and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
Participating Organization(s) |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) |
|
Funding Opportunity Title |
NINDS Research Education Programs for Residents and Fellows in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuropathology, Neuroradiology and Emergency Medicine (R25) |
Activity Code |
R25 Education Projects |
Announcement Type |
Reissue of RFA-NS-12-003 |
Related Notices |
|
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number |
PAR-13-384 |
Companion Funding Opportunity |
None |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) |
93.853 |
Funding Opportunity Purpose |
This FOA invites Research Education Grant (R25) applications from institutions/organizations to support the development and/or implementation of programs that relate to research education and preparation of clinical residents and fellows that will foster careers as physician-scientists. The PD/PI must have a staff appointment in a Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery or Pathology. Participants in the research education program must be residents or fellows, typically in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropathology, neuroradiology, anesthesiology or emergency medicine, who will conduct research within the mission of NINDS. The NIH recognizes a unique and compelling need to promote diversity in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences research workforce. Accordingly, the NIH continues to encourage institutions to diversify their 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, and individuals with disabilities. PDs/PIs are encouraged to consider participants from diverse backgrounds for this funding opportunity. |
Posted Date |
November 5, 2013 |
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) |
December 25, 2013 |
Letter of Intent Due Date(s) |
30 days before the application due date |
Application Due Date(s) |
January 25, 2014; May 25, 2014; January 25, 2016, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. |
AIDS Application Due Date(s) |
Not Applicable |
Scientific Merit Review |
June, 2014; October, 2014; June, 2016 |
Advisory Council Review |
August, 2014; January, 2015; October, 2016 |
Earliest Start Date |
September, 2014; April, 2015; December, 2016 |
Expiration Date |
January 26, 2016 |
Due Dates for E.O. 12372 |
Not Applicable |
Required Application Instructions
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (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 overall goal of NINDS's research training and research education programs is to ensure that highly trained scientists will be available to make future advances that will lead to a reduction in the burden of neurological disease. There is critical need for additional physician-scientists with the medical training and research experience to conduct basic, clinical and translational research on the mechanisms, cure and treatment of neurological disorders. NINDS provides mentored career development awards (K08 and K23 mechanisms) to highly qualified physician-scientists who have early training and experience in research, and who generally have one or more significant, original research publications. However, there is need for a mechanism to support the early education of clinicians during the residency/fellowship period in research and related skills, which would enable them to compete successfully for the mentored career development awards. This Research Education Program is designed to foster the development of neuroscience researchers through research training and educational experiences that will prepare clinicians to successfully compete for individual NIH mentored career development awards, or where appropriate, fellowships or mentored career development research awards.
Recognizing that medical school curricula do not traditionally provide skills critical to the pursuit of an independent research career, this dedicated opportunity will provide education and experience in the design and conduct of research, as well as skills required for competitive application for independent funds. It is expected that participants will conduct basic or clinical research in a well-funded (NIH or comparable) research laboratory and have one or more mentors with a superb track record in the training of physician-scientists. In addition, it is expected that participants will receive education in the non-research tools and skills necessary for a successful research career. Hallmarks of these programs will be the immersion of participants in a significant research problem and an environment that provides high quality mentoring in all aspects of research and career management required for success as a physician-scientist. The immediate goal of this program is to prepare clinicians to successfully compete for individual fellowships or mentored career development awards. Such success will facilitate their transition from resident/fellow to physician-scientist, and will thus foster retention of a cadre of physician-scientists who will conduct research into the mechanisms of, etiology, and treatment of neurological diseases.
Applications will be accepted in response to this funding opportunity announcement from accredited Medical Schools and/or residency programs that propose outstanding opportunities for Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuropathology, Neuroradiology, Anesthesiology and/or Emergency Medicine residents and fellows ( participants ) to participate in an intensive, mentored research education experience during residency and fellowship training (other residency programs may participate as long as the mentors and participants are conducting research clearly within the mission of NINDS). Participating residents and fellows must be supported for a minimum of 9 months, and up to a maximum of 24 months. Initial research education/training must take place during residency for a period of 6 - 24 months. However, once a participant obtains at least 6 months of support from this program during residency, he/she may receive continued support during fellowship training periods up to a maximum of 24 months. Participants may be appointed for a minimum 6 month period, and a maximum 12 month period, at a time. Consequently, there could be, for an individual participant, up to 3 periods of support (e.g. 6 months in residency, 12 months in fellowship, 6 additional months during a second year of fellowship).
During any supported period, participants must devote 80% of his/her full-time professional effort to this research education program. This 80% commitment by the participant should occupy 4 full days during the Monday through Friday workweek. In general, supported time during residency should include at least one block of time with a minimum continuous duration of 6 months; support during residency may occur during a single Post-Graduate Year (PGY) or in a contiguous period split between two PGY years. Participants may take time off (generally no more than one year) from the R25 research education program after completion of residency training for specialized clinical training, but once they return to the R25 research education program, the commitment to research education should be continuous (at 80% effort). In addition, in order to obtain a second period of R25 support following residency, the participant must plan to have completed a minimum of 18 months of R25 research by the end of the second support period.
This effort requirement also applies to neurosurgery residents. However, neurosurgeons who participate in the program in a post-residency year may commit a minimum of 6 person-months (50%) full-time professional effort to the program after having had a total of 12 months of R25 support at 80% effort. This is consistent with the Career Development (K) award accommodation that allows neurosurgeons to devote a minimum of 50% of full-time professional effort to research while supported by a K award. Applications should describe in detail the participant activities and commitments not associated with this research experience (e.g. clinical duties, etc.), the time committed to these other activities, and when these activities will occur.
The structure of research education experiences will be unique and should maximize resources and faculty at the applicant institution. All programs should include extensive laboratory and/or clinical research experience, including the collection of data that can be used by the participant in an application for independent funding. All participants should be educated in fundemental concepts of experimental design and analysis, and scientific rigor (for details, see NOT-NS-11-023 and the related NINDS Grants Policy statement). As the primary goal of this R25 program is to provide participants with the skills and experience needed to successfully compete for individual research funding, grant writing and presentation skills should be treated as critical components of the program. Training in the responsible conduct of research is expected. Other than for these specific purposes, it is expected that participants will engage in little or no coursework while participating in this research education program. Supported activities should be restricted to those that will directly aid the participant in obtaining individual research funding.
R25 programs may focus on research education applicable to basic, clinical or, translational research, or any combination of these three, depending on their area(s) of research strength. Applicants are encouraged to clearly explain the reasoning, and goals behind the choice of program focus.
Potential for additional participants. It is anticipated that R25 programs will have one outstanding participant per year. However, NINDS recognizes that, in any given year, programs may have more than one highly qualified candidate for R25 support. Programs can request support for additional participants via an administrative supplement request, using a specific companion FOA expected to be published in 2014.
Participation in an NINDS sponsored workshop for R25 residents and fellows. As part of this research education experience, all participants are expected to attend an NINDS-sponsored workshop for R25 residents and fellows. Funds are provided in this award specifically for attendance at this workshop (additional details about this workshop will be provided yearly by the NINDS Director of Training and Career Development). Acceptance of funding by the PD/PI for participants is made with the understanding that supported participants are expected to attend this workshop. The PD/PI is encouraged to attend this workshop when possible.
Participants must begin this program during residency. This research education grant is intended to provide a means for participants to begin research education during residency and, if appropriate, continue this education during their fellowship period. Consequently, support for any individual participant must begin during residency. Participants must commit 80% effort (4 full days during the Monday through Friday workweek) for a minimum period of 6 months during residency to be eligible for continued support during a fellowship period.
Evaluation of program success. The primary indicator of success of these programs will be the ability of participants to successfully compete for individual fellowships or career development awards, and ultimately, the continuation of the participant’s research career. It is anticipated that applicants may publish original research papers that result from work done during this research education period, but the most important outcome of this research education program will be the successful competition for individual funding for continued research career development by the participants. Programs will be evaluated primarily on the success of participants in obtaining individual funding and secondarily on progress made by its participants towards this goal.
Transfer of support to other institutions with similar R25 programs. In some cases, participants who begin a research education program during residency may wish to change institutions for fellowship training. If the proposed fellowship training institution has an R25 program supported by this FOA, residents and fellows may continue their research education program at this new institution.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the NINDS Director of Training and Career Development early in the application preparation phase to discuss award provisions. Such contact can help ensure that applications reflect the aims expressed in this announcement.
Funding Instrument |
Grant: A 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 SF424 (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. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research education program will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award may vary. Although the financial plans of the NINDS provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. |
Award Budget |
Application budgets are not limited, but must conform to the allowable cost structure described. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this funding opportunity may be up to 5 years. Although the size of the award will vary among research education programs, applications must stay within the following budgetary guidelines: Each program will receive support for one participant each year. This FOA will support salary plus fringe for 80% full-time professional effort (4 full days during the Monday through Friday workweek), for a period of 6 to 12 months per participant, depending on the structure of the residency and/or fellowship program. Salary support should be calculated as the duration of 80% research effort multiplied by the base salary level of the participant according to the PGY salary level set by the institution. Support for additional direct costs (up to $3000 per participant plus $10,000 per program) may be requested as described below. Insitutions with active R25s under this FOA will be eligible to request support for additional participants each year by submitting an administrative supplement request in response to a separate FOA, expected to be published in 2014. |
Award Project Period |
The maximum period is 5 years. |
Personnel Costs |
Funds requested as administrative support (see below), may be used to support PD/PI salary. Funds may NOT be used to support faculty mentor salaries. |
Participant Costs |
Participants may be paid salary plus fringe for 80% full-time professional effort (4 days per week during the Monday through Friday workweek) for between 6 and 12 months per year. Funds can only be used for participants while they are participating in the research education program. Up to $2,000 per year may be requested for each participant to travel to a conference or educational opportunity that will directly enhance the experience provided by this program and which will lead towards the stated goal of this award. An additional $1,000 per year should be requested for each participant to support attendance at the NINDS-sponsored workshop for R25 participants. This latter support will be provided with the understanding that the participant will attend the workshop, which is a required component of this research education program.. Expenses for foreign travel must be exceptionally well justified. |
Other Program-Related Expenses |
Up to $10,000 may be requested for each program to support administrative costs, which could include PD/PI salary, support personnel or travel of the PD/PI to the NINDS-sponsored workshop. Funds may NOT be used for experimental research costs, mentor salary support, tuition of any kind or equipment. |
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.
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
It is anticipated that applications will generally come from an accredited medical school. However, it is recognized that many accredited medical schools are affiliated with one or more hospitals, and that funding for residents may be managed by an affiliated hospital. If necessary, the hospital that manages the funding of residents may be the applicant institution. However, the PD/PI of the R25 application must have an appointment in the appropriate academic department in the medical school and an appointment at the applicant institution. Moreover, regardless of how many affiliated entities are involved, only one R25 application per residency program will be accepted for review.
If multiple sites are involved in the research education program, the applicant institution must be the primary site for the program. The need for and use of multiple sites must be justified.
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 SF424 (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 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(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) 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.
The Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) designs
the research education program and provides oversight for the entire program. This
person must hold a health professional degree (e.g., M.D., or equivalent), should
have an appointment in a Neurology, Neurosurgery or Pathology Department, have
clearly demonstrated training/education/mentoring credentials in research and
have a strong recent history of NIH funding. Exceptions to the departmental
affiliation requirement (e.g. PD/PI appointments in other departments) may be
possible, and must be approved in writing, in advance, by the NINDS Director of Training and Career
Development. If the sponsoring institution is a hospital affiliated with a
medical school, the PD/PI must have an appointment in both the medical school
and at the sponsoring institution. If multiple PD/PIs are designated, the role
of each, with respect to affiliations and responsibility, should be clearly
described. The PD/PI should meet with participants and mentors to ensure that
each participant receives the skills and knowledge he/she requires to achieve
the goals of the program.
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 SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the general 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, ensure that all participants attend the NINDS-sponsored workshop, and
submit all documents and reports as required.
Departments other than Neurology, Neurosurgery or Pathology may participate via
a joint program with one of these three departments. For Pathology Department
applicants, this award may only be used to support pathology residents
specializing in neuropathology. Regardless of applicant department, programs
may support residents in any neuroscience-related specialty who are conducting
research in an NINDS-relevant area. Multiple residency programs (e.g.,
neurology and neurosurgery or neurology and neuropathology) at a single
institution may submit either an independent application for each residency or
a single application from multiple residencies. Potential applicants are
welcome to contact the NINDS Director of
Training and Career Development to discuss advantages and disadvantages of
each approach.
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. However, only one R25 application may be submitted per residency program.
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:
Researchers from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and women are encouraged to participate as preceptors/mentors. Mentors should have research expertise and experience relevant to the proposed program and the NINDS mission. Mentors must be committed to continue their involvement throughout the total period of the participant s participation in this award, and must be committed to achieving the goals of the award.
The mentors will be responsible for educating the participants (residents and fellows) under their mentorship in all activities necessary to achieve success in this research education program. Mentors must have active, well-funded research programs, and conduct studies in basic, clinical or translational research related to neurology or neuroscience. Mentors should have a strong track record in the successful training of researchers (as evidenced by continuing success of the trainee in research) and dedication to the training of physician-scientists. Mentors can belong to any department or unit, but must conduct research that is directly relevant to the mission of NINDS.
Applicants are required to describe who the intended participants are, and what eligibility and/or specific educational background characteristics are essential for participation in the proposed program. It is expected that participants will be educated in, and conduct research in, areas that are relevant to the NINDS mission.
The participants in the research education program are residents and fellows, typically in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropathology, neuroradiology, anesthesiology or emergency medicine. Participants must begin this research education program during residency. If participants complete at least 6 months of R25-supported research during residency, they will have the opportunity to continue in this program during fellowship years, up to a total of 24 months of total support by this R25 program. Participants must be dedicated to a career as physician-scientists and conduct research in an area that fits within the mission of NINDS. Participants are expected to apply for independent funding by the end of their involvement in this research education program. Because this is an educational and not a training mechanism, non-U.S. citizens may participate in this program.
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. Because these research education programs are intended to facilitate transition of participants primarily to NIH mentored Career Development awards, and non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents are ineligible for most of these awards, intentions to support non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents should be accompanied by an explicitly described plan to achieve an equivalent transition to appropriate individual research support.
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, via email, to:
Stephen Korn, Ph.D.
Office of Training, Career Development and
Workforce Diversity
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Phone: (301) 496-4188
Email: [email protected]
All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.
The forms package associated with this FOA includes all applicable components, required 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 SF424 (R&R) Application Guide to ensure you complete all appropriate optional components.
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following additional 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.
Other Attachments:
Mentor Training History. Applications should provide the following information in tabular form: a list of trainees sponsored by the listed mentors over the last 5-10 years, and the outcome (subsequent position, independent funding), to the extent known, of this training. Only the primary trainees of the mentor, not trainees who have done rotations or brief training sessions with the mentor, should be listed. For each trainee, outcomes should be clearly listed (K award, other independent funding, independent research or non-research academic faculty, non-independent research faculty, private practice, etc.). Applicants may wish to use the template table found at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/areas/training_and_career_development/r-25-template-instructions.htm for this listing.
R25 Research Education History. Renewal applications should provide specific details regarding all previous participants. This information, which may be submitted in tabular form, should include the participant name, number of months supported by the R25, mentor name, project title, publications resulting from the R25 research education program, any awards or research funding obtained by the participant during, or subsequent to, R25 support, whether the participant attended the NINDS workshop for R25 participants and current position and institution of the participant.
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, with the following additional modifications:
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following additional modifications:
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions:
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 and Evaluation Plan.
Research Education Program Plan
Proposed Research Education Program. While the proposed research education program may complement ongoing research training and education occurring at the applicant institution, the proposed educational experiences must be distinct from those research training and research education programs currently receiving federal support. When research training programs are on-going in the same department, the applicant organization should clearly describe the distinction between the intended participants in the proposed research education program and the research training supported by the training program. The information should include a description of the education and/or career levels of the planned participants.
A detailed outline of the program must be included. The outline should include the timeline of participant training, including information on clinical and research education activities to be performed in all residency years (and fellowship years, if applicable). This outline should include topics such as the plans for oversight by the PD/PI, the specific approach taken in the program regarding choice of project, guidance for project completion, plans for skills training (grant writing, etc.), goals for participant submission of an individual mentored or other award, and other strategies designed to foster participant success. The overall plan for education in experimental design and analysis, scientific rigor (for details, see NOT-NS-11-023.html and the related NINDS Grants Policy statement) and grant writing and presentation skills should described.
Applications should also provide the name, qualifications, mentor information and brief description of the research project of the first intended participant in this program (an award will not be made unless there is at least one named participant appropriate for the research education program in year 1.)
When an applicant's department has T32 training grants for the training of clinician-scientists, the PD/PI should briefly describe the purpose of those training programs, and provide a detailed explanation of the distinction between intended participants of this research education program and the intended population that would constitute trainees in the T32 program(s).
All applications must also include a biosketch for each participating mentor In addition to recent funding history and recent publication record, it is encouraged that the personal statement in the biosketch include a summary of the mentor’s record in the training of clinician-scientists, as well as non-clinician scientists, if applicable, as evidence of a mentor's commitment to research education and training.
Institutional Environment and Commitment. 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. The application should describe the track record of the residency department(s) in training clinician-scientists (e.g. how many participants, their names, the level of training [resident, fellow, mentored K, other], how many trainees received individual awards, how many remain in research, and other details that will help the review committee determine the experience and prior success of the research training environment in advancing clinician-scientists).
Program Director/Principal Investigator. Describe arrangements for administration of the program, provide evidence that the Program Director is actively engaged in research and/or teaching in an area related to the mission of NINDS and can organize, administer, monitor, and evaluate the research education program, as well as evidence of institutional and community commitment and support for the proposed program. Specifically, the application should provide a narrative description of the PD/PI record in research and training, and why the PD/PI is the appropriate person to coordinate this program.
Program Faculty/Staff. 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 NINDS. The application should provide a list of all mentors/trainers who are participating in this research education program, as well as a summary description of the participating faculty records in reseach and training. Evidence should be provided pertaining to the research training experience and track record of each participating faculty member. If mentors will include faculty who are not clinician-scientists, provide an explanation as to how appropriate guidance specific to the needs of of clinician-scientists will be obtained.
Program Participants Provide details about the pool of expected participants, their qualifications, recruitment strategies and sources of applicant pool. Applications should describe in detail the participant activities and commitments not associated with this research experience (e.g. clinical duties, etc.), the time committed to these other activities, and when these activities will occur.
Diversity
Recruitment and Retention Plan. 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:
A. Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (see the report Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, 2007, p. 262). The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Hawaiian Natives, and natives of the U.S. Pacific Islands. In addition, it is recognized that underrepresentation can vary from setting to setting; individuals from racial or ethnic groups that can be convincingly demonstrated to be underrepresented by the grantee institution should be encouraged to participate in this program.
B. Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
C. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who are defined as:
1. Individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds. These thresholds are based on family size; published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census; adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index; and adjusted by the Secretary for use in all health professions programs. The Secretary periodically publishes these income levels at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml. For individuals from low income backgrounds, the institution must be able to demonstrate that such participants have qualified for Federal disadvantaged assistance or they have received any of the following student loans: Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL), Loans for Disadvantaged Student Program, or they have received scholarships from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Scholarship for Individuals with Exceptional Financial Need.
2. Individuals who come from a social, cultural, or educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that have demonstrably and recently directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career.
Recruitment and retention plans related to a
disadvantaged background (C1 and C2) 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 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 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).
Plan
for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research. 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. 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.
Resource Sharing Plans
Not Applicable
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.
Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications
before the due date to ensure they have time to make any application
corrections that might be necessary for successful submission.
Organizations must submit applications to Grants.gov (the online portal to find and apply for grants
across all Federal agencies) using other electronic submission systems.
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 before the due date 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 SF424 (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
SF424(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.
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 SF424 (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 score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed).
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 research education program address an important problem or critical question in research education or other critical issues? How will implementation of the proposed program advance the objectives of the proposed program?
Investigator(s)
Are the PD(s)/PI(s), collaborators, and other researchers appropriately trained and well suited to the proposed research education program? Is the PD/PI 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 research education program? If Early Stage Investigator or New Investigator, or in the early stages of an independent career, does the PD/PI have appropriate experience to lead the program? 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? Is there evidence that an appropriate level of effort will be devoted by the program leadership to ensure the program's objectives? Is there evidence that the PD/PI is actively engaged in research, can organize and administer the program based on his/her qualifications, capabilities and experiences? Does the PD/PI have a strong record in training/education and mentoring? Does the PD/PI have a strong, recent history of NIH funding? If there are multiple departments and multiple PDs/PIs involved, do the PDs/PIs from each department have strong, recent histories of NIH funding? Do the mentors in the program have strong, recent histories of NIH or equivalent funding? Do the mentors have a track record in the successful training of clinician-scientists? If there are mentors who are not clinician-scientists, are there plans in place to provide knowlegeable guidance regarding being a clinician-scientist to participants who work with these mentors? Have trainees from this department and from this group of mentors been successful in competing for independent fellowship, career development and/or research funding? Do the department and mentors have a record of mentoring career development (K) awardees, and have those with K awards in this department obtained academic research appointments and/or had successful research careers?
Innovation
Is the proposed research education program characterized by innovation and scholarship? Does the proposed program challenge and seek to shift current research education paradigms or clinical practice, or address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Are the proposed concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies novel for this area? Does this proposed program duplicate, or overlap with, existing research education, training and/or career development activities currently supported at the applicant institution or available elsewhere? Adaptations of existing research education programs may be considered innovative under special circumstances, e.g., the addition of unique components and/or a proposal to determine portability of an existing program. If the applicant department has T32 training programs, did the applicant clearly describe 1) the distinction between this research education program and the T32 training programs and 2) the distinction between intended participants of this research program and the intended population that would constitute trainees in T32 training programs?
Approach
Are the overall
strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish
the specific aims of the proposed research education program? Are
potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success
presented? If the program is in the early stages of development, will the
strategy establish feasibility and will particularly risky aspects be
managed? If called for, is the proposed plan for evaluation and/or
dissemination of the education program sound and likely to provide data on the
effectiveness of the education program? Is there evidence that the
program is based on sound research concepts and educational principles?
Is the approach feasible and appropriate to achieve the stated research
education goals? If the proposed program will recruit participants, are
the recruitment, retention, and follow-up activities adequate to ensure a
highly qualified and diverse participant pool? Does the program foster
development of a combined clinical and research career for the participants?
Are there appropriate opportunities for participants to interact with each
other and multiple mentors? Is there a plan for appropriate oversight of the
individual mentors, and the education of each participant, in basic and
clinical research areas, to maximize the potential of participants to obtain
individual funding and continue in a research career? Is there a suitable plan
for education in experimental design and scientific rigor? Does the mentorship
plan, together with the research education plan for each participant, provide
confidence that there is a high likelihood of transition of each participant to
individual career development funding? For the specific participant named in
the application for whom support is requested in the first year, is the project
suitable to foster the participant's transition to individual career
development funding?
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/educational environment in which the proposed research education program will be conducted contribute to the probability of success? Are the institutional commitment and support, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the program proposed? Will the program benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, subject populations, or collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of appropriate collaboration among participating programs, departments, and institutions? If multiple sites are participating, is this adequately justified in terms of the research education experiences provided? Are adequate plans provided for coordination and communication between multiple sites (if appropriate)? Does the Department or institutional unit where the proposed program will take place have a record of successfully training physician-scientists and/or transitioning physicians to successful competition for NIH career awards or other individual research awards?
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 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 progress made in the last funding period, and the success of the program in attracting and retaining individuals from diverse populations, including populations underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research.
Revisions
For Revisions, the committee will consider the appropriateness of the proposed expansion of the scope of the project. If the Revision application relates to a specific line of investigation presented in the original application that was not recommended for approval by the committee, then the committee will consider whether the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group are adequate and whether substantial changes are clearly evident.
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 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
Taking into account the specific characteristics of the research education program, level of participant experience, and the particular circumstances of the participants, 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
This section is generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Resource Sharing Plans
This section is generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
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 NINDS , in accordance with NIH peer review policy and procedures, using the stated review criteria. Assignment to a Scientific Review Group will be shown in the eRA Commons.
As part of the scientific peer review, all applications:
Applications will be assigned 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 NINDS National Advisory Council. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
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 or RPPR) 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.
A final progress reportand 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.
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 Telephone: 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)
Telephone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
TTY: 301-451-5939
Email: [email protected]
Stephen Korn, Ph.D.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Telephone: 301-496-4188
Email: [email protected]
Chief, Scientific Review Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Telephone: 301-496-4188
Email: [email protected]
Tijuanna DeCoster, MPA
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Telephone: 301-496-9231
Email: [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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