [email protected]
The forms package associated with this FOA includes all applicable components, mandatory and optional. Please note that some components marked optional in the application package are required for submission of applications for this FOA. Follow the instructions in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to ensure you complete all appropriate optional components.
All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following modifications:
Facilities & Other Resources
Describe the educational environment, including the facilities, laboratories, participating departments, computer services, and any other resources to be used in the development and implementation of the proposed program. List all thematically related sources of support for research training and education following the format for Current and Pending Support.
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following modifications:
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the additional instructions described below:
The Research Strategy section must be used to upload the Research Education Program Plan, which must include the following components described below: Proposed Research Education Program, Institutional Environment and Commitment, Program Director/Principal Investigator, Program Faculty/Staff, Program Participants, Diversity Recruitment and Retention Plan, Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research, Evaluation Plan, Dissemination Plan.
Proposed Research Education Program (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Describe the program’s purpose, goals, and intended outcome. Describe the educational level of the participants to be reached, the time and duration of their participation, and the content to be conveyed. Explain the basis and rationale for the program and any educational principles or evidence of past success that it may be based on. Describe how the program will be evaluated and, specifically, the evidence and data to be collected. Where applicable, describe the plans for:
Institutional Environment and Commitment (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Describe the institutional environment, reiterating the availability of facilities and educational resources (described separately under Facilities & Other Resources ), that can contribute to the planned Research Education Program. Evidence of institutional commitment to the research educational program is required. A letter of institutional commitment must be attached as part of Letters of Support. Appropriate institutional commitment should include the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned research education program.
Program Director/Principal Investigator (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Provide evidence that the director has a history of being involved in such educational activities, or has the potential to successfully lead the program. Describe arrangements for administration of the program, and provide evidence that the PD/PI is actively engaged in research and/or teaching in an area related to the goals of this program and the mission of NIH. Describe the director’s credentials as an organizer and administrator.For application proposing multiple-PDs/PIs, all PDs/PIs must be integral members of the research team of a Centers of Excellence in Genome Science; databases, or large-scale sequencing and institutional training grant or application. For multiple-PD/PI applications, the contact PD/PI must be the PD/PI of one of the following grants or applications: Centers of Excellence in Genome Science; databases, large-scale sequencing and institutional training grants.
Program Faculty/Staff (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Describe the characteristics and responsibilities of the participating faculty; provide evidence that the participating faculty and preceptors are actively engaged in research or other scholarly activities related to the mission of NIH. Provide evidence that the participating faculty have experience in training, mentoring, and/or related educational activities. .
Program Participants (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Provide details about the pool of expected applicants and participants, their educational level or career stage, and their qualifications.
Diversity Recruitment and Retention Plan (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Background Information: The NIH recognizes a unique
and compelling need to promote diversity in the biomedical, behavioral,
clinical and social sciences research workforce. The NIH expects efforts to
diversify the workforce to lead to the recruitment of the most talented
researchers from all groups; to improve the quality of the educational and
training environment; to balance and broaden the perspective in setting
research priorities; to improve the ability to recruit subjects from diverse
backgrounds into clinical research protocols; and to improve the Nation's
capacity to address and eliminate health disparities.
Accordingly, the NIH continues to encourage institutions to diversify their
student and faculty populations and thus to increase the participation of
individuals currently underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral,
and social sciences such as: individuals from underrepresented racial and
ethnic groups; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from socially,
culturally, economically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have
inhibited their ability to pursue a career in health-related research.
Institutions are encouraged to identify candidates who will increase diversity
on a national or institutional basis.
The NIH is particularly interested in encouraging the recruitment and retention
of the following classes of participants:
Recruitment and retention plans related to a disadvantaged background are most applicable to high school and perhaps to undergraduate candidates, but would be more difficult to justify for individuals beyond that level of academic achievement. Under extraordinary circumstances the PHS may, at its discretion, consider an individual beyond the undergraduate level to be from a disadvantaged background. Such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, based on appropriate documentation.
New applications, with the exception of those devoted to courses/skills development or curriculum development, must include a description of plans to enhance recruitment of a diverse participant pool and may wish to include data in support of past accomplishments.
Renewal applications, with the exception of those devoted to courses/skills development or curriculum development, must include a detailed account of experiences in recruiting individuals from underrepresented groups during the previous funding period. Information must be included on successful and unsuccessful recruitment strategies including aggregate information on the distribution of:
For those individuals who were enrolled in the
program, the report should include information about the duration of education
and whether those individuals finished the program in good standing. Additional
information on the required Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity
is available at Frequently Asked Questions: Recruitment and Retention Plan to
Enhance Diversity (Diversity
FAQs).
Applications lacking a diversity recruitment and retention plan may be delayed
or not accepted for review. An award cannot be made if an application lacks
this component.
Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Every participant supported by this Research
Education grant must receive instruction in the responsible conduct of
research. All applications must include a plan to provide such instruction. The
plan must address five components (format; subject matter; faculty
participation; duration of instruction; and frequency of instruction) as
detailed in NOT-OD-10-019.
Renewal (Type 2) applications must, in addition, describe changes in formal
instruction over the past project period and plans for the future that address
any weaknesses in the current instruction plan. All participating faculty who
served as course directors, speakers, lecturers, and/or discussion leaders
during the past project period must be named in the application.
Applications lacking a plan for instruction in responsible conduct of research will
not be reviewed. The background, rationale and more detail about instruction in
the responsible conduct of research can be found in NOT-OD-10-019.
If such instruction is not appropriate for the proposed research education
program, then the PD/PI must provide a strong justification for its exclusion.
Evaluation Plan (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
Applications must include a plan for evaluating the activities supported by the award. The application must specify baseline metrics (e.g., numbers, educational levels, and demographic characteristics of participants), as well as measures to gauge the short or long-term success of the research education award in achieving its objectives. Wherever appropriate, applicants are encouraged to obtain feedback from participants to help identify weaknesses and to provide suggestions for improvements.
In developing their evaluation plans, prospective applicants should include metrics and evaluation criteria relevant to the overall NIH program evaluation described in Section VI, Part 4.
Awardees must agree to participate in evaluation and tracking plans supported by NHGRI.
Dissemination Plan (Component of Research Education Program Plan)
A specific plan must be provided to disseminate nationally any findings resulting from or materials developed under the auspices of the research education program, e.g., sample curricula, web postings, presentations at scientific meetings, workshops, etc.
Resource Sharing Plans
Individuals
are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing
Plans (Data Sharing Plan, Sharing Model Organisms, and Genome Wide Association
Studies(GWAS)) as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, with the
following modifications:
Applications are expected to include a software dissemination plan if
support for development, maintenance, or enhancement of software is requested
in the application. There is no prescribed single license for software
produced. However, the software dissemination plan should address, as
appropriate, the following goals:
Appendix
Do not use the Appendix to circumvent page limits. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Not Applicable
Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates. Applicants are encouraged to submit in
advance of the deadline to ensure they have time to make any application
corrections that might be necessary for successful submission.
Organizations must submit applications via Grants.gov, the online portal to find and apply for grants
across all Federal agencies. Applicants must then complete the submission
process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH’s electronic system for grants
administration.
Applicants are
responsible for viewing their application in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate
and successful submission.
Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time
submission are provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost
principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration.
For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit Applying Electronically.
Important
reminders:
All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in the
Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile Component of the SF
424(R&R) Application Package. Failure to register in the Commons and
to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the
successful submission of an electronic application to NIH.
The applicant organization must ensure that the DUNS number it provides on the
application is the same number used in the organization’s profile in the eRA
Commons and for the System for Award Management (SAM). Additional information
may be found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
See more
tips for avoiding common errors.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed.
In order to expedite review, applicants are requested to notify the NHGRI Referral Office by email at [email protected] when the application has been submitted. Please include the FOA number and title, PD(s)/PI(s) name(s), and title of the application.
Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year (excluding consortium F&A) must contact NIH program staff at least 6 weeks before submitting the application and follow the Policy on the Acceptance for Review of Unsolicited Applications that Request $500,000 or More in Direct Costs as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in NOT-OD-10-115.
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process. As part of the NIH mission, all applications submitted to the NIH in support of biomedical and behavioral research are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.
Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to impact science education by fulfilling one or more of the goals of the R25 Science Education Program.
Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact.
Significance
Does the proposed program address a key audience and an important aspect or important need in science education? Depending on the purpose of the program, is there convincing evidence in the application that the proposed activity will significantly: contribute to diversifying the biomedical workforce, augment the training of the future biomedical workforce, contribute to dissemination of biomedical research findings that potentially affect public health, or contribute to the general health science literacy of the general public?
Will the activities facilitate increasing the number of individuals from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, disabled persons, and individuals from disadvantaged background in the fields of genomics or ethical, legal and social implications of research (ELSI)? Are the goals clearly stated and achievable? Are genomics or ELSI topics prominently integrated into planned activities? How does the plan take advantage of the research infrastructure of the applicant institution and other similar programs supported by NHGRI and the PI's/PD's institution? What is the value added and how does this program differ from ongoing activities?
Investigator(s)
Are the PD(s)/PI(s), collaborators, and other researchers appropriately trained and well suited to
Is the PD/PI capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program? Is there evidence that an appropriate level of effort will be devoted by the program leadership to ensure the program's intended goal? Is there evidence that the participating faculty have experience in mentoring students and teaching science? Are the faculty good role models to the participants by nature of their scientific accomplishments? Is there evidence that the faculty have sufficient support to create a sound educational environment for the participants? If the project is collaborative or multi-PD/PI, do the investigators have complementary and integrated expertise; are their leadership approach, governance and organizational structure appropriate for the project?
Are individuals with the right expertise involved in the development and management of the program? Does the PD/PI have sufficient involvement in the program? Does the program leverage ongoing activities designed and managed by others? Do the PD/PI and key personnel maintain an appropriate level of involvement to ensure the substantial and unique added value critical to genomics and ELSI research? Does the training coordinator have the scientific expertise to implement activities that are essential for the success of the participants and their anticipated career? Is the training coordinator sufficiently integrated with the key personnel on the Centers of Excellence in Genome Science, databases, or large-scale sequencing and institutional training grant or application ?
Innovation
Does the applicant make a strong case for this program effectively reaching an audience in need of the program’s offerings? Where appropriate, is the proposed program developing or utilizing innovative approaches and latest best practices to improve the knowledge and/or skills of the intended audience?
For activities that support undergraduates and post baccalaureates, are there any unique activities that will increase the number of students pursuing doctoral degrees versus medical degrees? For postdoctoral individuals, are there sufficient plans and activities to ensure that the participant will transition successfully to employment by the number of publications, career development activities, such as grant application writing, etc. For faculty members, are there plans to ensure that the participant has appropriate preliminary data to pursue a research project in her/his home institution, etc?
Approach
Does the proposed
program clearly state its goals and objectives, including the educational level of the audience to be reached, the
content to be conveyed, and the intended outcome? Is there evidence that the program is based
on a sound rationale, as well as sound educational concepts and principles? Is the plan for evaluation sound, include
the evaluative elements outlined in this FOA, and likely to
provide information on the effectiveness of the program? If the proposed program will recruit participants,
are the planned recruitment, retention, and follow-up activities adequate to ensure a
highly qualified and diverse participant pool?
Are the activities commensurate
with the program goals? Will the activities facilitate participants moving successfully to
the next phase of their educational or career program? Are measurable outcomes
adequately described? Are the milestones appropriate? Is genomics or ELSI prominently
integrated into planned activities?
If the program involves clinical research, are the plans for 1)
protection of human subjects from research risks, and 2) inclusion of minorities
and members of both sexes/genders, as well as the inclusion of children, justified in terms of
the scientific goals and research strategy proposed?
Environment
Will the scientific and educational environment of the proposed program contribute to its intended goals? Is there a plan to take advantage of this environment to enhance the educational value of the program? Is there tangible evidence of institutional commitment? Where appropriate, is there evidence of collaboration and buy-in among participating programs, departments, and institutions?
Are the facilities adequate and appropriate? Are the facilities accessible for persons with disabilities?
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing an overall impact/priority score, but will not give separate scores for these items.
Protections for Human Subjects
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Vertebrate Animals
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Biohazards
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Resubmissions
For Resubmissions, the committee will evaluate the application as now presented, taking into consideration the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group and changes made to the project.
Renewals
For Renewals, the committee will consider the program’s progress made in the last funding period including, where applicable, participant completion rates, evidence of participant productivity, and the success of the program in attracting and retaining individuals from diverse populations, including populations underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, social and clinical research. Was the evaluation of the previous period used to make program changes and if so, were they adequate and appropriate? Are the evaluation plan and timeline adequate for assessing the effectiveness (process and outcome) of the program in achieving its goals and objectives? For Renewal applications: Has the program been adequately evaluated and has the level of success been satisfactory? Do the results of the evaluation document a continued need for support for this program? Is the approach for the next project period responsive to the results of the programs evaluation? Are there plans to obtain feedback from participants, to help identify weaknesses in the courses/programs and provide suggestions for improvements?
Revisions
Not Applicable
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items, and should not consider them in providing an overall impact/priority score.
Recruitment & Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity
Peer reviewers will separately evaluate the recruitment and retention plan to enhance diversity after the overall score has been determined. Reviewers will examine the strategies to be used in the recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented groups. The review panel’s evaluation will be included in an administrative note in the summary statement. Plans and past record will be rated as acceptable or unacceptable, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee.
Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
All categories of education programs, with the exception of programs for courses/skills development, curriculum development, and outreach, require a plan for instruction in RCR. Taking into account the specific characteristics of the research education program, its duration and level of participant experience, the reviewers will address the following questions. Does the plan satisfactorily address the format of instruction, e.g., lectures and/or real-time discussion groups? Do plans include a sufficiently broad selection of subject matter, such as conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety? Do the plans adequately describe how faculty will participate in the instruction? Do the plans ensure participants will receive instruction (or in the case of more senior level participants, provide instruction) for an appropriate amount of time given the length of the research education experience? Plans and past record will be rated as acceptable or unacceptable, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee.
Applications from Foreign Organizations
Not Applicable
Select Agent Research
Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).
Resource Sharing Plans
Reviewers will comment on whether the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources, are reasonable: 1) Data Sharing Plan; 2) Sharing Model Organisms; and 3) Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS).
Budget and Period of Support
Reviewers will consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research.
Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by (an) appropriate Scientific Review Group(s) convened by NHGRI , in accordance with NIH peer review policy and procedures, using the stated review criteria. Review assignments will be shown in the eRA Commons.
As part of the scientific peer review, all applications:
Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines to the appropriate NIH Institute or Center. Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this FOA. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review by the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
Since this FOA is for a limited competition, R25 applications will only be awareded if there is an awarded Centers of Excellence in Genomics, database, or large-scare sequencing gramt or an institutinoal training grant.
After the peer review of the application is completed, the
PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique)
via the eRA
Commons.
Information regarding the disposition of applications is available in the NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH
will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant as
described in the NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided
to the applicant organization for successful applications. The NoA signed by
the grants management officer is the authorizing document and will be sent via
email to the grantee’s business official.
Awardees must comply with any funding restrictions described in Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions. Selection
of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any
costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs
may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs.
Any application awarded in response to this FOA will be subject to the DUNS, SAM
Registration, and Transparency Act requirements as noted on the Award
Conditions and Information for NIH Grants website.
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General and Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities. More information is provided at Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants.
The Non-Competing Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) and financial statements as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are required annually. Continuation support will not be provided until the required forms are submitted and accepted.Programs that involve participants should report on education in the responsible conduct of research and complete a Training Diversity Report, in accordance with the PHS 2590 Additional Instructions for Preparing a Progress Report for an Institutional Research Training Grant, Including Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act), includes a requirement for awardees of Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY2011 or later. All awardees of applicable NIH grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.fsrs.gov on all subawards over $25,000. See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for additional information on this reporting requirement.
Failure by the grantee institution to submit required forms in a timely, complete, and accurate manner may result in an expenditure disallowance or a delay in any continuation funding for the award.
Grantees are strongly encouraged to enter information about participants into the REDCap database managed by the Data Access and Coordinating Committee located at Washington University, St. Louis. Trainee profiles must be updated regularly and reported on at the annual NHGRI RESEARCH TRAINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING WITH DAP AND T32 GRANTEES. The REDCap database was developed by previous NHGRI grantees to allow them to store and analyze their data in a secure central system, and facilitate comparison of their data with similar programs in other institutions, all of which have a small number of participants.
A final progress report, invention statement, and the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report are required for closeout of an award as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
In carrying out its stewardship of human resource-related programs, the NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of this program from databases and from participants themselves. Participants may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program.
Within ten years of making awards under this program, NIH will assess the program’s overall outcomes, gauge its effectiveness in enhancing diversity, and consider whether there is a continuing need for the program. Upon the completion of this evaluation, NIH will determine whether to (a) continue the program as currently configured, (b) continue the program with modifications, or (c) discontinue the program.
The overall evaluation of the program will be based on metrics that will include, but are not limited to, the following:
For programs involving undergraduate students:
For programs involving post baccalaureate students
For programs involving graduate students:
For programs involving postdoctorates and early career investigators:
We encourage inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants.
Grants.gov
Customer Support (Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and
submission, downloading or navigating forms)
Contact Center Phone: 800-518-4726
Email: [email protected]
GrantsInfo (Questions regarding application instructions and
process, finding NIH grant resources)
Telephone 301-710-0267
TTY 301-451-5936
Email: [email protected]
eRA Service Desk (Questions regarding ASSIST, eRA Commons registration, tracking application status, post submission issues)
Phone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
TTY: 301-451-5939
Email: [email protected]
Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D. (for general inquiries)
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Telephone: 301-496-7531
Email: [email protected]
Christina (Tina) Gatlin, Ph.D
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
TEL: 301-402-2851
Email: [email protected]
Heather Junkins, M.S.
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
TEL: 301-402-0343
Email: [email protected]
Ken Nakamura, Ph.D.
National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH
Telephone: (301) 402-0838
E-mail: [email protected]
Cheryl Chick
National Human Genome Research Institute
Telephone: 301-435-7858
E-mail: [email protected]
Recently issued trans-NIH policy notices may affect your application submission. A full list of policy notices published by NIH is provided in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.
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NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
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