EXPIRED
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Institutional Training for a Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research Workforce (T90/R90)
Reissue of PAR-10-170
PAR-15-101
PAR-15-102, T32 Institutional National Research Service Award (NRSA)
Only one application in response to this FOA or PAR-15-102 (T32) per institution is allowed, as defined in Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility.
93.121
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) will award T90/R90 grants to eligible, domestic institutions to enhance predoctoral and postdoctoral research training (T90) and postdoctoral research education (R90) to ensure that a diverse and highly qualified workforce is available to address the Nation’s basic and clinical biomedical and behavioral or social sciences research agenda.
Research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, and career development components to prepare individuals for careers as independent scientists that will have a significant impact on the dental, oral, and craniofacial health-related research needs of the Nation.
January 26, 2015
August 25, 2015
30 days before the application due date
September 25, 2015; September 25, 2016; September 25, 2017, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on these dates.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.
Not Applicable
January/February 2016, January/February 2017, January/February 2018
May 2016, May 2017, May 2018
September 26, 2017
Not Applicable
Required Application Instructions
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide including the Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application, 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 the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) program is to help ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available in appropriate scientific disciplines to address the Nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. In order to accomplish this goal, NRSA training programs are designed to train individuals to conduct research and to prepare for research careers. More information about NRSA programs may be found at the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) website.
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will use the T90/R90 activity codes that includes linked Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA research training (T90) and non-NRSA research education (R90) programs. Both components will be referred to as the "training program".
A T90/R90 application must include both components (T90 and R90). Applicants will submit a single grant application and, if selected for funding, two separate awards will be issued: an NRSA T90 (Research Training award) and a non-NRSA R90 (Research Education award), which are based on distinct research training and education-related funding authorities.
All T90 trainees and R90 participants will be referred to as trainees in this FOA. For more detail on NRSA and non-NRSA eligibility, please see Section III. Eligibility Information.
Purpose and Background Information
The NRSA program has been the primary means of supporting predoctoral and postdoctoral research training programs since enactment of the NRSA legislation in 1974. Research training activities can be in basic biomedical or clinical sciences, in behavioral or social sciences, in health services research, or in any other discipline relevant to the NIH mission.
Institutional NRSA programs allow the Training Program Director/Principal Investigator (Training PD/PI) to select the trainees and develop a program of coursework, research experiences, and technical and/or professional skills development appropriate for the selected trainees. Each program should provide high-quality research training and offer opportunities in addition to conducting mentored research. The grant offsets the cost of stipends, tuition and fees, and training related expenses, including health insurance, for the appointed trainees in accordance with the approved NIH support levels.
Program Objective
The objective of the linked NIDCR Institutional Research Training (T90) and Research Education (R90) Grant program (here after referred to as "training program") is to develop and/or enhance research training opportunities for individuals interested in careers in biomedical, behavioral and clinical research that are relevant to the NIH mission. The training program should provide:
The proposed institutional research training program may complement other ongoing research training and career development programs at the applicant institution, but the proposed program must be clearly distinct from related programs currently receiving Federal support.
Program Considerations
The duration of training, the transition of trainees to individual support mechanisms, and their transition to the next career stage are important considerations in institutional training programs. Training PDs/PIs should limit appointments to individuals who are committed to a research career and who plan to remain in training for no less than two years, whether that support comes from a training grant or some combination of NRSA and non-NRSA support programs. Training PDs/PIs should encourage and make available appropriate skills training so that trainees are prepared to apply for subsequent independent support for their training or research program (e.g., an individual fellowship award, mentored career development award, or research project grant), as appropriate for their career stage. In addition, past studies (Lenfant, C. Review of the National Institutes of Health Biomedical Research Training Programs, 1989) have shown that health professional trainees who train in programs with postdoctoral researchers who have intensive research backgrounds are more likely to apply for and receive subsequent research grant support. Programs that emphasize research training for individuals with the D.D.S, D.M.D. are therefore encouraged to develop ties to basic science investigators and/or departments and include trainees with research doctorates when this approach is consistent with the goals of the proposed training program.
NOTE: Trainees will not be limited to a predetermined maximum number of years on the training grant, other than the maximum years of support specified by NRSA policy; however, it is the expectation that predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees will submit applications for independent funding and research training (e.g., an individual fellowship (F) award or mentored career development (K) award) once they have selected a lab, a sponsor/mentor and a dissertation research project (if applicable). A trainee will not be granted a waiver for extension of the NRSA years of support if there is no evidence of application for independent support. Non-NRSA R90 participants will be limited to three years of support.
Biomedical and behavioral research and the resulting scientific knowledge are increasingly complex and multidisciplinary in nature. Training PDs/PIs are encouraged to develop institutional training programs that will expose trainees to a diversity of scientific approaches, systems for study, research approaches, and tools and technologies. Consideration of team-based research approaches may also be warranted depending upon the goals of the proposed training program.
Within the framework of the NRSA program’s longstanding commitment to excellence and the projected need for investigators in particular areas of research, attention must be given to recruiting and retaining trainees from racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. See Section IV for background.
The career outcomes of individuals supported by NRSA training programs include both research-intensive careers in academia and industry and research-related careers in various sectors, e.g., academic institutions, government agencies, for-profit businesses, and private foundations. Training programs should make available structured, career development advising and learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, discussions, Individual Development Plans). Through such opportunities, trainees would obtain a working knowledge of various potential career directions that make strong use of the knowledge and skills gained during research training and the steps required to transition successfully to the next stage of their chosen career.
This T90/R90 institutional training program must be used to support a program of full-time research training. Within the full-time training period, research trainees who are also training as clinicians must devote their time to the proposed research training and must confine clinical duties to those that are an integral part of the research training experience. The program may not be used to support studies leading to the D.D.S., D.M.D., except when those studies are part of a formal combined research degree program, such as the D.D.S./Ph.D. In addition, an R90 training appointment may not be made for the purpose of satisfying state board requirements for obtaining a U.S. license to practice dentistry. Similarly, trainees may not accept T90 or R90 support for clinical training that is part of residency training leading to clinical certification in a medical or dental specialty or subspecialty. It is permissible and encouraged, however, for clinicians to engage in T90 or R90 supported, full-time postdoctoral research training even when that experience is creditable toward certification by a clinical specialty or subspecialty board.
Short-term training is not allowed under this FOA.
NIDCR Program Goals
Research training is a key component of the NIDCR mission and this FOA supports Goal 4 of the NIDCR Strategic Plan 2014-2019, Ensure that a strong and diverse research workforce is dedicated to improving dental, oral, and craniofacial health .
As part of this goal, NIDCR seeks to support an ample and diverse pipeline of well-trained and highly competent investigators through a variety of flexible and innovative research training and career development programs. These programs are intended to recruit and retain experts with the appropriate skills to conduct oral health research in an increasingly complex environment. The challenges in achieving this goal include: i) improving the recruitment and retention of minorities and other underrepresented groups in research, ii) cultivating and sustaining future leaders in basic, clinical and translational and research, and iii) developing researchers with interdisciplinary skills to address multipronged issues in oral health. Many of these disciplines are just emerging, yet it is critical that they be woven into ongoing and new research projects.
One objective within this goal is to collaborate with academic institutions, especially schools of dentistry, to create research pathways for faculty and trainees. Another objective is to support research, training, and career development programs that value team science, transformative approaches, and diversity at all levels.
The purpose of the NIDCR T90/R90 training program is to support innovative and novel approaches to research training and mentoring for a diverse cadre of individuals who are preparing for careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. Opportunities that provide interdisciplinary research training and programs that take advantage of clinical research opportunities within nationwide networks and infrastructures such as the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award program are encouraged. Also, partnerships to incorporate training in data science that align with the NIH Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K) initiative (see https://commonfund.nih.gov/bd2k/index), an NIH-wide Common Fund program aimed at developing new strategies to manage, integrate, analyze, visualize and draw conclusions from large and complex sets of data ( big data ) are encouraged.
Similarly, within the framework of the NIH's commitment to enhancing diversity, attention must be given to recruiting trainees from racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. NIDCR T90/R90 programs are encouraged to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds, both as mentors and trainees, and align with NIH s commitment to enhancing the diversity of the biomedical research workforce (see https://commonfund.nih.gov/diversity/index). The NIH Common Fund Enhancing the Diversity of the NIH Funded Workforce collaborative program will work to provide evaluation, implementation and dissemination of successful approaches to research training and mentoring, with the goal of engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds and helping them prepare for and succeed in biomedical research careers. NIDCR T90/R90 programs should be flexible in adopting new strategies as they are developed and disseminated through the NIH programs, and work to attract talented individuals from all population sectors, and enhance the NIDCR mission through a more diverse and robust workforce.
Scope
The NIDCR will award T90 and R90 Training Grants to support predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees, and to provide them with a robust curriculum of study and research experiences necessary to facilitate transition to the subsequent career stage and lead to the development of an independent research career.
These awards can include one or a combination of the following (T90) predoctoral and (T90 and/or R90) postdoctoral training components:
NOTE: NIDCR has issued a companion T32 Institutional Training Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (PAR-15-102). Institutions who do not wish to offer an education component to provide postdoctoral training to foreign trained dentists who do not meet NRSA eligibility requirements should apply using that announcement. An institution may not submit applications in response to both announcements.
Training activities can be in basic biomedical or clinical sciences, in behavioral or social sciences, in health services research, or in any other discipline relevant to the NIDCR Strategic Plan.
Grant: A support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity.
New
Renewal
Resubmission
The OER Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types.
The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
Direct costs are limited to a maximum of $550,000 in each year.
Grantees are expected to be familiar with and comply with applicable cost policies and the NRSA Guidelines (NIH Grants Policy Statement - Institutional Research Training Grants). Funds may be used only for those expenses that are directly related to and necessary for the research training and must be expended in conformance with OMB Cost Principles, the NIH Grants Policy Statement, and the NRSA regulations, policies, guidelines, and conditions set forth in this document.
Awards for T90/R90 institutional research training grants may be for project periods up to five years in duration.
The T90 Kirschstein-NRSA award component provides stipends as a subsistence allowance to help defray living expenses during the research training experience.
NIDCR will contribute to the combined cost of T90 tuition and fees at the rate in place at the time of award.
The most recent stipend, tuition, and fee levels are described on the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) site. Visit NIH Grants Policy Statement: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for more information.
The R90 award component provides salaries to help defray living expenses during the research education experience. The salary must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and salary actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank and responsibilities in the department concerned. If full-time, 12-month salaries are not currently paid to comparable staff members, the salary proposed must be appropriately related to the existing salary structure. Fringe benefits, based on the sponsoring institution’s rate, may be provided in addition to the salary. Allowable costs for each participant are based on a 12-month appointment period.
NIDCR will contribute to the combined cost of the R90 tuition and fees at the rate commensurate with the recent levels allowable under the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) and NIH Grants Policy.
Applicants should request the full amount of T90 and R90 tuition and fees in their application, and describe any relevant details in the budget justification (e.g., differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition). See NIH Grants Policy Statement - Institutional Research Training Grants the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for additional guidance.
NIDCR will calculate the T90 and R90 budget according to the appropriate formula for stipends, tuition/fees and other budgetary levels that are in effect at the time of award.
Trainee and Participant travel to attend scientific meetings and workshops that the institution determines to be necessary for the individual’s research training experience is an allowable trainee expense for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. This FOA will allow up to $800 annually for travel for each T90 trainee and R90 participant.
Trainees and participants must have an active 12 month appointment to this program at the time of actual travel for this to be an allowable cost.
T90 research training component: NIDCR will provide funds to help defray other research training expenses, such as health insurance, staff salaries, consultant costs, equipment, research supplies, and faculty/staff travel directly related to the research training program. The most recent levels of training related expenses are described on the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) site. Visit NIH Grants Policy Statement: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for more information.
R90 research education component: NIDCR will provide funds to help defray other research education expenses, such as health insurance, staff salaries, consultant costs, equipment, research supplies, and faculty/staff travel directly related to the research education program.
The allowed expenses are commensurate with the most recent NRSA levels of training related expenses described on the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) site.
Personnel: Individuals participating in the design and implementation of the R90 research education program may request compensation and fringe benefits appropriate for the percent of effort devoted to the R90 program. Compensation 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 are considered a regular part of an individual’s academic duties, then mentoring and other interactions with students are non-reimbursable from grant funds. Limited administrative and clerical compensation costs associated distinctly with the program that are not normally provided by the applicant organization may be direct charges to the grant only when specifically identified and justified.
All personnel costs (including PD/PI, administrative team leaders, mentors, and administrative and clerical costs) associated with directing, coordinating, and administering the R90 component of the program are not expected to exceed 10% of the total direct costs of the overall R90 program.
Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees, consortium costs in excess of $25,000, 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
Governments
Other
Eligible institutions include dental schools and other institutions that have active, strong and high quality programs in dental, oral and craniofacial research, and which have the requisite mentors, staff and facilities on site to conduct the proposed research training program.
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.
The applicant institution must have robust and high-quality research ongoing in the area(s) proposed under this FOA and must have the requisite faculty, staff, students and postdoctorates (as applicable), and facilities on site to conduct the proposed institutional program. It is anticipated that program faculty will have active, funded research projects in which participating trainees may gain relevant experiences consistent with their research interests and goals.
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
Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. The NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications states that failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission.
Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s))
All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons.If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research training program as the Training Program Director/Principal Investigator (Training PD/PI) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities 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 Training PD/PI should be an established and active investigator in a research area relevant to dental, oral or craniofacial science, have documented accomplishments in interdisciplinary research and in research training, and should be capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI must have independent peer-reviewed research funding at the time of application. The PD/PI is expected to maintain such grant support during the project period.
The Training PD/PI will be responsible for the selection and appointment of T90 and R90 trainees to the approved training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The Training PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.
If multiple PD/PIs are proposed, they must be from different schools or departments in the applicant institution, and should have complementary expertise and the potential to enhance multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary research training opportunities. All PD/PIs must meet the eligibility criteria.
This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Only one application in response to this FOA or the companion FOA PAR-15-102 (T32) per institution (normally identified by having a unique DUNS number or NIH IPF number) is allowed.
Each application must include an NRSA institutional research training component (T90) for predoctoral and/or postdoctoral trainees, and a non-NRSA institutional postdoctoral research education component (R90) for non-citizen dentists.
The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time. This means that the NIH will not accept:
In addition, the NIH will not accept a resubmission (A1) application that is submitted later than 37 months after submission of the new (A0) application that it follows. The NIH will accept submission:
Program faculty should have strong records as researchers, including recent publications and successful competition for research support in the area of the proposed research training program. Program faculty should also have a record of research training, including successful, former trainees who have established productive careers relevant to the NIH mission. Researchers from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and women are encouraged to participate as mentors.
Mentors must have current research funding and experience mentoring at the level in which they will be participating (e.g., mentoring predoctoral and/or postdoctoral students).
The individual to be trained must be a citizen or a noncitizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment. Additional details on citizenship, training period, and aggregate duration of support are available in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
All trainees are required to pursue their research training full time, normally defined as 40 hours per week, or as specified by the sponsoring institution in accordance with its own policies. Appointments are normally made in 12-month increments, and no trainee may be appointed for less than 9 months during the initial period of appointment, except with prior approval of the NIH awarding unit.
Dual Degree Predoctoral trainees must have received a baccalaureate degree by the beginning date of their NRSA appointment, and must be enrolled in a combined D.D.S./Ph.D. or D.M.D./Ph.D. integrated program leading to both a health professional doctoral degree (D.D.S. or D.M.D) and a research Ph.D. or in equivalent research doctoral degree. Although a Kirschstein-NRSA award is not usually made for study leading to the D.D.S. or D.M.D. health professional degrees, or for study that is part of residency training leading to a medical or dental specialty, the T90 dual degree predoctoral program is specifically designed to support combined, dual-degree training leading to award of both a health professional doctoral degree (e.g., D.D.S., D.M.D.) and a research doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., DrPH) from an accredited program.
Predoctoral trainees must have received a baccalaureate degree by the beginning date of their NRSA appointment, and must be enrolled in a program leading to a Ph.D. in science or in an equivalent research doctoral degree program. Health-professional students who wish to interrupt their studies for a year or more to engage in full-time research training before completing their formal training programs are also eligible.
Postdoctoral trainees must have received, as of the beginning date of the NRSA appointment, a Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Comparable doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to, the following: D.M.D., D.C., D.O., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.D., Dr. P.H., D.N.Sc., D.P.T., Pharm.D., N.D. (Doctor of Naturopathy), D.S.W., Psy.D, as well as a doctoral degree in nursing research. Documentation by an authorized official of the degree-granting institution certifying all degree requirements have been met prior to the beginning date of the training appointment is acceptable. Individuals in postgraduate clinical training, who wish to interrupt their studies for a year or more to engage in full-time research training before completing their formal training programs, are also eligible.
The non-NRSA component (R90) of the program supports a postdoctoral research education experience for individuals who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent U.S. residents. The funding authority directs that the funding be considered as part of the research education program (R90). The R90 component may be used only to provide postdoctoral research education experiences for non-citizen dentists who have valid dental degrees from an accredited domestic or foreign institution and are pursuing independent research careers in scientific areas relevant to the NIDCR mission.
The R90 component supports research education experiences leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent research doctoral degree and/or postdoctoral research education. Clinical training is not allowed, and a R90 appointment may not be made for the purpose of satisfying state board requirements for obtaining a U.S. license to practice dentistry.
Participants are normally selected by a Program Director for 12-month appointment periods, and no participant may be appointed for less than 9 months during the initial period of appointment, except with prior approval of the NIDCR. Support for additional years is based on satisfactory progress and the continued availability of funds. All participants are required to pursue their research training full time, normally defined as 40 hours per week, or as specified by the sponsoring institution in accordance with its own policies. Participants may receive a total of 3 years of R90 support.
Non-NRSA-eligible postdoctoral participants may account for no more than 25% of the total available postdoctoral research training slots in any given year of 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 including Supplemental Grant Application Instructions 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.
Letter of Intent
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:
Yasaman Shirazi, Ph.D.
Telephone: 301-594-5593
Fax: 301-480-8303
Email: yasaman.shirazi@nih.gov
All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.
Instructions for Application Submission
The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this FOA.
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA), with the following additional modifications:
Project Summary/Abstract. Provide an abstract of the entire application. Include the objectives, rationale and design of the research training program, as well as key activities in the training plan. Indicate the planned duration of appointments, the projected number of trainees including their levels (i.e., dual degree predoctoral, Ph.D. predoctoral, postdoctoral), and intended trainee outcomes.
Other Attachments. An Advisory Committee is not a required component of a training program. However, if an Advisory Committee is intended, provide a plan for the appointment of an Advisory Committee to monitor progress of the training program. The composition, roles, responsibilities, and desired expertise of committee members, frequency of committee meetings, and other relevant information should be included. Describe how the Advisory Committee will evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program. Proposed Advisory Committee members should be named in the application if they have been invited to participate at the time the application is submitted. Renewal applications with Advisory Committees should include the names of all committee members during the past project period. Please name your file Advisory_Committee.pdf .
The filename provided for each Other Attachment will be the name used for the bookmark in the electronic application in eRA Commons.
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA),
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following additional modifications:
All Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application must be followed, with the following additional instructions:
Particular attention must be given to the required Training Data Tables.
Program Plan
Program Administration. Describe the acknowledged strengths, leadership and administrative skills, training experience, scientific expertise, and active research of the PD/PI. Relate these strengths to the proposed management of the training program. Describe the planned strategy and administrative structure to be used to oversee and monitor the program. If there are multiple PDs/PIs, then the plan for Program Administration is expected to synergize with the Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan section of the application.
Program Faculty. The application must include information about the program faculty who will be available to serve as preceptors/mentors and provide guidance and expertise appropriate to the level of trainees proposed in the application. Describe the complementary expertise and experiences of the proposed Program Faculty, including active research and other scholarly activities in which the faculty are engaged, as well as experience mentoring and training individuals at the proposed career stage(s). For any proposed Program Faculty lacking research training experience, describe a plan to ensure successful trainee guidance by these individuals. Describe the criteria used to appoint and remove faculty as Program Faculty and to evaluate their participation.
Provide a narrative description of the past research training record of the program faculty including the success of former trainees in establishing productive independent research careers. Evidence of success can include completion of programs and further career advancement of former trainees, such as receipt of fellowships and/or career development awards, further predoctoral, postdoctoral or other training appointments; successful competition for research science positions in industry, academia, government or other research venues and similar accomplishments. Evidence of a productive scientific career can include a record of successful competition for research grants, receipt of honors, awards or patents, high-impact peer-reviewed publications, promotion to scientific leadership position, and other measures of success that demonstrate scientific excellence and independence.
The application should include plans to provide training or workshops for program faculty on effective research mentoring, to ensure that all mentors in the training program have an opportunity to discuss mentoring challenges and solutions, and ultimately enhance the diversity and success of students who pursue research careers
Proposed Training. Provide an overview of the proposed program. Outline the objectives of the program and the program activities that will be used to meet these objectives. Describe for whom the training program is intended, including the training level(s) of the trainees, the academic and research background needed to pursue the proposed training, and, as appropriate, plans to accommodate differences in preparation among trainees. Include information about planned courses, mentored research experiences, and any activities designed to develop specific technical skills or other skills essential for the proposed research training. Describe how trainees will be educated in the human health- and disease-related aspects of their research training.
The PD/PI should describe program activities intended to develop the working knowledge needed for trainees to select among and prepare for the next step in varied research career options available in the biomedical workforce. For example, programs should provide all trainees with instruction and training in oral and written presentation and in skills needed to apply for individual fellowship or grant support. All postdoctoral trainees should also be provided with instruction in laboratory and project management. Mentoring plans appropriate for the training level(s) of the trainees should be described, including the nature of the supervision and mentoring that will occur during a trainee’s participation in the program.
Proposed DSTP Training Applications that propose DSTP research training positions must provide evidence that the applicant institution is able to provide programs tailored to meet the unique research and clinical development needs of each DSTP trainee, and ensure that the individuals complete the clinical and research programs with requisite competencies in both. Proposed DSTP programs are to include:
For renewal applications, highlight how the training program has evolved in response to changes in relevant scientific and technical knowledge, educational practices, and to evaluation of the training program.
Program Evaluation. Describe a plan to review and determine the quality and effectiveness of the training program. This plan should include the metrics to be evaluated (including program activities completed, degree completion (if applicable), publications, fellowships/honors, and subsequent positions) as well as plans to obtain feedback from current and former trainees to help identify weaknesses and to provide suggestions for program improvements. Specified evaluation metrics should be tied to the goals of the program.
Procedures for monitoring the progress and subsequent career activities of DSTP trainees should be included in the program evaluation plan.
Trainee Candidates. Describe, in general terms, the size and qualifications of the pool of trainee candidates including information about the types of prior clinical and research training and career level required for the program. Do not name prospective Trainees. Describe specific plans to recruit candidates and explain how these plans will be implemented (see also section on Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity). Describe the nomination and selection process to be used to select candidates who would be offered admission to the program and criteria for trainees reappointment to the program.
Institutional Environment and Commitment to the Program.
The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program including assurance that sufficient time will be allowed for the PDs/PIs and other Program Faculty to contribute to the proposed program. The application must include a signed letter, on institutional letterhead, that describes the applicant institution’s commitment to the planned program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program. This commitment may also include features such as PD/PI salary, stipend or tuition support for individuals involved in the proposed training program, or other commitments essential to a successful training program. Institutions with ongoing research training, student development, or career development programs that receive external funding should explain what distinguishes the proposed program from existing ones at the same trainee level, how the programs will synergize, if applicable, whether trainees are expected to transition from one support program to another, and how the training faculty, pool of potential trainees, and resources are sufficiently robust to support the proposed program in addition to existing ones.
Institutions that propose DSTP programs must provide evidence of the institution's ability to establish or successfully implement an integrated training program for dual-degree students, including; coordination among participating clinical, basic, and behavioral science departments within the dental, medical and other graduate schoolsPlans and a description of commitment to support DSTP trainees in the event that the DSTP trainee has exceeded NRSA support limits and/or in the event that continued funding from NIDCR is not available must also be included.
Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity
Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity as provided in Chapter 8 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research
Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research as provided in Chapter 8 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan
Multiple PD/PIs should have complementary expertise and the potential to enhance multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary research training opportunities. The multiple PD/PI leadership plan should address the selection of the PD/PIs and the role of each in achieving this goal.
Data Tables
Applicant institutions that have not previously been supported by an NIDCR Institutional Training Grant should describe other relevant training programs at the institution, provide evidence of success (dating back no more than ten years), and should complete Data Tables 1-9 and 10 (optional).
Applicant institutions that have been supported by an NIDCR Institutional Training Grant (T90/R90) should complete Data Tables 1-12 (data dating back no more than ten years). Data on the R90 program should be included.
If applicable, Table 12A program statistics should report data for dual degree trainees in addition to predoctoral Ph.D. trainees: 1) the percentage of trainees entering 10 years ago and receiving support from this training grant at some point during graduate school that received D.D.S./D.M.D. and the Ph.D. or equivalent degree AND the percentage of trainees entering 10 years ago and receiving support from this training grant at some point during graduate school that received the Ph.D. or equivalent research doctoral degrees; and 2) the average time to degree(s) for all trainees appointed to this training grant completing D.D.S./D.M.D. and the Ph.D. AND the average time to degree for all trainees appointed to this training grant completing Ph.D.s in the last ten years, calculated to one decimal place (e.g., 5.5 years), excluding any officially-approved leaves of absence.
Letters of Support. Letters of support and commitment from participating clinical, basic, and behavioral science departments within the dental, medical and other graduate schools must be provided.
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). 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. The National Research Service Award (NRSA) policies apply to the T90 program. An NRSA appointment may not be held concurrently with another Federally sponsored fellowship, traineeship, or similar Federal award that provides a stipend or otherwise duplicates provisions of the NRSA.
Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Note, however, that pre-award costs are not allowable charges for stipends or tuition/fees on institutional training grants because these costs may not be charged to the grant until a trainee has actually been appointed and the appropriate paperwork submitted to the NIH awarding component.. Rebudgeting between the T90 (NRSA) and R90 (non-NRSA) components of the award is not allowed.
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. If you encounter a system issue beyond your control that threatens your ability to complete the submission process on-time, you must follow the Guidelines for Applicants Experiencing System Issues.
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 and compliance with application instructions by the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Applications that are incomplete or non-compliant will not be reviewed.
In order to expedite review, applicants are requested to notify the NIDCR Review Chief by email at yasaman.shirazi@nih.gov when the application has been submitted. Please include the FOA number and title, PD/PI name, and title of the application.
Applicants are required to follow our Post Submission Application Materials policy.
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.
For this particular announcement, note the following: This NIDCR training program supports research training experiences in dental, oral and craniofacial research that align with the NIDCR Strategic Plan.
Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood that the proposed training program will prepare individuals for successful, productive scientific research careers and thereby exert a sustained 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 the merit of the training program, and give a separate score for each. When applicable, the reviewers will consider relevant questions in the context of proposed short-term training. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact.
Training Program and Environment
For applications that propose DSTP research training positions:
Training Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s))
Preceptors/Mentors
Trainees
Training Record
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, including on the Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity, and Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research. Does the application describe the program s accomplishments over the past funding period(s)? Is the program achieving its training objectives? Has the program evaluated the quality and effectiveness of the training experience and is there evidence that the evaluation outcomes and feedback from trainees have been acted upon? Are changes proposed that are likely to improve or strengthen the research training experience during the next project period (may not be applicable to short-term training)? Does the program continue to evolve and reflect changes in the research area in which the training occurs?
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 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 plan will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or UNACCEPTABLE, and the consensus of the review committee will be included in an administrative note in the summary statement.
Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
All applications for support under this FOA must include a plan to fulfill NIH requirements for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). Taking into account the specific characteristics of the training program, the level of trainee experience, and the particular circumstances of the trainees, the reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the proposed RCR training in relation to the following five required components: 1) Format - Does the plan satisfactorily address the format of instruction, e.g. lectures, coursework and/or real-time discussion groups, including face-to-face interaction? (A plan involving only on-line instruction is not acceptable.); 2) Subject Matter Does the plan include a sufficiently broad selection of subject matter, such as conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety, research misconduct, research ethics? 3) Faculty Participation - Does the plan adequately describe how faculty will participate in the instruction? For renewal applications, are all training faculty who served as course directors, speakers, lecturers, and/or discussion leaders during the past project period named in the application? 4) Duration of Instruction - Does the plan meet the minimum requirements for RCR, i.e., at least eight contact hours of instruction? 5) Frequency of Instruction Does the plan meet the minimum requirements for RCR, i.e., at least once during each career stage (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and faculty levels) and at a frequency of no less than once every four years?
For renewal applications, does the progress report document acceptable RCR instruction in the five components described above? Does the plan describe how participation in RCR instruction is being monitored? Are appropriate changes in the plan for RCR instruction proposed in response to feedback and in response to evolving issues related to responsible conduct of research?
Plans and past record will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or UNACCEPTABLE, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee.
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).
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 NIDCR 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 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. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review by the NIDCR 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 terms and conditions found on the Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants website. This includes any recent legislation and policy applicable to awards that is highlighted on this 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.
Institutional NRSA training grants must be administered in accordance with the current NRSA section of the NIH Grants Policy Statement - Institutional Research Training Grants.
The taxability of stipends is described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Policies regarding the Ruth L. Kirschstein-NRSA payback obligation are explained in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
As specified in the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993, Kirschstein-NRSA recipients incur a service payback obligation for the first 12 months of postdoctoral support. Policies regarding the Ruth L. Kirschstein-NRSA payback obligation are explained in the NIH Grants Policy Statement; and more details are in the Frequently Asked Questions. Officials at the grantee institution have the responsibility of explaining the terms of the payback requirements to all prospective trainees before appointment to the training grant. Additionally, all trainees recruited into the training program should be provided with information related to the career options that might be available when they complete the program. The suitability of such career options as methods to satisfy the NRSA service payback obligation should be discussed.
Note: The leave durations stated below apply to full-time T90 trainees and R90 participants..
In general, trainees may receive stipends during the normal periods of vacation and holidays observed by individuals in comparable training positions at the sponsoring institution. For the purpose of these awards, however, the period between the spring and fall semesters is considered to be an active time of research and research training and is not considered to be a vacation or holiday. Trainees may receive stipends for up to 15 calendar days of sick leave per year. Under exceptional circumstances, this period may be extended by the NIH awarding IC in response to a written request from an AOR. Sick leave may be used for the medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. Trainees may receive stipends for up to 60 calendar days (equivalent to 8 work weeks) of parental leave per year for the adoption or the birth of a child when individuals in comparable training positions at the grantee organization have access to this level of paid leave for this purpose. Either parent is eligible for parental leave. The use of parental leave must be approved by the PD/PI (see also: NOT-OD-08-064).
A period of terminal leave is not permitted, and payment may not be made from traineeship funds for leave not taken. Trainees requiring periods of time away from their research training experience longer than specified here, i.e., more than 15 calendar days of sick leave or more than 60 calendar days of parental leave, must seek approval from the NIH awarding component for an unpaid leave of absence. Approval for a leave of absence must be requested in advance by an AOR on behalf of the trainee. Trainees supported by academic institutions should refer to the NIH Institutional NRSA training grant guidelines in the NIH Grants Policy Statement for further guidance regarding vacations and requested leave.
Awards made primarily for educational purposes are exempted from the PHS invention requirements and thus invention reporting is not required, as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Not Applicable
When multiple years are involved, awardees will be required to submit the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) annually. Continuation support will not be provided until the required forms are submitted and accepted.
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.
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.
A final Progress Report, the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report, and Termination Notices for all Trainees, 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.
eRA Service Desk (Questions regarding ASSIST, eRA Commons registration, submitting and tracking an application, documenting system
problems that threaten submission by the due date, post submission issues)
Telephone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
Finding Help Online: https://grants.nih.gov/support/index.html
Email: commons@od.nih.gov
Grants.gov
Customer Support (Questions
regarding Grants.gov registration and submission, downloading forms and
application packages)
Contact Center Telephone: 800-518-4726
Email: support@grants.gov
GrantsInfo (Questions regarding application instructions and
process, finding NIH grant resources)
Telephone: 301-945-7573
Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov
Lynn Mertens King, Ph.D.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
(NIDCR)
Telephone: 301-594-5006
Email: lynn.king@nih.gov
Yasaman Shirazi, Ph.D.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
(NIDCR)
Telephone: 301-594-5593
Email: yasaman.shirazi@nih.gov
Diana Rutberg, MBA
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Telephone: 301-594-4798
Email: rutbergd@mail.nih.gov
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 Section 487 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 288) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 66.