NIAID RICHARD M. ASOFSKY SCHOLARS IN RESEARCH AWARD RELEASE DATE: February 13, 2003 PA NUMBER: PAR-03-071 EXPIRATION DATE: February 2006, unless reissued National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (http://www.niaid.nih.gov) CATALOGUE OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBERS: No. 93.855, Immunology, Allergy, and Transplantation Research No. 93.856, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research THIS PA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION o Purpose of the PA o Research Objectives o Mechanism(s) of Support o Eligible Institutions o Eligible Principal Investigators o Eligible Candidates o Description of High School and Undergraduate Awards o Where to Send Inquiries o Submitting an Application o Review Criteria o Award Criteria o Required Federal Citations PURPOSE OF THIS PA The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), DHHS invites applications from current NIAID grantees (Principal Investigators) to apply for the Richard M. Asofsky Scholars in Research (ASIR). Dr. Asofsky served NIH and NIAID with distinction and energy for 37 years (http://www.nih.gov/news/NIH- Record/03_21_2000/obits.htm), a major part being spent improving research training programs. This announcement has been created to represent and honor his dedication to bring underrepresented minorities into the biomedical sciences. The ASIR Program is to provide supplemental funding to NIAID extramural principal investigators for the purpose of supporting underrepresented minority high school and college students in their research laboratories to expose them to research career opportunities in the areas of allergy, immunology, transplantation, microbiology, and infectious diseases, including AIDS. These NIAID ASIR Awards are to be used to encourage the development of underrepresented minority researchers as outlined in the NIAID Strategic Plan on Health Disparities. This Program Announcement is an expansion of NIH PA-01-079 and reflects NIAID's continued commitment to the long-term goal of developing a cadre of underrepresented minority scientists. This PA is specifically targeted to high school and undergraduate college students and is an extramural component of the NIAID's long-standing Introduction to Biomedical Research Program. This PA solicits applications on an ongoing basis. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The NIAID is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented minority investigators in all fields encompassed by its scientific mission. Historically, the NIAID has supported a variety of programs for underrepresented minorities in biomedical research, encompassing high school through postdoctoral training. Although these programs have demonstrated some success in specific areas, only a few underrepresented minority investigators have become well established in biomedical research. Therefore, efforts are being made to reach minority students at the high school and undergraduate levels to peak their interest in biomedical science. The goal of the present PA is to increase the number of future underrepresented minority investigators by pairing scientifically focused high school and undergraduate students with successful NIAID grantees. Thus creating a mentoring relationship between the student and researcher from which the student can gain laboratory experience and guidance in a career in science. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant supplement to the existing research grant of eligible Principal Investigators. The total requested project period for an application submitted in response to this PA may not exceed two years. As the applicant you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed training project. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS You may submit an application(s) if your institution has any of the following characteristics: o For profit or non-profit organizations o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories o Units of State and local governments o Domestic o Faith-based or community-based organizations Foreign Institutions are not eligible to apply. ELIGIBLE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS NIAID Principal Investigators who hold an active R01, R10, R18, R21, R22, R24, R35, R37, P01, P20, P30, P40, P41, P50, P51, P60, U01, U10, U19, U41, U42 or U54 grants are generally eligible to submit a request for the ASIR, which is an administrative supplement to the Principal Investigator's parent grant. Principal Investigators holding an Academic Research Enhancement Award (R15) or a Small Grant Award (R03) also may apply for the ASIR. Grantees with support from these programs must check with one of the individuals listed under the section "Where to Send Inquiries" prior to an application being submitted. ASIR awards to the grant mechanisms such as the R15, or the R03 may provide support above the established dollar limits. The P20, P30, and P60 award mechanisms are eligible for supplements only when they contain research components. In all cases, at the time of a supplemental award, the parent grant must have support remaining for a reasonable period (usually two years or more). The purpose of the application is to request support for an underrepresented minority high school student or undergraduate student to participate in an ongoing research project. Specific eligibility requirements relative to each level of award are set forth in the description of the individual supplement programs (below). ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES For the purpose of this announcement, underrepresented minority students are defined as individuals belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group that has been determined by the grantee institution to be underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, clinical or social sciences. 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. Before submitting an application for a research supplement, applicants are encouraged to call their program administrator at the NIH to discuss any aspects of this program that need clarification. For general information about the program, minority candidates are encouraged to contact the individuals identified under "INQUIRIES" at the end of this document. The NIAID anticipates that by providing research opportunities for underrepresented minorities at the high school and college levels, the number of minorities entering and remaining in health-related research careers will increase over the long-term. Accordingly, principal investigators are encouraged to consider administrative supplements under this program for minority individuals at the following career levels: High school students who have expressed an interest in the health-related sciences and have passed advanced science courses. Undergraduate students who have demonstrated an interest in biomedical research and wish to pursue graduate level training. In all cases, the proposed research experience must be an integral part of the approved ongoing research of the parent grant or the scientific group collaborating with the principal investigator and have the potential to contribute significantly to the research career development of the student. As part of this research experience, the principal investigator must describe a plan by which the minority student will have the opportunity to interact with the principal investigator or individuals on the parent grant, to contribute intellectually to the on-going research, and to enhance her/his research skills and knowledge regarding the particular area of biomedical science. Furthermore, the principal investigator must demonstrate a willingness and clear understanding that the purpose of the award is to enhance the research capability of the minority student and that the research experience is intended to provide opportunities for development as a productive research investigator. Supplemental awards will be consistent with the goal of strengthening the existing research program and with the overall programmatic balance and priorities of the NIAID. Awards will be made according to the policies and provisions stated in this announcement. The award limits listed in this document for each career level represents the support NIAID will provide and does not preclude the institution's use of funds from other sources to supplement the award. The NIAID ASIR Award encourages the recruitment of up to five individuals per grant. As part of the overall ASIR program, NIAID encourages partnerships between NIAID grantees at major institutions and local community colleges, tribal colleges, Historical Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and colleges and universities where Native American populations are high. Minority individuals may receive support from only one of these supplement programs at a time, but may be supported by more than one minority supplement during the development of their research careers. Support under the supplement programs is not transferable to another individual or transportable to another institution. The ASIR Award is designed to attract underrepresented minority high school and undergraduate students into research careers and is not intended to provide an alternative or additional means of supporting minority individuals who already receive support from a research grant or a research training grant or any other NIH funding mechanism. Individuals may not be transferred to a minority supplement to increase the availability of funds to the parent grant for other uses. Applicants are encouraged to contact the NIAID institute staff listed under INQUIRIES prior to submission to obtain specific information about preparing and submitting an application. DESCRIPTION OF HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS 1. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS The purpose of this supplemental award is to provide minority high school students with an opportunity to obtain a meaningful experience in various aspects of health-related research to stimulate their interest in careers in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social sciences. Any minority high school student who is currently enrolled and in good standing at her or his high school and is interested in biomedical, behavioral, clinical or social research is encouraged to participate in this program. PROVISIONS This supplement is not to exceed $3,000 per student in direct costs, including supplies, for a summer experience. A part-time experience during the regular school year would be reimbursed at the same hourly rate ($6.25). Equipment may not be purchased using these funds. Students are expected to devote sufficient effort to the research project and related activities during the period of support to gain insight into the process of scientific discovery. Support for at least three months is encouraged during any one year. This may include a mixture of full-time summer experience and part-time experience during the school year. Principal Investigators are encouraged to seek minority high school students who will devote at least two years to this program (i.e., equivalent to two three-month, full-time periods). Exceptions to the latter will be considered, depending on the circumstances of the applicant, the parent grant, and the specific request. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section above for information about application procedures, review criteria, and funding. 2. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS The purpose of this supplemental award provides an opportunity for minority undergraduate students interested in health-related research (biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social sciences) to participate in a research project during the summer months and/or during the school year. This experience will be separate from any requirement of the regular academic program. The student may be affiliated with either the applicant institution or another academic institution. Any undergraduate minority student interested in health- related research is encouraged to participate in this program. PROVISIONS The salary for an undergraduate student should be consistent with the institution's salary policies. An additional amount of $200 per month for supplies and travel may also be requested. Equipment may not be purchased from these funds. Students are expected to devote the equivalent of at least three months full-time effort to the research project and related activities in any one year and, in most cases, the period of support for any individual should last at least two years. Exceptions to these requirements will be considered, depending on the circumstances of the applicant, the parent grant, and the specific request. See the GENERAL PROVISIONS section above for information about application procedures, review criteria, and award criteria. WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES We encourage Inquiries concerning this PA and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. o Direct your inquiries to: Joyce Hunter Woodford, M.P.P. Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 6700B Rockledge Drive, Room 2130 Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Bethesda, MD 20817-7610 (for express/courier service) Telephone: (301) 496-6722 FAX: (301) 496-8729 Email: jw25v@nih.gov Diane Adger-Johnson Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 6700B Rockledge Drive, Room 2261 Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Bethesda, MD 20817-7610 (for express/courier service) Telephone: (301) 402-8969 FAX: (301) 496-8729 Email: da15a@nih.gov SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION A request for a supplement may be submitted at any time. In making requests, the grantee institution, on behalf of the Principal Investigator of the parent grant and in cooperation with the minority individual MUST SUBMIT THE REQUEST FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS DIRECTLY TO THE NIAID. The request should not be submitted to the NIH Center for Scientific Review. Principal Investigators are encouraged to contact NIAID for guidance on their application. The request for a supplemental award must include the following: 1. A completed face page (with appropriate signatures) from Grant Application Form PHS 398. Include the title and grant number of the parent grant on line 1 and the type of supplement being requested on line. 2. A brief three to four page description, prepared by the Principal Investigator of the parent grant, that includes: a. A summary or abstract of the funded grant or project. b. Description of the research and career development experiences proposed for the candidate. c. Description of how the research and career development experiences will expand and develop the research capabilities of the candidate, and how the proposed experiences relates to the specific research goals and objectives of the parent grant. 3. A signed statement from the candidate outlining her/his research interests and career goals. 4. Biographical sketch of the candidate that includes evidence of scientific or academic achievement and biomedical interest. The source of current funding must also be listed, if applicable. 5. Social Security Number of the minority individual. (Although provision of the Social Security Number is voluntary, it will facilitate the processing of applications for supplements. The DHHS/PHS/NIH uses the Social Security Number for the purpose of accurate identification, referral, and review of applications and for efficient management of PHS grant programs.) 6. A signed statement from the Principal Investigator establishing the eligibility of the candidate for support under this program including information on ethnicity, citizenship, and a description of any previous PHS research grant support the minority individual has received. 7. The proposed budget entered on budget pages from Grant Application Form PHS 398, related to the percent effort (where appropriate) for the research experience of the candidate during the first and future years. If the initial budget period requested is less than 12 months, the budget must be prorated accordingly. 8. Documentation, if applicable, that the proposed research experience was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or human subjects Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the grantee institution must be provided. Adherence to the NIH policy for including women and minorities in clinical studies must also be ensured if additional human subjects' involvement is planned for the supplement component. 9. A copy of the most recent college or high school transcript. 10. If the candidate is a student at another institution, the application must include an appropriately signed letter from a responsible official at the institution of matriculation indicating that participation at the stated level of effort is approved and will not detract from or interfere with the student's course of studies. 11. If any of the research is to be conducted at a site other than the grantee institution (e.g. collaborator), an appropriately signed letter from the institution where the research is to be conducted must be submitted. The request must be signed by the candidate, the Principal Investigator, and the appropriate institutional business official. Submit an original plus five copies of the application to: Devon Bumbray-Quarles Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 6700B Rockledge Drive, Room 2253 Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Bethesda, MD 20817-7610 (for express/courier service) Telephone: (301) 496-6722 FAX: (301) 496-8729 Email: db400w@nih.gov DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO THE CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW REVIEW CRITERIA The NIAID Research Operations Committee review requests for supplements using the following general criteria: 1. The qualifications of the candidate including career goals, prior research training, research potential, and any relevant experience. 2. Evidence of educational achievement and interest in science, if the minority candidate is a student. 3. The plan for the proposed research and career development experiences in the supplemental request and their relationship to the parent grant. 4. Evidence from the Principal Investigator that the experience will enhance the research potential, knowledge, and/or skills of the candidate, and that adequate mentorship will be provided. 5. Evidence from the Principal Investigator that the activities of the candidate are an integral part of the project. AWARD CRITERIA The decision to fund a supplement will take approximately eight weeks from receipt of a complete application. Applicants for summer-only research appointments must submit early enough to ensure that funding is in place by the time the summer experience is scheduled to begin. In most cases, during the first budget period, funds will be provided as an administrative supplement to the parent grant. In subsequent years, continued funding for the supplement is contingent on continued funding of the parent grant and cannot extend beyond the current competitive segment of the parent grant and the availability of funds. Continuation of support for the candidate in the remaining years of the competitive segment of the grant will depend upon satisfactory review by the NIH awarding component of progress for both the parent grant and the supplemental project, the research proposed for the next budget period, and the appropriateness of the proposed budget for the proposed effort. In non-competing continuation applications, the progress report and budget for the minority supplement must be clearly delineated from the progress report and budget for the parent grant. The progress report must include information about the research and career development activities supported by the supplement even if support for future years is not requested. In future competing applications, funds for continuation of support of the supplemental award will depend on the successful renewal of the parent grant and will be handled as follows: o For minority students who have not yet completed their research experience, funds for the continuation of support must be requested as a research supplement to ensure continued tracking of the individual supported. The request for continued support should not be included in the competing renewal, but instead, should be prepared as a letter with information on research progress and accomplishments of the minority individual. The request must be addressed to the program administrator of the parent grant and must be submitted promptly in anticipation of a renewal award to avoid an interruption of support. Support to individual students by this mechanism will be limited to five years. Additional time may be considered, but must be well justified. REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010", a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA, "NIAID Richard M. Asofsky Students in Research Award", is related to the priority area of human resource development. Potential applicants may view the electronic version of "Healthy People 2010" on the PHS Website (http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/document/) or obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" (Print Version: Stock No. 017-001-00547-9; CD ROM: Stock No. 017- 001-00549-5) from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (Telephone 202-512-1800). AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance at http://www.cfda.gov/ in the following citations: No. 93.855, Immunology, Allergy, and Transplantation Research and No. 93.856, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research. The statutory authorities for these grant awards are sections 301, 510, 515, and 504 of the Public Health Service Act. Federal regulations at 42 CFR Part 52, "Grants for Research Projects" and 45 CFR part 74, "Administration of Grants," are applicable to these awards. Grants must be administered in accordance with the NIH Grants Policy Statement (10/98) available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. 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.
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
Office of Extramural Research (OER) |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) |
||||||||
Note: For help accessing PDF, RTF, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Audio or Video files, see Help Downloading Files. |