Biomedical, Clinical & Life Sciences

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

Multiple applications from an organization are not allowed.  You can submit only one application per campus. A campus is defined as a division of a university that has the same name but has a separate UEI and is separate with its own grounds, buildings (e.g., school of nursing), and faculty. For example, the University of Homestate at Smalltown and the University of Homestate at Anytown can each submit an application for this program.  

The NFLP program seeks to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide by providing low interest loans for individuals studying to be nurse faculty and loan cancelation for those who then go on to work as faculty. A robust, geographically dispersed nurse faculty workforce is essential to producing the nursing workforce needed to meet US health care needs. Successful applicants establish and operate a student loan program including maintaining a fund, providing loans to students enrolled in advanced education nursing degree programs, and monitoring compliance with program requirements. In exchange for completion of up to four years of post-graduation full-time nurse faculty employment in an accredited school of nursing, graduates receive cancellation of up to 85 percent of the original student loan amount (plus interest thereon) as authorized by the program. Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who serve as full-time preceptors within an academic-practice partnership framework are considered faculty under the NFLP, to support the expansion of clinical training opportunities for nursing students.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Only one application per institution is allowed. Applicants can only apply for funding under one funding opportunity number, either HRSA-24-042 (DPs) or HRSA-24-041 (NCCT). Applicants applying for the HRSA-24-042 (DPs) may only apply for one focus area, autism or epilepsy, and must clearly state the focus area for which they are applying. HRSA will not consider funding applicants who apply to more than one funding opportunity number or focus area.

This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the Transition3 for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy program, which includes the Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy Demonstration Projects (DPs) (HRSA-24-042) and the National Coordinating Center on Transition (NCCT) (HRSA-24-041). The purpose of this program is to develop and advance national, state, and local/community-level frameworks that support successful transition from child to adult serving systems4 for youth with autism and/or epilepsy who have complex health and social needs and require a higher level of family support and coordination (YAES).5 This announcement includes instructions for applying to two separate awards. You may only apply for HRSA-24-042 (DPs) or HRSA-24-041 (NCCT), but not both projects. HRSA will not consider funding applicants who apply to more than one funding opportunity number or focus areas.

The goal of this program is to improve outcomes including quality of life and well-being for YAES and their families/caregivers transitioning from child to adult systems. These systems include but are not limited to post-secondary education, inclusive post-secondary education, employment, community, independent/daily living, and healthcare.6 The target population for this program is characterized as YAES between the ages of 13 and 26 who have co-occurring conditions, intellectual disabilities, experience challenges in social cognition, communication, interpersonal skills, and/or behaviors7 8 9 and require a higher level of family support and coordination.

HRSA-24-041 (NCCT): One NCCT will be funded to support the HRSA-24-042 (DP) recipients in meeting their program objectives, and to provide national leadership to improve transition outcomes for YAES and their families/caregivers through training, technical assistance, evaluation, and the development and dissemination of resources to transition stakeholders,11 including Title V programs.

Applicants can only apply for funding under one funding opportunity number, either HRSA-24-042 (DPs) or HRSA-24-041 (NCCT). Applicants applying for the HRSA-24-042 (DPs) may only apply for one focus area, autism or epilepsy, and must clearly state the focus area for which they are applying.7 HRSA will not consider funding applicants who apply to more than one funding opportunity number or focus area.

 Limit: 1 // G. Valdez ( Global Health Programs)

The foundation will not consider more than one proposal from an organization in any calendar year. UArizona is not eligible again until the July 1, 2024 due date.

The Conservation, Food and Health Foundation seeks to protect the environment, improve food production, and promote public health in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

The Foundation supports projects and applied research that:

• Generate local or regional solutions to problems affecting the quality of the environment and human life;
• Advance local leadership and promote professional development in the conservation, agricultural, and health sciences;
• Develop the capacity of local organizations and coalitions; and
• Address challenges in the field. 

The Foundation prefers to support projects that address under-funded issues and geographic areas.

The Foundation funds applied research, pilot projects, new initiatives, training, and technical assistance, rather than ongoing support for programs that are already well underway.  An important goal for the Foundation is to provide seed money to help promising projects, organizations, and individuals develop the track record they need to attract major foundation funding in the future.It is anticipated that most grants will fall in the $25,000-$50,000 per year range.

Areas of Interest 

The Conservation, Food & Health Foundation supports special projects and programs of non governmental organizations in three primary fields of interest: conservation, food, and health. Examples of areas of interest within these fields follow, but are not meant to be exclusive.

Conservation

• Conservation grants help improve ecological and environmental conditions in the developing world. The foundation supports field research and related research activities, training, and technical assistance efforts that:
• help conserve viable ecosystems and protect biological diversity in developing countries
• train local leaders in conservation and protection of resources, with an emphasis on technical and scientific training

Food

Food grants support focused efforts to improve access to food for consumption in developing countries. Areas of interest include projects that:

• promote or develop specific sustainable agriculture practices with potential to advance science and practice in other countries;
• explore and refine innovative education and training interventions for small scale food producers and farmers; and
• advance new approaches to control pests and diseases affecting important food crops of developing countries

Health

The foundation supports public health programs that are preventive rather than curative in nature. It supports research, technical assistance, and training projects that:

• improve public health through community-based efforts that address health promotion, disease prevention, family planning, and reproductive health.
• increase the understanding and treatment of tropical diseases

Limit: 1 // PI: G. Sutphin (Molecular and Cellular Biology)

The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) coordinates the internal selection process for this funding program, for more information please contact UACC-PreAward.

MKAF is currently accepting applications for innovative grants for translational research of cancers affecting women, including but not limited to breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine or cancers predominantly affecting women. Grants will be awarded in the amount of $100,000 over a two- year period. PI must commit a minimum 5% effort.

No applicants// Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

UArizona may submit one pre-application.

AHA Membership Requirement: Any individual applying as a Center Director or a Project Principal Investigator (PI) must be an AHA Professional Member before submitting a full proposal. (Membership is not required to submit a pre-proposal.) Join or renew when preparing an application in ProposalCentral, online, or by phone at 301-223-2307 or 800-787-8984. Membership processing may take 3-5 days; do not wait until the application deadline to renew or join.

Required Pre-Proposal 

Each Center Director is required to send a pre-proposal USE THIS LINK to provide the following:

• Name and institution of the Center Director and each Project PI
• Center title, and title and performance site of each proposed project

If required, the mechanism through which partnering requirements are being met. See “Additional Expectations and Opportunities” and “Institutional Eligibility/Location of Work” sections.

As part of the required Pre-Proposal, if the submitting institution or a partnering institution is not a research-intensive institution of higher learning, the lead for that institution must upload a letter from a Senior Institutional Official (e.g., president, provost, dean, etc.) indicating they meet the definition of a non-research-intensive institution as stated in the “Additional Expectations and Opportunities” section. 

AHA staff will review for compliance. A non-complying institution will not be permitted to submit a full proposal. This administrative review is part of the Pre-Proposal process, which is required and, though rare, may prevent an applicant from moving forward. Even though the Pre-Proposal is required, each Center and Project applicants should begin planning and designing their applications before the Pre-Proposal deadline to maximize the amount of time available to develop their full proposal.

Purpose
The American Heart Association (AHA) announces this Request for Proposals for the Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) on Inflammation in Cardiac and Neurovascular Disease.

THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION IN CARDIAC AND NEUROVASCULAR DISEASE

Throughout the body, inflammation plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and initiating appropriate immune responses against pathogens or injury. However, dysregulation of inflammatory processes can lead to detrimental effects, contributing to the development and progression of many disease states, such as autoimmune conditions, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease.1

The heart and nervous system are also subject to disease with dysregulation of the inflammatory system. Inflammatory myocarditis, characterized by inflammation of the myocardium, is more likely to occur in males compared to females.2 It is most commonly triggered by viral infection; triggering viruses include adenoviruses, enteroviruses, parvoviruses and coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), among others.3  Less commonly, myocarditis is caused by bacterial or fungal infection or autoimmune diseases.  Of more recent note, it was discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic that vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2, particularly those using mRNA technology, elicited myocarditis in a subset of vaccine recipients.4 The highest incidence (approximately 50 / 100,000) was found in men under 40. 

Myocarditis can be subclassified based on a number of characteristics. The most prominent symptoms are chest pain and dyspnea,5 and in many cases, myocarditis may resolve on its own. One notable exception is fulminant myocarditis, a rare and severe form of myocarditis that is responsible for a high proportion of cardiac-related deaths in young individuals.6 Acute myocarditis is defined as that for which symptoms are of recent onset, generally within a month or so. Inflammatory processes associated with myocarditis, such as infiltration of immune cells, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress, can lead to myocyte damage, fibrosis, and impaired contractility.3,7-8 Myocarditis that is associated with cardiac dysfunction and remodeling of the ventricle is referred to as inflammatory cardiomyopathy, a condition that is typically irreversible. It may result in arrhythmias, ventricular dysfunction or heart failure and requires lifelong therapy and/or heart transplant.

Within the nervous system, inflammation has been implicated in an array of pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.9-10 Inflammation also plays a prominent role in stroke.11-13  A robust neuroinflammatory response is initiated following an ischemic event. Sex differences are also observed with stroke, with the risk being higher for females than males.14 The primary cause of this neuroinflammation is the activation of immune cells in the brain, including microglia and astrocytes. These cells are responsible for defending the brain against pathogens and injuries. However, under certain conditions, they can become overactivated and release inflammatory molecules. Neuroinflammation can have both beneficial and detrimental effects. In acute situations, neuroinflammation helps clear pathogens, promote tissue repair, and support the restoration of normal brain function. However, chronic or excessive neuroinflammation can damage neurons, impair synaptic communication, break down the blood-brain barrier, and disrupt the delicate balance of the brain's environment.11

CARDIOTOXICITY 
Cardiotoxicity describes a condition wherein a decrease in cardiac function results from administration of drugs or other agents. Currently, the term is largely identified with changes in cardiovascular function resulting from treatment with a number of cancer therapies. Whereas a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction is the cardiac parameter most closely aligned with cardiotoxicity, additional cardiac effects (e.g., left ventricular systolic dysfunction, angina, and acute coronary syndrome) may also be characterized as cardiotoxicity.15 

There are several potential mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, including inflammation. For example, use of chemotherapeutics of the anthracycline class, widely prescribed because of their efficacy against both solid and hematologic tumors, is associated with a high incidence of cardiotoxicity.16 Despite this effect of anthracyclines being described decades ago, the mechanism(s) underlying cardiotoxicity are not fully elucidated. Studies in more recent years do suggest, however, that at least part of the cardiotoxic actions of anthracyclines are related to inflammation.17 In addition, pre-clinical studies assessing effects of anti-inflammatory agents against anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity have shown favorable results.18-19  Targeting inflammation thus holds promise for preventing or mitigating cardiotoxic effects of this class of chemotherapeutic. 

More contemporary cancer treatments also elicit adverse cardiac effects. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a new and promising class of anti-cancer drugs, may elicit a severe form of myocarditis.20 Whereas the incidence is relatively low, the mortality rate is high, due in part to the fact that many individuals present with a fulminant-like form of myocarditis. The mechanism underlying ICI-induced myocarditis remains unclear. The promise of this new class of cancer treatment will not be fully realized unless the mechanism is identified, which will facilitate therapeutic strategies to prevent or mitigate this severe adverse effect.   

While our understanding of the role inflammation plays in cardiac and brain dysfunction has grown considerably in recent years, several hindrances remain that preclude improved recognition and treatment of these conditions. For instance, significant gaps remain in understanding of the downstream signaling events and potential crosstalk; development of new animal and in vitro models would support these needs. In addition, notable opportunities for optimization of diagnostic capabilities exist, such as identification and assessment of biomarkers with improved specificity and development of improved imaging techniques. Clinical trials designed to assess outcomes more specifically for distinct types and/or stages of inflammatory conditions are also needed. 

No applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer and donor powered charity committed to supporting the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.This three (3) year award, with an option for two (2) additional years based on progress, is to train researchers from low- and middle- income countries (as classified by the World Bank) to prepare them to fill specific stated needs in an area of childhood cancer research upon returning to their country of origin. Up to $110,000/year, three-year minimum.

No applicants  // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer and donor powered charity committed to supporting the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.The Scholar (Career Development) Award is meant to help develop the independent research of highly qualified individuals still early in their careers.  Up to $110,000/year, three-year minimum.

No applicants  // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer and donor powered charity committed to supporting the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.
These grants are for specific two-year research projects which are hypothesis driven and may be either laboratory, clinical, or epidemiological in nature. Grants will be $100,000/year or less.

Limit: 2 // PIs:

Science & Engineering Track: Q. Hao (Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering)
Medical Research Track: M.  Kuhns (Immunobiology)

UA may submit one concept paper in Physical Sciences and Engineering and one concept paper in Medical Sciences in this cycle.
The selected projects must participate in the concept counseling session with the W.M. Keck Foundation between July 1 and August 15 to determine if they can proceed to the Phase I submission.

The W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program uses a three-step process for this opportunity. The first step is a Concept paper. The Undergraduate Education program is currently not accepting concept papers. The next steps are by the foundation’s invitation. UArizona review criteria reflect previous interactions with the W.M. Keck Foundation. Proposals should focus on basic, fundamental science with broad applications.

The proposed work should show a significant leap forward rather than an extension of existing work.  

To be considered by Keck, applicants must have a statement from a federal program officer expressing that the project is not a good fit due to risk (rather than technical or theoretical fit) or a decline from a federal program where the summary statement or individual reviews highlight the incredible novelty, but the high-risk nature that makes it difficult to fund at the federal level.

The Science and Engineering Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting high-risk/high-impact projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach to intractable problems, push the edge of their field, or question the prevailing paradigm. Past grants have been awarded to support pioneering science and engineering research and the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation, or methodologies. 

The Medical Research Program seeks to advance the frontiers of medicine to benefit humanity by supporting high-risk/high-impact projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach to intractable problems, push the edge of their field, or question the prevailing paradigm. Past grants have supported pioneering biological research, basic research, and the development of promising new technologies. The Keck Foundation does NOT fund work that is clinical, applied, or translational; treatment trials; or research for the sole purpose of drug development. 

Both senior and early career investigators are encouraged to apply. Team approaches, including interdisciplinary teams, are encouraged.

Limit: 2* // Tickets Available: 1 // M. H.Witte (Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Pediatrics) 

*No more than two applications are allowed per institution. If two applications are submitted then the 2 awards must be for different target groups.
 

A major goal of the National Plan to address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease-related Dementias (ADRD)  is to reduce the burden of AD/ADRD by accelerating research toward treatments, improving care and support for people facing these conditions now, and reducing the risk of AD/ADRD by promoting brain health. Despite this, there is a shortage of scientists conducting the wide variety of necessary innovative and interdisciplinary research projects, including basic biomedical, clinical, translational, prevention, and treatment research on AD/ADRD. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to address goal G-4 of the National Institute on Aging's Strategic Directions for Research (2020-2025): “Attract and train more researchers from diverse scientific and cultural backgrounds." This will include supporting the recruitment of early-stage investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to the NIH AD/ADRD portfolio. This FOA also aims to address the lack of early exposure to high-quality, hands-on research education experiences in the AD/ADRD field, another major barrier to increasing the AD/ADRD capable workforce.

To further expand the AD/ADRD training pipeline for earlier stage students, NIA will support summer research experiences for high school students, undergraduates, or science teachers. The expectation is that such a program would incubate and develop the next generation of  early-stage investigators to pursue research careers representative of in NIA mission critical areas, namely AD/ADRD research. Proposed programs should provide authentic "open-ended", hands-on exposure to AD/ADRD research as it relates to aging as part of a comprehensive program based in sound educational practices designed to stimulate the interest and advance the knowledge base of participants. In addition to hands-on research experiences, programs are expected to include complementary educational enrichment activities that support the participants' scientific development, such as relevant workshops (e.g., scientific writing and presentation skills), journal clubs, technical laboratory coursework, and training in rigor and reproducibility. Program goals and objectives should be grounded in literature and appropriate for the educational level of the audience to be reached, including the content to be conveyed, and the intended outcome(s). Outcomes for high school students may include preparing them for undergraduate admissions and enhancing their interest in pursuing a science decree. Outcomes for college students may include: reinforcing their intent to graduate with a science degree, preparing them for graduate or medical school admissions, and/or preparing them for careers in AD/ADRD research. Support for science teachers will be limited to those programs with a clear plan for how teachers will utilize their summer experience in their teaching during the school year, such as enhancing the STEM curriculum or increasing number of STEM courses taught. 

Focus on High School Students, Undergraduates, or Science Teachers: Science education research has demonstrated that early exposure to scientific research leads to the retention of trainees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) specifically highlights the need for retention of trainees in STEM by involving them in contemporary, hands-on research experiences especially during the first two years of college. Summer research experiences provide important experiential learning to sustain students’ interests in STEM and medicine careers. The short-term summer experience, in contrast to a year-long experience, allows for a focused and concentrated effort on instruction, and intentionally coincides with the time of year when the target populations of this program (i.e., high school students, undergraduate college students, and science teachers) would typically have the opportunity to engage in such a research educational experience. 

For the purpose of this announcement, institutions should explain how this program will be developed in a way that will foster diversity and inclusion at their organization. As indicated below, applicants must include a Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity which describes the program’s proposed recruitment efforts and how the proposed plan reflects past experiences in recruiting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences (see NOT-OD-20-031 for additional information on NIH's Notice of Interest in Diversity). All programs are expected to be inclusive, supportive, and safe, and to provide opportunities for participants to interact with investigators who could contribute to their growth. Applications from a variety of institutions, including those from minority serving institutions (MSIs), are  encouraged.

Applicants should consider how the developed programs can optimize participation and potentially include additional participants from outside the applicant institution, especially those in local and/or affiliated institutions. Applicants must demonstrate how this program will add significant value over existing programs at the applicant institution.

Each institution must have a unique program structure that maximizes resources, departments, and faculty at the applicant institution to address the target population. Applicants are encouraged to propose collaborations with affiliated and/or local institutions, as appropriate. Applicants are also encouraged to partner with existing NIH-funded or other federally-funded resources and programs and leverage training activities from both federal and private-sector partners including, but not limited to, the following:

• Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs)
• Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging
• Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC)
• Edward R. Roybal Centers for Translation Research in the Behavioral and Social Sciences of Aging
• Nathan Shock Centers
• Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR)
• NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA)
• Research Centers in Minority Institutions Program (RCMI)