NINR MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY INVESTIGATORS

Release Date:  December 15, 1998

RFA:  NR-99-003

P.T.

National Institute of Nursing Research

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  March 29, 1999
Application Receipt Date:  April 28, 1999

PURPOSE

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) invites applications to support
the research career development of doctorally prepared minority nurse
investigators in tenure-earning positions at Traditionally Minority Based
Institutions (TMBIs) and at majority academic institutions in the biomedical and
behavioral scientific mission areas of the NINR.  The purposes of this program
initiative are to: (1) foster the development of independent investigators in
nursing research on the faculties of TMBIs and majority academic institutions;
(2) stimulate nursing research and nursing research training at these
institutions; and (3) encourage the development of qualified minority nurse
investigators in academic research settings who can become effective role models
for minority students.

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, NINR Mentored Research Scientist
Development Award for Minority Investigators, is related to the priority area of
human resource development.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy
People 2000" at http://www.crisny.org/health/us/health7.html.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

For purposes of this RFA, applications may be submitted on behalf of candidates
by domestic TMBIs and majority academic institutions, public and private.
Applications from foreign institutions will not be accepted.

Candidates who are minority individuals underrepresented in biomedical and
behavioral research in nursing are particularly encouraged to apply. The NIH will
give priority to projects involving Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific
Islander or other ethnic or racial group members who have been found to be
underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research nationally.  Additionally,
other racial or ethnic groups that are determined to be underrepresented by the
grantee institution will be considered for funding.

Awards will be limited to citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States
or to individuals who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e.,
in possession of an Alien Registration Receipt Card) at the time of application.

Candidates for this award must be full-time nursing faculty members in tenure-
earning positions at Traditionally Minority Based Institutions or majority
academic institutions who:(1) have a research or health-professional doctorate
(e.g., PhD or DNSc), or its equivalent; (2) have demonstrated the capacity or
potential for productive independent research career; (3) have a Registered Nurse
license; and (4) have secured the commitment of an appropriate research mentor
actively involved in research relevant to the mission of NINR.

The candidate must identify an appropriate mentor or co-mentors with extensive
research experience in the research area proposed in the application. The
candidate must be willing to spend a minimum of 75 percent of full-time
professional effort conducting research and career development activities for the
period of the award. The remaining 25 percent time should be devoted to other
research-related and/or teaching or clinical pursuits consistent with the
objectives of the award.

Candidates who have served as principal investigators on PHS research grants or
have been supported by a research career award in the past, are eligible to
apply, provided the proposed research career development program is in a
fundamentally new area of scientific endeavor for the candidate or there has been
a significant hiatus in his/her research career because of family or other
personal obligations.  Current principal investigators on PHS research grants are
not eligible.

Applicants are encouraged to call the program director listed under INQUIRIES to
discuss any aspects of this program that need clarification.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the National Institute of Nursing(NINR) Mentored Research
Scientist Development Award (K01) mechanism.  This mechanism is described in
program announcement PA-95-071 (NIH Guide, Vol. 24, No. 2, June 16, 1995).
Although all general guidelines of PA-95-071 will apply, this RFA is written as
a stand-alone document and contains provisions that are unique to this
initiative.  Planning, direction, and execution of the proposed career
development program are the responsibility of the candidate and his/her mentor
on behalf of the applicant institution.  The total project period for grants
awarded under this program must be three years.  These grants are not eligible
for renewal.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The estimated funds available for the first year of support for the program are
expected to be $320,000 in Fiscal Year 1999.  NINR anticipates funding up to four
awards in FY 1999. Salary support for each recipient will be for a maximum of
$50,000 plus fringe benefits with a minimum of 75% effort committed.  Each year
up to $20,000 may be requested for research development support.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

The striking underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minority groups in biomedical
and behavioral research in the United States has been underscored in many
studies.  There are existing programs at the NIH designed to improve this
situation.  These include: the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, the
Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC)Program, the Individual Predoctoral
Fellowship for Minority Students Program, and the Research Supplements for
Underrepresented Minorities Program.  The NINR has been an active participant in
these trans-NIH minority research training programs.

NINR has had a long-standing interest in increasing the number of minority
investigators in nursing research.  Based on the recommendations from groups of
minority health experts, NINR has developed a variety of outreach strategies that
assist individuals at TMBIs and other majority institutions in obtaining support
for research training, career development, and research funding from NINR. The
NINR Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Investigators is
one approach that NINR has taken to strengthen the participation of TMBIs, where
there are few graduate schools of nursing, and majority academic institutions by
addressing the needs of minority nurse investigators for additional research
training with financial support.

NINR also recognizes that the paucity of qualified minority nurse investigators
in academic research settings has created a shortage of role models for minority
students.  This RFA seeks to address this problem by enhancing the research
capabilities of minority nurse faculty members so these individuals may establish
research laboratories and research programs in nursing at their institutions. In
this fashion they will serve as role models for minority undergraduate and
graduate students, stimulating them to consider research career opportunities in
nursing research.

The purposes of the present RFA are to foster the development of independent
investigators in nursing research on the faculties of TMBIs and majority academic
institutions, to stimulate nursing research and nursing research training at
these institutions, and to encourage the development of qualified minority nurse
investigators in academic research settings who can become effective role models
for minority students.

Research Areas

The research career development plan must address a research area consistent with
the NINR mission. Descriptions of relevant research areas may be found on the
NINR website at http://www.ninr.nih.gov/research.htm. Minority nurse
investigators are encouraged to develop their innovative research career
development plans in areas relevant to underserved minority populations and in
priority areas of NINR's scientific research mission.

Environment

The applicant TMBI or majority academic institution must demonstrate in the
application a firm commitment to the development of the candidate as a
productive, independent investigator in nursing research and to the pursuit of
the research career development plan described in the application. The candidate
should describe a career development program that will maximize the use of
relevant research and educational resources available in the TMBI or the majority
academic institution and in the mentor's institution.

Program

The award provides three consecutive 12-month appointments to pursue a mentored
research experience and specialized study in nursing research that are tailored
to the individual needs of the candidate.  At least 75 percent of the recipient's
full- time professional effort must be devoted to the program, and the remaining
25 percent devoted to other research-related and/or teaching or clinical pursuits
consistent with the objectives of the award.  The program must consist of both
a research plan and a research career development plan that will develop
knowledge and research skills relevant to his or her career goals.

Mentor(s)

The candidate must receive appropriate mentoring throughout the three year
program. Where feasible, women and minority mentors should be involved as role
models.  If the mentor (and/or a co-mentor, if desired) is geographically distant
from the candidate, detailed rationale must be provided to document the mentor-
candidate relationship and level of commitment for the successful implementation
and completion of the proposed research and career development program.

Allowable Costs:

1.  Salary:  The NINR will provide salary for the recipient of this award up to
a maximum of $50,000 plus fringe benefits per year.  The institution may
supplement the NINR contribution up to a level that is consistent with the
institution's salary scale; however, supplementation may not be from Federal
funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds
are derived. In no case may PHS funds be used for salary supplementation. 
Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or
responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose and provisions of this
research career development award.  Under expanded authorities, however,
institutions may rebudget funds within the total costs awarded to cover salaries
consistent with the institution's salary scale.

The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff
appointment.  It must be consistent both with the established salary structure
at the institution and with salaries 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.

2.  Research Development Support: The NINR will provide up to $20,000 per year
for the following expenses: (a) tuition, fees, and books related to career
development; (b) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, and technical
personnel; ( c) travel to research meetings or training; (d) statistical services
including personnel, research and computer time. These funds must be expended 
solely for the support of the candidate's research career development plan.

3.  Ancillary Personnel Support:  Salary for mentors, secretarial and
administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed.

4.  Indirect costs:  Indirect costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of
modified total direct costs, or at the actual indirect cost rate, whichever is
less.

Evaluation

In carrying out its stewardship of human resource related programs, the NINR or
NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of
this program.  Accordingly, recipients are hereby notified that they 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.

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).

Investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the NIH
Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research
which were published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-
14513), and in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11,
March 18, 1994.

Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the program staff or
contact person listed under Inquires section.  Program staff may also provide
additional relevant information concerning the policy.

INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS

It is the policy of NIH that children (individuals under the age of 21) must be
included in all human subjects research conducted or supported by the NIH, unless
there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read "NIH
Policy and Guidelines on the Inclusion of Children as Participants in Research
Involving Human Subjects" that was published in the NIH Guide for Grants and
Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is available at the following URL address:
http://www.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit 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,
including mentor(s), 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 NINR staff to
estimate the potential review workload and avoid conflict of interest in the
review.

The letter of intent is to be sent by postal mail, e-mail or fax to the program
staff listed under INQUIRIES by the letter of intent receipt date listed in the
heading of this RFA.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) is to be used in applying
for these grants.  These forms are available at most institutional offices of
sponsored research and 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: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.

The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) application form must be
affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application.  Failure to use this
label 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 (NINR Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority
Investigators, NR-99-003) must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the
application form and the YES box must be marked. Instructions for completing the
application are found in the PHS 398 form.

The application must address the following issues:

Candidate

o  The candidate's commitment to a nursing career in biomedical or behavioral
research.
o  The candidate's potential to develop into a successful independent nursing
investigator.
o  The candidate's immediate and long-term career objectives, and how the award
will contribute to their attainment.
o  Letters of recommendation.  Three sealed letters of recommendation addressing
the candidate's potential for an independent nursing research career must be
included as part of the application.

Career Development Plan

o  The career development plan, incorporating consideration of the candidate's
goals and prior experience.  It should describe a systematic plan to obtain any
necessary basic biomedical or behavioral science background and research
experience to launch or reinitiate an independent nursing research career.

o  The candidate must describe plans to receive instruction in the responsible
conduct of research.  These plans must detail the proposed subject matter,
format, frequency, and duration of instruction as well as the amount and nature
of faculty participation.  No award will be made if an application lacks this
component.

Research Plan

The candidate must describe the research plan and the use of a basic or clinical
approach to a biomedical or behavioral problem.  The candidate must describe the
research plan as outlined in form PHS 398, including sections on the Specific
Aims, Background and Significance, Progress Report/Preliminary Studies, Research
Design and Methods.

Mentor's Statement

The application must include a biographical sketch and information on the
mentor(s) including research qualifications and previous experience as a research
supervisor.  The application must also include information that describes the
nature and extent of supervision that will occur during the award period.  A
letter of support from the mentor (and co-mentor, if appropriate) must be
included in the application delineating the match with the candidate's research
and development plan and willingness to provide the necessary assistance.

Environment and Institutional Commitment

The sponsoring TMBI or majority academic institution must provide a statement of
commitment to the candidate's development into a productive, independent
investigator in nursing research.  This statement must indicate that the
candidate will be provided with sufficient release time from other duties to
accomplish the research and career development goals stated in the application.

Budget

The budget requests must be provided according to the instructions in form PHS
398.  The request for tuition and fees, books, travel, etc., must be justified
and specified by category.

Individuals applying for the K01 award must comply with the JUST-IN-TIME
procedures announced in the NIH Guide on March 29, 1996 and May 17, 1996.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the
Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to:

CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for courier service)

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent
to:

Mary Stephens-Frazier, PhD
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Nursing Research
45 Center Drive, Room 3AN-12 - MSC 6300
Bethesda, MD  20892-6300
ATTN:  Minority Investigator MRSDA
Telephone:  (301) 594-5971
FAX:  (301) 480-8260

Applications must be received by the April 28, 1999.  If an application is
received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review.

The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in
response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently pending
initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The CSR
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

Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA (as judged by NINR
Program Staff) will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an
appropriate peer review group convened by the NINR in accordance with the
standard NIH peer review procedures.

Review Criteria

The following criteria will be applied:

Candidate

o  Commitment to an independent research career in nursing research;
o  Potential to develop (or evidence of the capacity to develop) as an
independent nurse investigator; and
o  Quality and breadth of prior scientific training and experience, including,
where appropriate, the record of previous research support and publications.

Career Development Plan

o  Likelihood that the plan will contribute substantially to the scientific
development of the candidate and the achievement of research independence;
o  Appropriateness of the research plan to the career goals of the candidate;
o  Appropriateness of the research plan to develop new nursing knowledge;
o  Consistency of the career development plan with the candidate's prior research
and academic experience and stated career goals;
o  Clarity of the goals and scope of the plan and the need for the proposed
research experience; and
o  Quality of the proposed training in the responsible conduct of research.

Research Plan

A sound research plan that is consistent with the career development plan and the
candidate's level of research development must be provided:
o  Usefulness of the research plan as a vehicle for enhancing existing research
skills as described in the career development plan;
o  Scientific and technical merit of the research question, design and
methodology, judged in the context of the candidate's previous training and
experience;
o  Relevance of the proposed research to the candidate's career objectives; and
o  When human subjects are involved, adequacy of plans to include both genders
and minorities and children and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific
goals of the research.  Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will
also be evaluated.

Mentor

o  Appropriateness of mentor's(s') research qualifications in the specific areas
of the application;
o  Quality and commitment of the mentor(s) to supervising and guiding the
candidate throughout the award period;
o  Previous experience in fostering the development of independent nurse
investigators; and
o  History of research productivity and support.

Institutional Environment and Commitment

o  Applicant institution's commitment to the scientific development of the
candidate and assurances that the institution intends the candidate to be an
integral part of its research program;
o  Adequacy of research facilities and training opportunities at the sponsoring
institution;
o  Quality of environment for scientific and professional development; and
o  Applicant institution's willingness to develop an appropriate balance  of
research, teaching and administrative responsibilities for the candidate.

Budget

Justification of budget requests in relation to career development goals and
research aims and plans.

AWARD CRITERIA

The NINR anticipates awarding up to four K01 grants in response to this RFA. The
anticipated date of award is September 30, 1999.  The following criteria will be
considered in making funding decisions:

o  Responsiveness to the purpose of this request;
o  Quality of the proposed research career development program, as determined by
peer review; and
o  Availability of funds.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged.  The opportunity to clarify any
issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Consultation with NINR
staff is strongly encouraged, especially during the planning phase of the
application process, in order to ensure that the application is responsive to the
scientific mission and the research training and career development goals of the
NINR.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Cara J. Krulewitch, CNM, PhD
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Nursing Research
45 Center Drive, Room 3AN-12 - MSC 6300
Bethesda, MD  20892-6300
Telephone:  (301) 594-2542
FAX:  (301) 480-8260
Email:  cara_krulewitch@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Jeff Carow
Grants Management Office
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of  Nursing Research
45 Center Drive, Room 3AN-12 - MSC 6301
Bethesda, MD  20892-6301
Telephone:  (301) 594-6869
FAX:  (301) 480-8260
Email:  jeff_carow@nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATION

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
93.361 Nursing Research.  Awards will be made under the authority of Title III,
Section 301 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended (Public Law 78-410, as
amended by 42 USC 241) and administered under NIH grants policies and Federal
regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. This program is not
subject to 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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