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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