Full Text HL-97-006
 
NHLBI MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY
FACULTY
 
NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 14, May 2, 1997
 
RFA:  HL-97-006
 
P.T. 34, FF

Keywords: 
  Biomedical Research Training 
  Blood Diseases 
  Cardiovascular Diseases 
  Pulmonary Diseases 
  Sleep Disorders 

 
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
 
Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  July 1, 1997
Application Receipt Date:  August 25, 1997
 
PURPOSE
 
This program provides support to underrepresented minority faculty
members with varying levels of research experience to prepare them
for research careers as independent investigators.  The research
development programs of the candidates are based on scholastic
background, previous research experience, past achievements, and
potential to develop into an independent research investigator.  The
objective of the award is to develop highly trained minority
investigators, whose basic or clinical research interests are
grounded in the advanced methods and experimental approaches needed
to solve problems related to cardiovascular, pulmonary and blood
diseases, transfusion medicine, and sleep disorders.
 
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,
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty,
is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke,
tobacco, educational and community-based programs, environmental
health, maternal and infant health, diabetes and chronic disabling
diseases, and HIV infection.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy
of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-00100474-1 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
 
The Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority
Faculty provides research development opportunities for
underrepresented minority faculty members with varying levels of
research experience, who are committed to developing into independent
biomedical investigators.  This award will enable suitable faculty
candidates holding doctoral degrees, such as the Ph.D., M.D., D.O.,
D.V.M., or equivalent degree, to undertake three to five years of
special study and supervised research under a sponsor, competent to
provide guidance in the area of research proposed, with the goal of
developing the research skills of the minority faculty candidate.
The award is intended to serve research career development needs of
underrepresented minority faculty members by providing them with
research opportunities appropriate for their scholastic background,
previous research experience, and past achievements.  Minority
scientists and physicians with limited research experience needing
guided course work and supervised laboratory experiences as well as
minority faculty needing only an intensive research experience under
the guidance of an established scientist, are eligible to apply.  It
is envisioned that most candidates for this award will hold
non-tenured faculty appointments (such as instructor or assistant
professor), although in some instances other individuals may be
eligible to apply (such as individuals due to be appointed to a
faculty position or individuals with tenured faculty positions).
 
For the purpose of this program, underrepresented minority faculty
members are defined as individuals belonging to a particular ethnic
or racial group that has been determined by the grantee institution
to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research.  In
making grant awards under this program, the NHLBI will give priority
to projects involving Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific
Islander or other ethnic or racial group members who have been found
to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research
nationally.
 
At the time of award, it is required that at least two years have
elapsed since the receipt of the doctoral degree and that the
candidate have at least one year of prior documented research
experience.  Current or past program directors of an NIH grant or its
equivalent, including the Clinical Investigator Award, Physician
Scientist Award, Clinical Investigator Development Award, or Mentored
Clinical Scientist Development Award are not eligible for the
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty.
Similarly, individuals serving as responsible investigators or
project leaders on large grants, such as a Program Project Grant, are
not eligible for the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award
for Minority Faculty.  An individual who has previously received
support from the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC), Minority
Biomedical Research Support (MBRS), or Academic Research Enhancement
Award (AREA) programs are eligible to apply.
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
For this RFA, no detailed budget is required.  However, total direct
costs for all years must be provided in addition to the name, role on
project, percent effort and narrative justification for all project
personnel.  Instructions for completing the Biographical Sketch have
also been modified.  In addition, Other Support information and the
application Checklist page are not required as part of the initial
application.  If there is a possibility for an award, necessary
budget, support and Checklist information will be requested by NHLBI
staff following the initial review.  The APPLICATION PROCEDURES
section of this RFA provides specific details of modifications to
standard PHS 398 application kit instructions.
 
The mechanism of support for this activity will be the career
development grant.  The award of grants pursuant to this RFA is
contingent upon availability of appropriated funds.
 
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
 
Background
 
The proportion of biomedical investigators who are members of
underrepresented minority groups is strikingly lower than the
percentage of minority U.S. citizens. In 1991, there were 1177 Blacks
(1.7%) and 1113 Hispanics (1.6%) in academic positions in the life
sciences out of a total 69,122 individuals.  Although the number of
minority individuals graduating from medical school was approximately
7.4% in 1993, only 5.1% of assistant professors on medical school
faculty are minority.  One method of addressing this problem is by
increasing the research capabilities of minority faculty members.  In
so doing, the pool of biomedical and biobehavioral investigators in
cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic research, transfusion
medicine, and sleep disorders will be increased.  Furthermore, these
individuals may serve as role models for minority undergraduate and
graduate students, and stimulate these students to become more
cognizant of research opportunities in cardiovascular, pulmonary, and
hematologic disease, and sleep disorders.
 
Within NHLBI, the term "hematologic" covers research on thrombosis
and hemostatis, immunohematology, hematopoiesis, thalassemia, blood
cell disorders, sickle cell disease, transfusion medicine including
blood component and derivative therapy, blood substitutes and blood
resource management, aspects of AIDS products in AIDS prevention and
treatment, and AIDS-related bone marrow and hematologic disorders.
Other Institutes of the NIH are responsible for research on disorders
of white cells, including the leukemias and other blood malignancies,
and basic immunology related to the lymphoid system.  Therefore NHLBI
cannot provide support for such studies.
 
PROVISIONS OF THE AWARD
 
Applicant Institution
 
Applications will be accepted from domestic colleges or universities,
medical schools, or comparable institutions.  The application must
include a plan that identifies personnel and other resources to be
devoted to the candidate.  In addition, evidence of institutional
commitment to the candidate's research development and level of
effort should be included in a statement from the institution.  The
statement should also address the institution's plans for the
candidate during and following the tenure of the award.  The
statement should be signed by an institutional official (e.g. a dean)
and the candidate's departmental chair.
 
Minority Candidate
 
To receive an award under this program, individuals must have been
awarded a doctoral degree (a Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M. or D.O., degree or
its equivalent) and have a faculty appointment at an accredited
college or university at the time of award.  Applicants for this
award must be either citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United
States or have been admitted lawfully to the United States for
permanent residence.  An individual admitted lawfully for permanent
residence must submit with the application, a notarized statement
indicating possession of the Alien Registration Receipt Card.
Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
 
Candidates must be nominated by an institution on the basis of
qualifications, interests, accomplishments, motivation, and potential
for performing quality research.  The candidate's academic
background, previous experience, and career goals should determine
both the necessary length and the kind of program that is
appropriate.  The sponsoring institution should provide a statement
in the application that the candidate is a member of a minority
group, indicating the ethnic or racial background of the applicant.
 
Sponsor
 
Each candidate must identify a sponsor(s) who is an accomplished
investigator in the research area proposed and has experience in
developing independent investigators.  The sponsor is not required to
be affiliated with the applicant institution.  If the sponsor is
affiliated with another institution, appropriate documentation must
be provided concerning the relationship of the applicant institution
and the sponsor's institution, as well as a clear delineation of the
arrangements proposed for the research development program at a
location distinct from the applicant institution.  The sponsor must
provide a written plan for the development of the candidate and
provide guidance during the preparation of the research project.  A
secondary sponsor may also be proposed, but the primary sponsor must
continue to be involved throughout the award period.  In some cases
candidates may choose to have both a basic research sponsor and a
clinical research sponsor.  The sponsor must provide a written plan
for the development of the candidate, and the sponsor and candidate
should be jointly responsible for the preparation of the research
development plan.  The sponsor must submit a report each year on the
candidate's progress which should be included in the annual progress
report.
 
Research Development Program
 
All research development programs should be carefully tailored to
meet individual needs and must include a sponsor(s) who is competent
to provide appropriate research guidance.  All candidates must
provide a full description of the research and career development
plan for the period of the award.  The proposed plan must include
hands-on research experience, with either a clinical or a basic
science focus, for the entire three to five year period.  Awardees,
in conjunction with their sponsor(s), are required to submit a
detailed annual progress report.
 
For minority candidates with minimal research experience, the
development program may be designed to start with a creative and
detailed scientific learning experience and progress to an intensive
research activity under the guidance of an appropriate sponsor(s).
The first year or two of the program may incorporate any needed
course work, and seminars and other educational experiences necessary
to prepare the candidate for the subsequent research program, but
must include a hands-on research experience.  This initial phase of
the program may resemble a traditional postdoctoral research training
program.  The remainder of the development plan could include an
intensive, fully-described research program and research projects
that can be reasonably completed within the planned period.  During
this latter phase, the program should provide for progressive
development of the individual into an independent investigator.
 
If the minority candidate has already acquired some research
experience, as might be obtained through a research fellowship, but
needs further development under the guidance of an appropriate
sponsor(s), the candidate may propose a three to five year program
encompassing an advanced research experience focusing on a specific
research project.  Such a candidate may take additional courses or
engage in special instruction in research techniques in other
laboratories for a reasonable period of time if needed.  During the
latter phases of the award, the relationship of the sponsor and
candidate may more closely resemble that of collaborators.
 
Individuals with significant research experience in the proposed
field of study should not apply for this award but rather should
consider applying for independent research grant support.
 
Advisory Committee
 
A committee composed of the candidate's sponsor(s) and two or three
other senior faculty members must be identified.  This advisory
committee should meet with the candidate to review the research
development plan and research project, to evaluate the awardee's
progress, and to provide guidance for scientific career development.
 
Duration and Effort
 
The award is granted for three to five years depending on the needs
of the candidate and the evaluation of the initial review group and
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council.  It is
non-renewable and all funds must be used on behalf of the original
candidate.  Substitution of another sponsor and/or a change of
institution may be permitted with the prior approval of the NHLBI.  A
minimum of 80 percent effort must be devoted to the research program.
The remainder may be devoted to other clinical and teaching pursuits
that are consistent with the program goals, i.e., the candidate's
development into an independent biomedical scientist or the
maintenance of the teaching and/or clinical skills needed for an
academic research career.
 
The candidate must have a "full-time" appointment at the applicant
institution.  In general, candidates who have Veteran's
Administration (VA) appointments may not consider part of the VA
effort toward satisfying the "full-time" requirement at the applicant
institution.  However, it is permissible for part or all of the
research program to be conducted in a VA laboratory, for example if
the sponsor has a VA appointment, so long as the above conditions are
satisfied as they apply to the Mentored Research Scientist
Development Award for Minority Faculty candidate.
 
Allowable Costs
 
Salary.  Individual compensation is based on the institution's salary
scale for individuals at an equivalent experience level.  Funding
from this award for salary may not exceed $50,000 per year plus
commensurate fringe benefits with at least 80 percent effort devoted
to the research program.  If 100 percent effort is to be devoted to
the research program during the "summer months," the percent effort
for the remainder of the year may be reduced provided that the effort
over the course of the year is at least 80 percent.  NIH policy
permits supplementation of salary from non-Federal sources.
Supplementation from other Federal funds is not allowed unless
explicitly authorized by the program from which the funds are derived
and the NHLBI.  In no case may other NIH funds be used for
supplementary salary support.
 
Sponsor's Salary.  Salary support may be requested for the primary
sponsor up to a level commensurate with 5 percent effort.  If the
sponsor is at a different institution than the applicant institution,
arrangements for the transfer of funds for the sponsor's salary and,
if necessary, for research expenses should be formalized in a
contract or written agreement with the sponsor's institution and
included as part of the application.  The sponsor's salary support is
considered as separate and distinct from funds requested for the
candidate's salary or research and development support.  The percent
effort may exceed 5 percent for selected periods of time, provided
the total effort for the budget period (12 months) does not exceed 5
percent.  If the sponsor's salary is requested as a consortium cost,
the subcontracting grantee is only allowed to request indirect costs
based on 8 percent of total allowable direct costs.
 
Research and Development Costs.  A maximum of $30,000 per year may be
requested for research project requirements and related support,
(e.g., technical personnel costs, supplies, equipment, candidate
travel, telephone charges, publication costs, and tuition for
necessary courses).
 
Facilities and Administrative (Indirect) Costs.  Funds will be
provided for the reimbursement of facilities and administrative
(indirect) costs at a rate of 8 percent of the total direct costs of
each award, exclusive of tuition, fees, and expenditures for
equipment.
 
Concurrent Applications
 
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty
applications may not be submitted or awarded concurrently with other
NIH applications, such as the Independent Scientist Award, Mentored
Clinical Scientist Development Award, FIRST Award, Academic Award, or
Research Project Grant.
 
Subsequent Applications for NIH Research Support
 
During the later years of the Mentored Research Scientist Development
Award for Minority Faculty (MRSDAMF),  incumbents are encouraged to
apply for independent research support, such as the FIRST Award or
other research project grants.  MRSDAMF recipients who are successful
in obtaining NIH research grant support may not receive salary
support from the research grant for the duration of the MRSDAMF.
After the conclusion or termination of the award,  salary support
should transfer to the research grant. MRSDAMF recipients who apply
for research grant support are encouraged to include salary and all
other research needs in the research grant application for the period
following completion of the MRSDAMF.  Alternatively, recipients of
research grant awards may terminate the MRSDAMF prior to the start of
the research grant.
 
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 policy results from
the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law
103-43).  All investigators proposing research involving human
subjects should read the "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 in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 23,
No. 11, March 18, 1994.
 
EVALUATION
 
Awardees will be encouraged to provide a detailed report to the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute annually for a period of
five years subsequent to completion of the award for updates on
academic status, publications, and research grants or contracts
received.
 
LETTER OF INTENT
 
Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by July 1, 1997, a letter
of intent that includes 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 subsequent applications, the information
that it contains allows NIH staff to estimate the potential review
workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review.  The letter
of intent is to be sent to Dr. C. James Scheirer, at the address
listed under APPLICATION PROCEDURES.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
 
The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used
in applying for these grants.  Applications kits are available at
most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained
from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources,
National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910,
Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/710-0267, email:
ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov.
 
Special instructions for preparing the application are included in
the program guidelines.  Applicants must contact the appropriate
INDIVIDUAL LISTED UNDER THE "INQUIRIES" SECTION FOR A COPY OF THESE
GUIDELINES PRIOR TO PREPARATION OF THE APPLICATION.
 
Send the completed application and four signed exact photocopies by
to:
 
DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE  ROOM 1040 MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier service)
 
One additional copy of the application must be sent to:
 
Dr. C. James Scheirer
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7924
Bethesda, MD  20892-7924
Telephone:  (301) 435-0288
FAX:  (301) 480-3541
 
The receipt date for submission of applications is August 25, 1997.
Applications will be reviewed for technical merit in the Fall of 1997
and be considered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory
Council at their meeting in February 1998.
 
REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS
 
Applications received in response to this program will be reviewed in
nationwide competition and in accordance with the usual NIH peer
review procedure.  They will be reviewed initially for the potential
to develop the candidate's research career and for scientific and
technical merit by an NHLBI review group composed mostly of
non-Federal scientific consultants (initial review group). Following
the initial review, the applications will be evaluated by the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council. The criteria for
initial review of applications include:
 
Candidate.  The candidate's overall competence as demonstrated by
academic record and performance, potential for a career in
independent research, and commitment or interest in pursuing an
academic research career.
 
Sponsor(s).  The sponsor's accomplishments in the scientific research
area(s) proposed, experience and track record in training
investigators, and commitment for the duration of a candidate's
research development.  A curriculum vitae with relevant publications
and a list of current and pending research support must be included
for all sponsors.  Sponsors should also include a list of current and
past research trainees (not more than the last 10 years) with
information on their current positions.
 
Environment.  The applicant institution's ability to provide adequate
facilities, resources, and opportunities necessary for the
candidate's training, and the institutional commitment to the
candidate.  If different from the applicant institution, the quality
and extent of interaction of the faculty in the basic and clinical
sciences, and the quality of the research and research training
programs at the sponsor's institution.
 
Career Development Plan.  The adequacy of the research career
development plan, based on the candidate's past research experience,
training, and career goals.
 
Research Project.  Scientific merit of the proposed research project
and its appropriateness as a vehicle for developing the candidate's
research skills.
 
Other Considerations.  The personnel category will be reviewed for
appropriate staffing based on the requested percent effort and
justification provided.
 
AWARD CRITERIA
 
The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
 
o Technical merit of the application as determined by peer review;
o Availability of funds;
o Program balance among the research areas of the announcement.
 
INQUIRIES
 
Special supplemental instructions for preparing the application are
included in the full Program Guidelines.  Potential applicants must
contact NHLBI staff to obtain these guidelines prior to preparation
of an application.
 
Michael Commarato, Ph.D. or Beth Schucker, M.A.
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7940
Bethesda, MD  20892-7940
Telephone:  (301) 435-0530
FAX: (301) 480-1454
Email:  michael_commarato@nih.gov
beth_schucker@nih.gov
 
Mary Reilly, M.S. or Ann Rothgeb
Division of Lung Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7952
Bethesda, Maryland  20892-7952
Telephone:  (301) 435-0222
FAX: (301) 480-3557
Email:  mary_reilly@nih.gov; ann_rothgeb@nih.gov
 
LeeAnn Jensen, Ph.D.
Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7950
Bethesda, Maryland  20892-7950
Telephone:  (301) 435-0066
FAX:  (301) 480-1060
Email:  leeann_jensen@nih.gov
 
Thomas Blaszkowski, Ph.D.
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7938
Bethesda, Maryland  20892-7938
Telephone:  (301) 435-0433
FAX: (301) 480-1864
Email:  thomas_blaszkowski@nih.gov
 
James Kiley, Ph.D.
National Center for Sleep Disorders Research
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7920
Bethesda, Maryland  20892-7920
Telephone: (301) 435-0199
FAX: (301) 480-3451
Email:  james_kiley@nih.gov
 
For fiscal and administrative matters, please contact:
 
William W. Darby
Grants Operations Branch, Heart Section
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0177
FAX: (301) 480-0422
Email:  william_darby@nih.gov
 
Raymond L. Zimmerman
Grants Operations Branch, Lung Section
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0171
FAX: (301) 480-3310
Email:  raymond_zimmerman@nih.gov
 
Jane R. Davis
Grants Operations Branch, Blood Section
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, Maryland  20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0166
FAX: (301) 480-3310
Email:  jane_davis@nih.gov
 
AUTHORITY AND REGULATION
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance numbers 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, and 93.231.  Awards are
made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV,
Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC
241 and 285) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal
Regulations at 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 74.  This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive
Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.
 
The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract 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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