Full Text DA-96-001 BROADENING BASIC BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE RESEARCH IN DRUG ABUSE NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 29, August 11, 1995 RFA: DA-96-001 P.T. 34 Keywords: Behavioral/Social Studies/Service Drugs/Drug Abuse 041005 National Institute on Drug Abuse Letter of Intent Receipt Date: October 13, 1995 Application Receipt Date: November 14, 1995 PURPOSE The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to broaden basic behavioral science research in drug abuse. A key feature of basic behavioral research is the use of laboratory and other comparably controlled procedures to elucidate underlying behavioral mechanisms or processes. As a primary goal, basic behavioral research establishes a scientific foundation for later application in treatment and prevention research. Several important research areas in behavioral sciences such as cognitive, motivational, and social processes as well as health behavior research have the potential to address questions of underlying behavioral mechanisms, determinants and correlates of drug abuse, as well as to better characterize the harmful sequelae of drug use and abuse. These and other basic behavioral science areas currently are underrepresented at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA, Broadening Basic Behavioral Science Research in Drug Abuse, is related to the priority area of alcohol and other drugs. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202/512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant (R01). This solicitation is for applications for new (not competing renewal) awards only. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. The anticipated award date is July 1, 1996. FUNDS AVAILABLE It is anticipated that approximately $2 million in FY 1996 will be available to support projects submitted under this RFA. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this RFA may vary, the size of an award will vary also. However, it is anticipated that approximately six to seven new awards will be made under this RFA. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this RFA is to stimulate innovative basic behavioral approaches and paradigms that may advance the understanding of drug abuse. o To promote basic behavioral research relating to drug abuse that is conducted without necessarily including the use of abused drugs in the research protocols. o To encourage the development of behavioral protocols and models that do not use drugs in the initial development of the protocol, but have clear potential for further study with drugs. o To stimulate basic behavioral research clearly related to drug abuse, but using research volunteers other than drug users or addicts. This is particularly appropriate for protocols that do not involve the administration of drugs. o To develop and improve basic research models of behavioral change in drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and other high-risk behaviors. Both laboratory studies and comparably controlled procedures that use behavioral measurements, that employ basic behavioral models or that study basic behavioral processes will be considered. Both human and animal research are encouraged. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to employ study designs that would permit assessment of gender differences. Targeted Areas in the Basic Behavioral Sciences: o Cognitive processes (learning and memory, language and information processing, perception, problem solving, concept formation, spatial ability, and animal cognition). o Social and personality factors (dominance hierarchies, social influence, social values, social attitudes and cognition, persuasion conformity and compliance, group and interpersonal processes, conflict and resolution, sex roles, sexual behavior; risk taking and HIV/AIDS). o Behavioral change models (self-control, self-management, incentive motivation theory, behavioral alternatives). o Developmental processes (cognitive, perceptual, motor and language development, psychosocial and personality development, lifespan studies). o Health-related behavioral processes (stress coping strategies, health decision models, placebo effects, self-medication, co-morbidity including sleep and eating disorders). o Biological bases of behavior (aggression, behavioral genetics, animal learning and behavior, physiology and behavior, stress, pain and analgesia, diurnal, circadian and ultradian rhythms). Examples of research topics responsive to this RFA may include, but are not restricted to, the following: o Cognitive dysfunctions associated with acute, casual, and chronic drug use, including memory deficits and higher-order dysfunctions. o Human and animal models of impulsivity and risk taking. o Basic behavioral factors leading to first use of drugs, and escalation to drug abuse and dependence, as well as spontaneous cessation of drug use. o The role of temporal factors (e.g., diurnal or circadian rhythms) in controlling normal, risky, or abnormal behavior. o The cognitive process by which drug-related information is encoded. o The motivational and learning processes underlying craving. o The role of social attachment, social interactions, and social influence on high risk or deviant behavior. o Mechanisms underlying the temporal patterning of drug use as a function of drug type (e.g., patterns of craving and binging). o Ecologically valid human and animal behavioral studies. o Co-morbidity (e.g., bipolar illness) as a factor in sensation seeking and risk-taking behavior. o Factors such as mood and emotion as modulators of interoceptive experiences. o Laboratory models of the development of and commonalities among excessive, persistent and highly motivated behaviors. o Aggression and drug abuse: for example, aggressor or victim status in modulating responsivity to drugs or susceptibility to drugs or drug cues, stress or drug-induced aggression, dominance-submissive animal paradigms. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513) and reprinted in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by October 13, 1995, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research, the name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator, the identities of other key personnel and participating institutions, and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted. 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 NIDA staff to estimate the potential review workload and avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Office of Extramural Program Review National Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42 Rockville, MD 20857 APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research, and may be obtained from the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants, NIH, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3032 MSC 7762, Bethesda, MD 20892-7762, telephone (301) 435-0715. The RFA label in the PHS 398 application kit must be affixed to the bottom of the original face page. Failure to use the RFA label and to follow instructions could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed in Item 2 on the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three signed photocopies in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier/overnight service) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must also be sent to: Office of Extramural Program Review National Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42 Rockville, MD 20857 Applications must be received by November 14, 1995. If an application is received after this date it will be held for the next regular receipt date and reviewed with all other unsolicited applications. However, it will not be considered as a response to this RFA. The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not accept any application in response to the RFA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The DRG will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an introduction addressing the previous critique. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG and responsiveness by NIDA. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. If the application is not responsive to the RFA, the applicant may be contacted to determine whether to return the application to the applicant or submit it for review in competition with unsolicited applications at the next review cycle. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific/technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NIDA in accordance with the review criteria stated below. Review Criteria o scientific, technical or medical significance and originality of proposed research; o appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research; o qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the proposed research; o availability of the resources necessary to perform the research; o appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; and, o adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the protection of human and animal subjects and the safety of the research environment. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will be considered for funding on the basis of overall scientific and technical merit of the proposal as determined by peer review, appropriateness of budget estimates, program needs and balance, policy considerations, adequacy of provisions for the protection of human and animal subjects, and availability of funds. In addition, criteria for awards will be based on the RESEARCH OBJECTIVES listed earlier. Schedule Letter of Intent Receipt Date: October 13, 1995 Application Receipt Date: November 14, 1995 Initial Review Date: February/March 1996 Advisory Council Date: May 1996 Earliest Start Date: July 1996 INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Dr. Jaylan S. Turkkan Division of Basic Research National Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane Room 10A-20 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-1263 FAX: (301) 594-6043 Email: jaylan@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal or grants management issues to: Dr. Gary Fleming Grants Management Branch National Institute on Drug Abuse 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8A-54 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-6710 Email: GFLEMING@AOADA.SSW.DHHS.GOV AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.279. Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Section 301, and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations at Title 42 CFR 52 "Grants for Research Projects," Title 45 CFR Part 74 & 92, "Administration of Grants," and 45 CFR Part 46, "Protection of Human Subjects." Title 42 CFR Part 2, "Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records" may also be applicable to these awards. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. .
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