Biomedical, Clinical & Life Sciences

Coordinated // J. Ruiz ( Biosphere 2)

Limit: 4* 

*Please note that due to the size and complexity of the application process, the University of Arizona will institutionally coordinate no more than four (4) applications to this opportunity.

MacArthur today announced the launch of a new round of its 100&Change competition for a single $100 million grant to help solve one of the world's most critical social challenges. The third round of 100&Change remains open to organizations and collaborations working in any field, anywhere in the world. Proposals must identify a problem and offer a solution that promises significant and durable change; applications will be accepted online only, from May 22 to August 15, 2024. 

For the third round of the competition, MacArthur is adding “just” as a criterion to align with the Foundation’s Just Imperative, incorporating a sharper focus on how projects advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. No topic is exempt or excluded from these commitments.

100&Change remains global and athematic. The competition is unique because no field or problem area is designated, unlike most prizes and challenges, and proposals from all sectors and anywhere in the world are encouraged. To date, 100&Change has leveraged an additional $511 million in funding, spurring the philanthropic sector to rethink its approach to achieving impact at scale.

Preparation and Proposals

100&Change seeks proposals that articulate both a problem and its solution. Competitive proposals will address a significant problem and provide a solution that is impactful, evidence-based, feasible, durable, and just.

An organizational readiness tool is available to help organizations determine whether they are ready to compete in 100&Change. This tool was designed to help potential applicants understand characteristics of the most competitive organizations and proposals, and to determine how well-suited they are for 100&Change.

In Review // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

Due to the competitive nature of this funding program, this selection process is running with an anticipated deadline.
We will keep all applicants informed of relevant updates in the guidelines, submission deadlines, and eligibility as soon as more information becomes available.

The Searle Scholars Program supports research of outstanding individuals who have recently begun their appointment at the assistant professor level, and whose appointment is their first tenure-track position at a participating academic or research institution. Today, 168 institutions are invited to participate in the Program.

The Program was established at The Chicago Community Trust in 1980 and has been administered by Kinship Foundation since 1996. The Program is funded from the estates of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Searle. Mr. Searle was the grandson of the founder of the world-wide pharmaceutical company, G.D. Searle & Company. It was Mr. Searle's wish that certain funds be used to support "...research in medicine, chemistry, and the biological sciences."

Each year 15 new individuals are named Searle Scholars. Awards are currently set at $100,000 per year for three years. Since its inception, 617 Scholars have been named and over $174 million has been awarded.

The Searle Scholars Program Scientific Advisory Board is primarily interested in the potential of applicants to make innovative and high-impact contributions to research over an extended period of time.

Applicants for the 2025 competition (awards which will be activated on July 1, 2025) are expected to be pursuing independent research careers in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and related areas in chemistry, medicine, and the biological sciences.

Applicants should have begun their appointment as an independent investigator at the assistant professor level on or after July 1, 2023. The appointment must be their first tenure-track position (or its nearest equivalent) at an invited institution.

Institutions which do not have tenure-track appointments should consult with the Scientific Director of the Program regarding eligibility of selected applicants PRIOR to nominating such individuals.

The Searle Scholars Program does not ordinarily support purely clinical research but has supported research programs that include both clinical and basic components. Potential applicants who are unsure if their research is appropriate for our Program are encouraged to examine the research interests of present and former Searle Scholars on this website.

Applicants who were nominated for awards in the previous competition year but were not awarded may still meet the eligibility criteria for the current competition. Institutions should consult with the Scientific Director of the Program regarding renomination of such individuals.

The Searle Scholars Program Scientific Advisory Board is primarily interested in the potential of applicants to make innovative and high-impact contributions to research over an extended period of time.

Amount per Award: $300,000
Duration of Award: 3 Years

Submit ticket request  // Limit: 2* // Tickets Available: 2

Starting in 2024, ADA will accept up to two (2) nominations per institution with one (1) nomination spanning basic through preclinical research and one (1) nomination spanning clinical through public health research. 

Pathway to Stop Diabetes has a simple, yet revolutionary goal: to find scientists at the peak of their creativity and provide them with the flexibility and resources they need on the road to breakthrough discoveries. We attract and retain brilliant scientists in diabetes. Our three areas of focus—awarding research grants, providing access to scientific and career mentoring from leading diabetes researchers, and creating a diabetes think tank—are each key components of a unique formula to cultivate the next generation of leaders, whose discoveries will stop diabetes and all of its burdens once and for all.

Initiator Award (INI)

• Award Term: Up to 7 years
• Applicant: Postdoctoral Fellow
• Maximum Funding: Up to $100,000/year in Phase 1, Up to $325,000/year in Phase 2
• Support: Project support & PI salary
• Indirect Support: Up to 10% of directs in Phase 1, Up to 30% of directs in Phase 2
• Project % Effort Required: 75-100% effort in Phase 1, 50-75% effort in Phase 2
• Citizenship: Authorized to work in U.S. or U.S. possessions
• Description: This two-phased award is designed to support the transition of scientists from mentored training to independent research faculty.
• Eligibility: Eligible applicants must currently be in research training positions (post-doctoral fellow, research fellowship) and have no more than seven years of research training following terminal doctoral degree. Applicants cannot concurrently hold an NIH K99/R00 grant. Candidates must be identified through institutional nomination; applications will be accepted only from individuals with the appropriate institution support.
• Support: Awards provide two distinct phases of research support: Phase 1 provides up to two years of support for mentored training at a maximum of $100,000 per year (including 10% indirect costs), Phase 2 provides up to five years of support for independent research at a maximum of $325,000 per year (including 30% indirect costs). Maximum combined support for Phase 1 and Phase 2 is $1,625,000.

Accelerator Award (ACE)
 

• Award Term: Up to 5 years
• Applicant: Early Career Faculty
• Maximum Funding: $325,000/year
• Support: Project support & PI salary
• Indirect Support: Up to 30% of directs
• Project % Effort Required: 25-50% effort
• Citizenship: Authorized to work in U.S. or U.S. possessions
• Description: This award is designed to support exceptional, independent early-career researchers who have distinguished themselves as promising investigators and are in the beginning stages of establishing successful, sustainable diabetes research programs.
• Eligibility: Awards are available to early-career diabetes investigators proposing innovative and ambitious diabetes-related research programs. Applicants must hold faculty positions and have demonstrated independent productivity in diabetes research. Applicants may currently hold independent NIH funding (K, U or R awards, including an initial R01/U01) but must not have applied for (regardless of outcome), or received, an R01/U01 renewal or a second R01/U01 award. Candidates must be identified through institutional nomination; applications will be accepted only from individuals with the appropriate institution support.
• Support: Awards provide five years of research support at a maximum of $325,000 per year (including 30% indirect costs), for a total of $1,625,000.

Submit ticket request  // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) invites applications for the Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health (Ag Centers). These centers are expected to conduct high quality research and subsequently disseminate their findings and recommendations in audience appropriate products to contribute to improving the safety and health of agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers. Center structure should take advantage of diverse scientific resources and focus on local, regional, and/or national worker safety and health issues. Emphasis should be placed on the creation and implementation of evidence-based solutions that address important agricultural, forestry, and fishing safety and health problems. Centers should also use innovative approaches to identifying, understanding, and developing strategies for overcoming barriers to the adoption, adaptation, integration, scale-up and sustainability of evidence-based solutions. Collaborations with other academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other occupational safety and health focused groups are expected. Applicants must concisely describe the occupational safety and health burden within their service area and directly link research and outreach activities to help alleviate the burden. Applicants should also clearly articulate the anticipated impacts of the proposed work, both during the project period and beyond.

Ag Center Structure

NIOSH Ag Centers provide interdisciplinary research and outreach efforts to address AgFF-related occupational health and safety problems. Applicants should keep in mind the required and optional components essential to Ag Center function, detailed below, in providing an overall description of the proposed Ag Center, addressing 1) the burden of occupational injuries and illnesses within their region for this work sector, 2) the regional and national need for the Ag Center’s proposed programs and projects, and 3) the Center’s impact, or potential for impact, on AgFF worker health and safety.

The following required components enable Ag Centers to cohesively address their goals and objectives for providing impact:

Evaluation and Planning Core. The purpose of the Evaluation and Planning Core is to 1) provide oversight, leadership, and management for the Center, including establishment and maintenance of advisory committees; 2) engage in long-range planning, coordination, and implementation of work that crosses multiple cores, programs or projects; and 3) develop and assist in implementing evaluation efforts at the Center, core, program and project levels. Any collaborative projects with other Ag Centers should include the Evaluation and Planning Core for the purposes of oversight and coordination.

Outreach Core. The purpose of the Outreach Core is to ensure that evidence-based approaches, technologies, guidelines, policies, best practices, or similar activities are promoted and implemented in affected populations to benefit workers and their associated work environments. Much of the work in the Outreach Core will be implemented through partnerships and collaborations with nonprofit organizations, community groups, industry groups, employers, or similar entities.

Research Core. The purpose of the Research Core is to develop programs and projects in response to the goals identified in the Center's strategic plan and subsequently manage, monitor, and coordinate this work within the Center. Research activities include basic/etiologic, intervention, translation, and surveillance. Activities can vary widely, from pilot or feasibility studies that are minimally resourced and may be exploratory in nature to large, R01-like projects that require preliminary data and significant investment in personnel, equipment, time, and space. The Research Core is comprised of the required research projects and the optional Pilot/Feasibility Program Please note, the "Research Core" is not an actual component within the application - instead it is a construct to address budget limits across multiple and varied activities (i.e., required research projects and the optional pilot/feasibility program). There is no limitation to the number of research projects that applicants can propose as long as they stay within the annual direct costs requirements.

Objectives/Outcomes

The primary goal of an Ag Center is to conduct high quality scientific research and outreach efforts to address local, regional, and national AgFF problems. This will ultimately be accomplished through the goals in the Center’s Strategic Plan. However, the operational process for accomplishing these goals should not be overlooked and therefore, each core, program and project should develop operational objectives to support the goals in the Plan.

Target Population

There are many affected subpopulations in AgFF professions. The attributes of these affected subpopulations (such as demographics, size, risks/hazards encountered, and resources available to educate or assist in addressing the problem) will drive the proposed projects and their anticipated outputs and impacts. Ag Centers are distributed throughout the nation to be responsive to safety and health issues unique to different regions of the country. The risks inherent to an AgFF job are often dependent on the work environment, local/industry work practices, and specific job tasks. Therefore, Ag Centers should clearly describe the specific target populations they are focusing their efforts on and provide information to support the need for these proposed efforts.

Industry Sectors, Health and Safety Cross-sectors, and Goals

In the Project Description/Abstract of the application, state which industry sector(s) and health and safety cross-sector(s) the proposed work will address. Provide a clear rationale for how the intended outcomes of the proposed project will contribute to the specified goals in NIOSH's Strategic Plan and, in particular, those identified in the NIOSH Priority Goals for Extramural Research.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In June 2019, NIOSH began an initiative to take substantive action in creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce, the workplace and in its service to the public. This initiative led to the establishment of the NIOSH Diversity and Inclusion Office. The associated strategic plan is intended to guide actions that specifically address diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of NIOSH's work, including NIOSH-supported extramural programs. Ag Centers should demonstrate a commitment to DEI in all aspects of their center. This commitment should be reflected in the center's core values, mission and outputs.

Asymmetrical power relationships along social axes such as age, class, gender, nativity, and race/ethnicity not only result in social, economic, and environmental disadvantages that impact the distribution of work-related benefits and risks but also result in exclusionary research practices. Developing inclusive research practices, and the institutional capacity to effectively produce data driven solutions that reduce these avoidable inequities, is essential to ensuring the well-being of the increasingly diverse AgFF workforce.

Applicants should describe how they propose to ensure inclusive governance and practice in the required center components (Evaluation and Planning, Outreach, and Research). Discussion should include, but not be limited to, how historically underrepresented groups will be included in agenda setting for the work of the center. For example, this may include participation on advisory boards, as researchers/staff and through partnerships. Applicants should also identify how the center will ensure that research questions, data collection methods and analysis, and dissemination of results will be inclusive of the diversity in the AgFF workforce, especially those from historically underrepresented groups. Applicants should demonstrate how the design, content, format, and dissemination of outreach efforts will be tailored to the needs of workers from diverse backgrounds.

Collaboration/Partnerships

Ag Centers must demonstrate collaborative efforts by working with a diverse and broad range of organizations to enhance worker safety and health in their region. Possible collaborators include universities, labor and professional associations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and federal, state, or local public health and regulatory agencies. Centers should seek to address a wide range of occupational safety and health concerns in their region, as determined by the burdens posed by these problems or hazards, and their funding applications must describe how their efforts will alleviate or eliminate these burdens.

Evaluation/Performance Measurement

All Center activities should be managed and coordinated as part of the Evaluation and Planning Core. This core is responsible for all new and ongoing center-wide evaluation activities as well as supporting program and project level evaluation efforts. These activities should all be described in a Center evaluation plan. Ag Centers are also strongly encouraged to interact with each other on evaluation methods and best practices, to increase awareness of activities and evaluation techniques. Similarly, centers will work with each other and NIOSH during the performance period to develop shared logic models on common AgFF health and safety outcomes. In addition to center-specific evaluation and performance measurement, Ag Centers may be asked to participate in NIOSH evaluation efforts related to the NIOSH AgFF Program and the NIOSH Evaluation Capacity Building Plan.

Translation Plan

The transfer of evidence-based approaches to intermediaries such as unions, manufacturers, worker groups and end users (employers and workers) through training, conferences, community gatherings, social media, blogs, websites and infographics, peer-reviewed and lay publications, etc. is an essential function of the Outreach Core. While research strengthens our understanding of the determinants of injury, illness, and death, the potential for impact of research findings is found when paired with pragmatic approaches to move findings into practice.

1. Evaluation and Planning Core
2. Outreach Core
3. Research Projects (collectively, the "Research Core", along with the optional Pilot/Feasibility Program)

Submit ticket request  // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

This FOA is intended to enable the community to develop and implement evidence-informed approaches to biomedical research training and mentoring to enhance diversity in the biomedical research workforce. The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) report provided evidence that financial concerns and the absence of a community of peers from similar backgrounds can erode self-confidence and the desire to remain in STEM majors (PCAST Report, 2012). NIGMS diversity enhancing institutional training grants offset the cost of appointed trainee stipends, tuition and fees, and training related expenses, including health insurance, in accordance with approved NIH support levels. Additionally, funded programs are expected to provide activities that will build a strong cohort of research-oriented individuals while enhancing the science identity, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging among the cohort members. Programmatic activities include, but are not limited to, providing authentic research experiences, academic enhancements, skills development, and additional mentoring -- activities proven to increase persistence in STEM fields (cited in PCAST Report, 2012, Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century, 2018, and The Science of Effective Mentoring in STEMM, 2019).

Each Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program must consist of a strong partnership/consortium composed of at least two institutions: an associate degree-granting institution that offers the associate degree as the terminal degree in STEM, and a baccalaureate degree-granting institution with STEM degrees in disciplines related to the biomedical sciences. Each program should provide high-quality training that equips individuals with the technical (e.g., appropriate methods, technologies, and quantitative/computational approaches), operational (e.g., independent knowledge acquisition, rigorous experimental design, and interpretation of data, conducting research in the safest manner possible) and professional (e.g., management, leadership, communication, and teamwork) skills required for careers in the biomedical research workforce.

Program Objective

The Overarching Objective of this Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program is to develop a diverse pool of research-oriented undergraduates who transition from an associate degree-granting institution to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution and complete a baccalaureate STEM degree, positioning them to pursue research-oriented biomedical higher degree programs, or enter careers in the biomedical research workforce. The long-term goal is to develop a diverse pool of well-trained biomedical scientists, who have the following technical, operational, and professional skills:

• A broad understanding across biomedical disciplines and the skills to independently acquire the knowledge needed to advance their chosen fields;
• Expertise in a biomedical scientific discipline and the skills to think critically and independently, and to identify important biomedical research questions and approaches that push forward the boundaries of their areas of study;
• A strong foundation in scientific reasoning, rigorous research design, experimental methods, quantitative and computational approaches, and data analysis and interpretation;
• The skills to conduct research in the safest manner possible, and a commitment to approaching and conducting biomedical research responsibly, ethically, and with integrity;
• Experience initiating, conducting, interpreting, and presenting rigorous and reproducible biomedical research with increasing self-direction;
• The ability to work effectively in teams with colleagues from a variety of cultural and scientific backgrounds, and to promote inclusive and supportive scientific research environments;
• The skills to teach and communicate scientific research methodologies and findings to a wide variety of audiences (e.g., discipline-specific, across disciplines, and the public); and
• The knowledge, professional skills and experiences required to identify and transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce (i.e., the breadth of careers that sustain biomedical research in areas that are relevant to the NIH mission).

Diversity at all levels from the kinds of science to the regions in which it is conducted, to the backgrounds of the people conducting it is integral to excellence in research training environments and strengthens the research enterprise. This FOA is intended to support outstanding research training programs that will enhance diversity in the biomedical research workforce. As part of NIGMS strategy to support the development of a diverse pool of well-trained biomedical scientists, the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program supports trainees at a critical transition point in the biomedical research training pathway (i.e., the transition from associate degree-granting institutions to baccalaureate degree-granting institutions), and prepares them to enter a research-oriented biomedical higher degree program, or careers in the biomedical research workforce.

Program Considerations

NIGMS intends to fund applications that propose feasible academic and research focused training programs that will enhance diversity in the biomedical workforce. Programs are expected to have mentors from biomedical disciplines relevant to the NIGMS mission to provide a breadth of research experiences to trainees. Proposed programs focused on disciplines outside of the NIGMS mission (e.g., allied health professions, forensic science) will be considered a low priority for funding.

The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program requires strong partnerships between associate degree-granting institutions and baccalaureate degree-granting institutions. At least one partner must be an institution that offers the associate degree as the highest STEM degree and the other partner(s) must offer baccalaureate degrees in disciplines related to the biomedical sciences. Two different scenarios are anticipated for these partnerships:

• One associate degree-granting institution as the applicant institution partnering with one or more baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, or
• One baccalaureate degree-granting institution as the applicant institution partnering with one or more associate degree-granting institutions.

The program does not support single institutions offering both associate and baccalaureate degrees where graduates or transfers from the associate degree programs enter the baccalaureate programs, even if the students are moving to another department, school, or college. To reinforce strong partnerships, the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program requires the participation of least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) from each partner institution.

The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program recognizes the heterogeneity of institutional settings and institutional missions. Therefore, each application must include a self-assessment of each participating institution that includes baseline data on student demographics, enrollment, transfer rates, research experience, and degree attainment rates. Program objectives should be based on this self-assessment and must align with the purpose of the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program. Applicants are expected to identify training objectives (i.e., specific, measurable, and obtainable outcomes the program intends to achieve) and to develop plans to implement evidence-informed training and mentoring activities that are grounded in the literature and from evaluations of existing relevant programs. Funded programs are expected to provide evidence of accomplishing the training objectives in progress reports and in renewal applications, to make training and career outcomes publicly available, and are strongly encouraged to disseminate successful training practices to the broader community.

Funded programs are also expected to implement robust plans to enhance diversity and to promote inclusive, safe, and supportive research environments. Specifically, funded programs should have institutional and departmental environments where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed and feel integrated into and supported by the biomedical community. Programs are also expected to implement plans to enhance trainee retention, i.e., to sustain the scientific interests and participation of trainees from all backgrounds. Additionally, safety in research training should encompass (1) environments free from harassment and intimidation, in which everyone participating is treated in a respectful and supportive manner, (2) laboratory and clinical settings where individuals exercise the highest standards of practice for chemical, biological and physical safety, and (3) practices at the institutional leadership and research community levels that demonstrate core values and behaviors to emphasize safety over competing goals.

Institutional commitment and support for the proposed training program are important elements of the application. The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program may complement and synergize with other ongoing federally supported research training programs at the applicant and partnering institution(s); however, the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program goals and activities to achieve those goals must be distinct from related programs currently receiving federal support at the applicant and partnering institution(s). In cases where an institution has multiple NIGMS training grants, it is expected that these programs will create administrative and training efficiencies to reduce costs and improve trainee services and outcomes. The training grant should be well integrated within one or more department(s)/program(s) and should exert a strong, positive influence on the development and execution of the outreach and recruitment of potential trainees, curriculum, training opportunities, and mentoring. Training grant funds may not be used solely as a vehicle to provide stipends for trainees to conduct research.

Training grants are usually awarded for five years. The grant offsets the cost of stipends, tuition and fees, and training related expenses, including health insurance, for the appointed trainees in accordance with the approved NIH support levels. Trainees are typically provided full-time support for two years of undergraduate studies within the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program partnership. There is flexibility in how the two years of support can be administered, but there must be robust support at both the associate degree-granting and baccalaureate degree granting-institutions. Research-oriented trainees must be enrolled at the associate degree-granting institution at the time of initial appointment. Typically, one year of full-time support is provided at the associate degree-granting institution and one year of full-time support at the baccalaureate degree-granting institution. However, at baccalaureate institutions where other NIH undergraduate research training programs (e.g., U-RISE, MARC) exist, the Bridges to the Baccalaureate trainees may transition into or benefit from these training programs. In this case, trainees may receive up to two years of full-time support at the associate degree-granting institution.

This FOA does not allow appointed trainees to lead an independent clinical trial but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. NIH strongly supports training towards a career in clinically relevant research and so gaining experience in clinical trials under the guidance of a mentor or co-mentor is encouraged.

See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

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

Applicant organizations may submit one application per UM1 application.

The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH.

To accomplish the stated overarching goal, this FOA will provide support to recipients of Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) for creative educational activities with a primary focus on research experiences designed to ensure that the participants receive exposure to the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process so that they can apply these principles to clinical and translational science research areas such as: 1) pre-clinical research, 2) clinical research, 3) clinical implementation, and 4) public health.

• Research Experiences

Amount Description

The maximum budget is $100,000 direct costs/year. The budget request for a given application needs to be adequately justified and reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. Yearly fluctuations in the project workload should be reflected in the requested budget.

The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is 5 years.

Eligibility Requirements

NCATS solicits the submission of one set of companion applications. With this solicitation for the R25 application, a separate, companion FOA solicits applications for a required UM1 (PAR-21-293: Clinical and Translational Science Award). The UM1 and initial R25 applications must be submitted concurrently; an R25 application without the required companion UM1 application will not be reviewed. The R25 application will only be awarded if the UM1 application is awarded. Resubmission of an R25 without the required UM1 will be allowed only if the UM1 application is awarded.

The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program

The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.

The UM1 PD(s)/PI(s) may not be a PD(s)/PI(s) on the R25 award.

NCATS solicits the submission of one set of companion applications. With this solicitation for the R25 application, a separate, companion FOA solicits applications for a required UM1 (PAR-21-293: Clinical and Translational Science Award). The UM1 and initial R25 applications must be submitted concurrently; an R25 application without the required companion UM1 application will not be reviewed. The R25 application will only be awarded if the UM1 application is awarded. Resubmission of an R25 without the required UM1 will be allowed only if the UM1 application is awarded. The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program

• Applicants lacking the following will be considered as not responsive. Nonresponsive applications will not be reviewed.

• New applications that are not submitted as part of the companion and required UM1 PAR-21-293 Clinical and Translational Science Award (UM1 Clinical Trial Optional).

• Resubmission of R25 Research Education applications that are not linked to a funded UM1.

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

NIGMS will accept only one MSTP application per institution.

The goal of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is to develop a diverse pool of well-trained clinician-scientist leaders available to address the nation’s biomedical research needs. Specifically, this funding announcement provides support to eligible, domestic organizations to develop and implement effective, evidence-informed approaches to dual-degree training and mentoring that will keep pace with the rapid evolution of the biomedical research enterprise and lead to the completion of both a clinical degree (for example, M.D., D.O., D.V.M., D.D.S., Pharm.D., etc.) and a research doctorate degree (Ph.D.).  

With the dual qualifications of a rigorous scientist and clinician, graduates will be equipped with the skills to develop research programs that accelerate the translation of research advances to the understanding, detection, treatment, and prevention of human disease, and to lead the advancement of biomedical research.  Areas of particular importance to NIGMS are optimizing training efficiency, fostering the persistence of alumni in research careers, and enhancing the diversity of the clinician-scientist workforce.  NIGMS expects that the proposed research training program will incorporate didactic, research, mentoring and career development elements to prepare trainees for careers that will have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the nation.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not allow appointed Trainees to lead an independent clinical trial, but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.

NIGMS allows multiple institutions to participate in a single MSTP application, where this may further advance the goals of the program.  A single contact institution would receive and administer the award.

The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program should be detailed in the Organizational Support Letter in the Letters of Support attachment. See the application instructions for the required Letters of Support instructions in Section IV.

As described in the instructions for the Training Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) in Section IV.2 below, NIGMS encourages multiple PDs/PIs, particularly when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance training. Note the following:

• To provide research training leadership for the program, at least one of the training PDs/PIs should have a record of using rigorous and transparent methods in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting in a biomedical research field applicable to the program.
• Additional PDs/PIs may be included to strengthen the expertise of the PD/PI team. Examples include individuals such as program directors who regularly interact with students, or individuals with expertise in education, relevant social sciences, program evaluation, mentoring, or university administration. 

Any of the PDs/PIs may serve as the contact PD/PI. The contact PD/PI is expected to have a full-time appointment at the applicant organization unless extremely well-justified. If the full-time status of the contact PD/PI changes after the award, the organization must obtain prior program approval to appoint a new PD/PI or request a deviation from the full-time rule. The PD(s)/PI(s) will be responsible for:

• The overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program.
• The day-to-day administration of the program, including direct involvement with trainees.
• The selection and appointment of trainees to the research training program.
• The selection of faculty mentors for the program, assessment of mentor performance, and ensuring the program deals appropriately with substandard mentor performance.
• Monitoring and assessing the program and submitting all documents and reports as required.
• Appointing members of the Advisory Committee (when applicable) and implementing their guidance as appropriate.

No Applicants  // Limit: 2* // Tickets Available: 2

*An eligible applicant may submit up to two LOIs for consideration, but only one (1) LOI may be selected.

Deadlines:

• Required Letter of Intent: May 28, 2024
• Invited Full Proposal: Sep. 6, 2024

The Military Health System Research Program (MHSRP) provides research grants on topic areas directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (OASD (HA)) and the Leadership of the Defense Health Agency (DHA). The intent of MHSR is to foster research capability and capacity that supports the Military Health System (MHS) as a learning health system and to mature as an integrated health system focused on Ready Reliable Care that improves outcomes for patients, staff, and the enterprise.

The MHSRP funds research that examines factors that affect the enterprise in terms of economics/cost, quality, outcomes, variation, policies, and how they impact health readiness. The goal is to identify and characterize the factors that influence the efficiency and effectiveness of MHS care delivery. Knowledge obtained from this research should support evidence-based policy and decision-making at the strategic and front-line levels. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks rigorous collaborative health system research that has the potential to innovate military and civilian health care. The goal is to enhance data-driven evidence that optimizes the MHS delivery of health care and improves the health of beneficiaries. This NOFO is intended to solicit Intramural and Extramural Military Health System Research aligned with DHA priority research areas.

Areas of Interest:

Research must examine the organization, delivery, and financial cost of healthcare, producing evidence that impacts policy and decision-making within the MHS. The research must enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the MHS to be considered for funding. The research aims should address at least one of the Priority Topic Area(s).

a. Economics and Cost: Research on the factors that shape the MHS cost, drive demand and utilization, and influence cost in either TRICARE direct or purchased care systems; issues related to efficiency, effectiveness, value and behavior in the production, and utilization health care in terms of costs, charges, and expenditures; the impact of technologies on care delivery and cost; and the impact of workforce, recruitment, and retention of medical personnel. Research that delineates value-based care within the MHS in both purchased and direct care; pre- and post- studies to evaluate the impact of the structure of the TRICARE contract on patient care.

b. Quality - Research which examines the degree to which health services for individuals and populations are safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable with the outcome of increasing the likelihood of improved health. The impact of standardizing clinical practice through clinical practice guidelines, evidence-based practices, and process improvements, on the health of the population/sub-population.

c. Outcomes - Health outcome research identifies and measures the factors which impact a population of patients at the enterprise, geographic market level, or sub-population levels; examines the system level factors which influence achievement of the Quadruple Aim “better health” in comparison to private sector efforts. Health outcomes research incorporates clinical outcomes, financial impact, patient health, quality of life, and measurement of indicators that predict results important to patients and patient experience.

d. Variation - Studies that examine the factors that influence unwarranted variation or differences in quality, utilization, cost, or outcomes within the MHS and the implications to the enterprise as a system of system of care.

e. Health Readiness - Burden of disease and associated health and risk factors within the MHS populations that effect Active Duty Service Members ability to deploy. Implications of disease burden as an indicator of medical readiness, potential impact to staffing, network utilization, and cost for direct care and/or purchased care.

f. Health System - Research related to the impact of the significant changes in policy or structure of the MHS on health care cost, quality, utilization, health outcomes, manpower/staffing, or health care readiness. Comparisons to between direct and purchased care, or care within the private sector, and includes measurement of the impact of policy changes to the TRICARE benefit structure on utilization and cost.

The proposals must emphasize one of the listed Clinical Priority Areas:
a. Cardiovascular Health
b. Women’s Health
c. Primary Care
d. Specialty Care
e. Sensory Health
f. Dental Care
g. Surgical Care
h. Telehealth
i. Nutritional Care

LOIs and Full Proposals for this funding opportunity may be submitted by investigators, uniformed or civilian staff who work for DoD or non-DoD organizations, as defined below. DHA encourages applications from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) that include Historically Black Colleges and Universities and others as defined at: https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutionsprogram.

a. Extramural Organization: An eligible non-DoD organization. Examples of extramural organizations include academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other federal government organizations (other than DoD). • Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible to directly receive awards under this NOFO. However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible organizations are allowed if permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the federal government and the specific FFRDC. • Government agencies within the US: Local, state, and non-DoD federal government agencies are eligible to the extent that proposals do not overlap with their fully-funded internal programs. Such agencies are required to explain how their proposals do not overlap with their internal programs.

b. Intramural DoD Organization: A facility or group of facilities owned, leased, or otherwise used by Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments, the Defense Agencies, and all other organizational entities within the DoD; to include DoD laboratories, DoD MTFs, and/or DoD activities embedded within a civilian medical center.

Submit ticket request  // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

Only one application per Institution (normally identified by having a unique entity identifier (UEI) or NIH IPH number) is allowed; however, that institution may also participate as partner via a sub-award or associate program through applications submitted by other institutions.

NIEHS invites applications for cooperative agreements to support the development and delivery of model programs for the training and education of workers engaged in activities related to hazardous materials and waste generation, removal, containment, transportation, and emergency response. This funding opportunity announcement aims to use safety and health training to prevent and reduce work-related harm. The training programs will provide skills and knowledge to workers on how best to identify and protect themselves and their communities from exposure to hazardous materials encountered during hazardous waste operations, hazardous materials transportation, environmental restoration of contaminated facilities, and emergency response. A variety of industry sites, such as those involved with hazardous waste cleanup, remedial action, and transportation-related emergency response may pose severe health and safety concerns to workers and the surrounding communities. These sites contain many hazardous substances, sometimes unknown, and a site maybe uncontrolled. A major goal of the Worker Training Program (WTP) is to support institutional competency-building for the development and delivery of model training and education programs.

Renewal application budgets are not limited but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.  A new applicant that has never received funding under previous announcements may request a budget for direct costs of up to $700,000 for the first year.

Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.

Limit: 5 // Tickets Available: 4

Robert Ferrando (Applied Mathematics)

The Travel Grants Program is open to Ph.D. students doing research that requires facilities or expertise not available in their home country.

The program has two calls annually, each supporting 10 awards.

The awards are for $6,000 each.

The trips will be only to a higher education, or a research facility in the U.S.A. (for Israelis) or Israel (for U.S. students).

The program will not support participation in conferences, or trips by very early/late-stage Ph.D. students.

Each trip will be for a maximum length of 2 months.
The awards must be utilized within 1 year of BSF notification.
Applications for trips that have already occurred will not be accepted.

The BSF will only accept applications that are in the scientific fields it supports in its regular research grant program. 

• Biomedical Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Medicine
• Psychobiology
• Exact and Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be U.S. or Israeli citizens.
• The applicant, rather than his or her thesis advisor, must write the application.
• Applicants must be conducting supervised research towards a PhD in an accredited higher education institution, or in a non-profit research institution (government or other, including hospitals).
• Submitting an application before the PhD research program/plan is formally approved by the university is not recommended.
• Students in their last year of PhD studies are not eligible to submit applications to the program.
• Applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
• Israeli and American students doing research in the other country are not eligible to apply.
• A student who was previously awarded a grant in this program is not allowed to submit again.
• A student who was turned down may resubmit an application after 12 months, but only after receiving an approval from the BSF office. This approval will be given if an examination of the original submission will indicate that a resubmission has a good chance to succeed, for example if the application was submitted too early in the PhD study, and was otherwise excellent.