NHLBI MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY FACULTY

Release Date:  July 16, 1998

RFA:  HL-98-018

P.T.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  August 3, 1998
Application Receipt Date:  September 23, 1998

PURPOSE

This program provides support to underrepresented minority faculty members with
varying levels of research experience to prepare them for research careers as
independent investigators.  The research development programs of the candidates
are based on scholastic background, previous research experience, past
achievements, and potential to develop into an independent research investigator. 
The objective of the award is to develop highly trained minority investigators,
whose basic or clinical research interests are grounded in the advanced methods
and experimental approaches needed to solve problems related to cardiovascular,
pulmonary, blood diseases, transfusion medicine, and sleep disorders.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion
and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national
activity for setting priority areas.  This Request for Applications (RFA), NHLBI
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty, is related
to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, tobacco, educational and
community-based programs, environmental health, maternal and infant health,
diabetes and chronic disabling diseases, and HIV infection. Potential applicants
may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No.
017-001-00474-1 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402-9325 (telephone: 202-512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty  provides
research development opportunities for underrepresented minority faculty members
with varying levels of research experience, who are committed to developing into
independent biomedical investigators.  This award will enable suitable faculty
candidates holding doctoral degrees, such as the Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.V.M., or
an equivalent degree, to undertake three to five years of special study and
supervised research under a sponsor, competent to provide guidance in the area
of research proposed.  The goal is to develop the research skills of the minority
faculty candidate.  The award is intended to serve research career development
needs of underrepresented minority faculty members by providing them with
research opportunities appropriate for their scholastic background, previous
research experience, and past achievements.  Minority scientists and physicians
with limited research experience needing guided course work and supervised
laboratory experiences as well as minority faculty needing only an intensive
research experience under the guidance of an established scientist, are eligible
to apply.  It is envisioned that most candidates for this award will hold non-
tenured faculty appointments (such as instructor or assistant professor),
although in some instances other individuals may be eligible to apply (such as
individuals due to be appointed to a faculty position or individuals with tenured
faculty positions).

For the purpose of this program, underrepresented minority faculty members are
defined as individuals belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group that has
been determined by the grantee institution to be underrepresented in biomedical
or behavioral research.  In making grant awards under this program, the NHLBI
will give priority to applications for support of individuals who are members of
Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander or other ethnic or racial
groups who have been found to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral
research nationally.

At the time of award, it is required that at least two years have elapsed since
the receipt of the doctoral degree and that the candidate have at least one year
of prior documented research experience.  Current or past principal investigators
of an NIH grant or its equivalent, including the Clinical Investigator Award,
Physician Scientist Award, Clinical Investigator Development Award, or Mentored
Clinical Scientist Development Award are not eligible for the Mentored Research
Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty.  Similarly, individuals serving
as responsible investigators or project leaders on large grants, such as a
Program Project Grant, are not eligible for the Mentored Research Scientist
Development Award for Minority Faculty.  An individual who has previously
received support from the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC), Minority
Biomedical Research Support (MBRS), or Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA)
programs are eligible to apply.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the NHLBI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for
Minority Faculty, (K01) mechanism of support.  However, specific application
instructions have been modified to reflect "JUST-IN-TIME" streamlining efforts
implemented by NIH and published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol.
25, No. 10, March 29, 1996.  This process allows applicants to submit certain
information only when there is a possibility for an award.  It is anticipated
that these changes will reduce the administrative burden for the applicants,
applicant institutions, reviewers, and Institute staff.

For this RFA, no detailed budget is required.  However, total direct costs for
all years must be provided in addition to the name, role on project, percent
effort and narrative justification for all project personnel.  Instructions for
completing the Biographical Sketch have also been modified.  In addition, Other
Support information for the applicant and the application Checklist page are not
required as part of the initial application.  However, Other Support information
is required for the mentor and co-mentor.  If there is a possibility for an
award, necessary budget, Other Support and Checklist information will be
requested by NHLBI staff following the initial review.  The Application
Procedures section of this RFA provides specific details of modifications to
standard PHS 398 application kit instructions.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the
entire program is expected to be 1.3 million in fiscal year 1999.  The actual
amount may vary, depending on the response to the RFA and availability of funds,
but the number of awards for the Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research
Scientist Development Award is anticipated to be 12 new awards.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

The proportion of biomedical investigators who are members of underrepresented
minority groups is strikingly lower than the percentage of minority U.S.
citizens. In 1991, there were 1177 Blacks (1.7%) and 1113 Hispanics (1.6%) in
academic positions in the life sciences out of a total 69,122 individuals. 
Although the number of minority individuals graduating from medical school was
approximately 7.4% in 1993, only 5.1% of assistant professors on medical school
faculty are minority.  One method of increasing the number of minority faculty
members is to improve their research capabilities.  In so doing, the pool of
minority biomedical and biobehavioral investigators in cardiovascular, pulmonary,
and hematologic research, transfusion medicine, and sleep disorders can be
increased.  Furthermore, these minority individuals may serve as role models for
minority undergraduate and graduate students, and stimulate these students to
become more cognizant of research opportunities in cardiovascular, pulmonary, and
hematologic disease, and sleep disorders.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS

It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their
sub-populations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral
research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling
rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with
respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research.  This
policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public
Law 103-43).  All investigators proposing research involving human subjects
should read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects
in Clinical Research," which have been published in the Federal Register of March
20, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513), and in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Vol.
23, No. 11, March 18, 1994.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by August 3, 1998, a letter of intent
that includes the name, address, and telephone number of the Principal
Investigator, the identities of other key personnel and participating
institutions, and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the
application may be submitted.

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter
into the review of subsequent applications, the information that it contains
allows NIH staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict
of interest in the review.  The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. C. James
Scheirer at the address listed under APPLICATION PROCEDURES.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted on the research grant application form PHS 398
(rev. 5/95).  These forms are available at most institutional offices of
sponsored research and from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information
Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910,
Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov; and
from the NIH website at: grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm

The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be
affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application.  Failure to use this
label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not
reach the review committee in time for the review.  In addition, the RFA title
and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and
the YES box must be marked.

Submit the completed, signed application and three exact photocopies to:

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

Two additional copies of the application must be sent to:

NHLBI Research Training Review Special Emphasis Panel
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7924
Bethesda, MD  20892-7924

Supplemental Instructions for completing and submitting the application may be
obtained from the program contacts listed under INQUIRIES.

Applications must be received by September 23, 1998.  If an application is
received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. 
The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in
response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently pending
initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application.  The CSR
will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already
reviewed.  This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of
applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an introduction
addressing the previous critique.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications received in response to this RFA will be reviewed for completeness
by the CSR and responsive by the NHLBI.  Applications will be reviewed initially
for the potential to develop the candidate's research career and for scientific
and technical merit by an NHLBI review group composed mostly of non-Federal
scientific consultants (initial review group).  Applications will be reviewed for
technical merit in the latter months of 1998 and be considered by the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council at their meeting in February 1999.

The criteria for initial review of applications are:

1.  Candidate -- The candidate's overall competence as demonstrated by academic
record and performance, potential for a career in independent research, and
commitment or interest in pursuing an academic research career.

2.  Mentor(s) -- The mentor's accomplishments in the scientific research area(s)
proposed, experience and track record in training investigators, and commitment
for the duration of a candidate's research development.  A curriculum vitae with
relevant publications and a list of current and pending research support must be
included for all sponsors.  Mentors should also include a list of current and
past research trainees (not more than the last 10 years) with information on
their current positions.

3.  Environment -- The applicant institution's ability to provide adequate
facilities, resources, and opportunities necessary for the candidate's training,
and the institutional commitment to the candidate.  If different from the
applicant institution, the quality and extent of interaction of the faculty in
the basic and clinical sciences, and the quality of the research and research
training programs at the mentor's institution.

4.  Career Development Plan -- The adequacy of the research career development
plan, based on the candidate's past research experience, training, and career
goals.

5.  Research Project -- Scientific merit of the proposed research project and its
appropriateness as a vehicle for developing the candidate's research skills.

6.  Other Considerations -- The personnel category will be reviewed for
appropriate staffing based on the requested percent effort and justification
provided.

Applications must describe plans to receive instruction in the responsible
conduct of research.  These plans must detail the proposed subject matter, format
frequency and duration of instruction.

AWARD CRITERIA

The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

o  Technical merit of the application as determined by peer review;
o  Availability of funds; and
o  Program balance among the research areas of the RFA.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged.  The opportunity to clarify any
issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Michael Commarato, Ph.D. or Beth Schucker, M.A.
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7940
Bethesda, MD  20892-7940
Telephone:  (301) 435-0530
FAX:  (301) 480-1454
Email:  michael_commarato@nih.gov
        beth_schucker@nih.gov

Mary Reilly, M.S. or Ann Rothgeb
Division of Lung Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7952
Bethesda, MD  20892-7952
Telephone:  (301) 435-0222
FAX:  (301) 480-3557
Email:  mary_reilly@nih.gov
        ann_rothgeb@nih.gov

LeeAnn Jensen, Ph.D.
Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7950
Bethesda, MD  20892-7950
Telephone:  (301) 435-0065
FAX:  (301) 480-1060
Email:  leeann_jensen@nih.gov

Thomas Blaszkowski, Ph.D.
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7938
Bethesda, MD  20892-7938
Telephone:  (301) 435-0433
FAX:  (301) 480-1864
Email:  thomas_blaszkowski@nih.gov

James Kiley, Ph.D.
National Center for Sleep Disorders Research
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7920
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 435-0199
FAX:  (301) 480-3451
Email:  james_kiley@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal and administrative matters to:

Marie Willett
Grants Operations Branch, Heart Section
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, MD  20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0177
FAX:  (301) 480-3310
Email:  marie_willett@nih.gov

Raymond L. Zimmerman
Grants Operations Branch, Lung Section
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, MD  20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0177
FAX:  (301) 480-3310
Email:  raymond_zimmerman@nih.gov

Jane Davis
Grants Operations Branch, Blood Section
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, MD  20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0166
FAX:  (301) 480-3310
Email:  jane_davis@nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, numbers
93.233, 93.837, 93.838, and 93.839.  Awards are made under the authority of the
Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by
Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and administered under PHS grant policies
and Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 74.  This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or
a Health Systems Agency Review.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products.  In addition,
Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain
facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or
routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development
services are provided to children.  This is consistent with the PHS mission to
protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.


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