MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION RESEARCH NETWORKS IN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE Release Date: October 4, 2001 RFA: RFA-NS-02-011 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/) Letter of Intent Receipt Date: December 17, 2001 Application Receipt Date: January 18, 2002 THIS RFA USES "MODULAR GRANT" AND "JUST-IN-TIME" CONCEPTS. MODULAR INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE USED FOR RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATIONS REQUESTING LESS THAN $250,000 PER YEAR IN ALL YEARS. MODULAR BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED IN SECTION C OF THE PHS 398 (REVISION 5/2001) AVAILABLE AT http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html. PURPOSE The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) invites grant applications for the formation of cross-disciplinary networks of scientists interested in studying the neural mechanisms of cognition and other complex behaviors. These research networks will allow the formation of novel collaborations among cognitive scientists, neuroscientists, behavioral and computational neuroscientists, imaging specialists and clinical scientists in order to develop integrative and cutting edge research programs that advance our understanding of the circuits and pathways of cognitive function. The research plan for these networks must be driven by a cognitive neuroscience question (e.g., neural mechanisms of attention, emotion, language acquisition, memory, perception, sensorimotor integration in various model systems and in various clinical populations) and must combine imaging techniques with other psychophysiological methods. This RFA is intended to begin a process where scientists from various disciplines can overcome barriers to cross-disciplinary research agendas addressing the dynamic nature of underlying physiological and cognitive systems. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background An NINDS workshop on dynamic neuroimaging and multimodal methodologies in Cognitive Neuroscience was held on the NIH campus on November 28 29, 2000 to discuss the opportunities and needs for development of research programs in Cognitive Neuroscience that focus on the integration of multiple technologies in order to advance our understanding of the circuits and pathways of cognitive function. As a result of the recommendations from this workshop, this RFA is seeking applications that will foster this integration and create a forum for interdisciplinary research approaches. Cognitive Neuroscience, by its very nature, involves the interface of physiological, psychological, and computational approaches to understanding cognition. While brain imaging techniques have given us greater insight into many cognitive processes, current analyses have assumed a single brain state corresponding to a single pattern of activity. In order to progress beyond localization of activation, it is necessary to understand the interactions among brain areas. One promising approach is multimodal integration - the combination of imaging and electrophysiological recording techniques to increase the precision of temporal and spatial data beyond what is possible with the use of a single technique. This initiative will focus on the formation of cross-disciplinary networks of scientists interested in studying the neural circuits and pathways of cognitive function. These networks are intended to facilitate the use of dynamic neuroimaging that integrates methodologies such as electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, evoked related potentials, transcranial magnetic stimulation, event related optical signals, diffusion tensor imaging (EEG, MEG, ERP, TMS, EROS, DTI). The goal of this RFA is to act as a catalyst for the formation of novel collaborations among cognitive scientists, neuroscientists, behavioral and computational neuroscientists, imaging specialists and clinical scientists. Applications received in response to this RFA must include a research plan for an integrative and cutting edge research program that advance our understanding of the circuits and pathways involved in any specified cognitive neuroscience question. Research Goals and Topics Approaches that simultaneously employ fMRI or PET with noninvasive electrophysiological techniques provide increased spatial and temporal resolution and improve the interpretation of data on any given cognitive tasks. Electrophysiological measures have a temporal resolution in the millisecond time frame whereas the ultimate temporal resolution of fMRI techniques might be limited by the speed of the hemodynamic response (in the range of seconds), although the scan time for fast fMRI techniques (e.g., echo planar imaging) can be in the range of 100 ms or less. Moreover, important information about attributes of brain function can be gained from the relationship between brain areas in their temporal dynamics (temporal cross correlation, sharp rise time, stimulus decay, sustained activation). It is clear that innovative solutions for quantifying and analyzing cognitive neuroimaging data will require close collaborations among scientific teams centrally involving statistical, computational scientists, cognitive neuroscientists and biophysicists. The Networks proposed under this RFA must present a creative and well-designed research plan that address cognitive neuroscience questions that benefit from integrative perspectives. Examples of potential research questions would include but not be limited to issues such as: o Functional and effective connectivity mapping by combining neuroimaging and psychophysical measures. o Studies of pathways of cognition with improved design in neuroimaging strategies such as event-related imaging, diffusion imaging, echo planar imaging, event-related optical signals. o Validation of neural and behavioral models using neuroimaging and multi-array recording. o Studies that compare and calibrate optical imaging data with direct electrical recordings. o Development of quantitative methods that facilitate integration and synthesis among modalities (fMRI, EEG, MEG, ERP, EROS, DTI,TMS etc..) o Development of computational modeling systems to provide theoretical integration of cognitive functioning and dynamic brain activity. o Development of more sophisticated statistical methods and parallel data processing algorithms to incorporate and integrate results from multiple methodologies. Funded network activities might include opportunities for training and hosting among network scientists at alternative laboratories or research settings to facilitate collaborative grant writing and/or pilot funding for collaborative feasibility studies. The purpose of these activities and meetings will be to refine conceptual frameworks for organizing cross-disciplinary research and identifying which specific questions and possible experiments show the greatest promise for advancement. Networks must include representation from multiple disciplines. For example, a network would include investigators with demonstrated expertise in fMRI, neurophysiology, statistics, signal processing and clinical neuroscience. Investigators are encouraged to participate in only one network, although exceptions can be made with appropriate scientific justifications. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Principal investigators of grants resulting from this RFA will be asked to participate in yearly meetings to report progress, discuss problems, and share information related to the conduct of their networks. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 award mechanism. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed networks will be solely that of the applicant. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed three years. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. Future unsolicited competing continuation applications will compete with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed according to the customary peer review procedures. The earliest award date is September 30, 2002. Specific application instructions have been modified to reflect "MODULAR GRANT" and "JUST-IN-TIME" streamlining efforts that have been adopted by the NIH. Complete and detailed instructions and information on Modular Grant applications have been incorporated into the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001). Additional information on Modular Grants can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm FUNDS AVAILABLE The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke intend to commit $3,000,000 to fund approximately 6-8 new networks in response to this RFA ($1.5M in FY 2002 and $1.5M in FY 2003). An applicant may request a project period of up to three years and a budget for direct costs of up to $250,000 per year (or up to $275,000 per year for network grants that include more than one institution to allow for facilities and administrative (F&A) costs on consortium arrangements), to support research funding for network projects, travel, meeting expenses, and cross-training of network scientists. All applications submitted in response to this RFA must follow modular grant procedures. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed may vary, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of the institute provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of outstanding scientific and technical merit. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their applications with program staff listed under INQUIRIES prior to the submission. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. 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: Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 2109 Bethesda, MD 20892-9521 Telephone: (301) 496-9964 FAX: (301) 402-2060 Email: ee48r@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding review issues to: Lillian Pubols, Ph.D. Chief, Scientific Review Branch National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3208 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-9223 FAX: (301) 402-0182 Email: lp28e@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ken Bond Grants Management Branch National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3290 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-9231 FAX: (301) 402-0219 Email: bondk@nih.gov LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed network, the name, address, and telephone number of the principal investigators participating in the proposed network, 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 a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NINDS staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent must be received by December 17, 2001 as listed in the heading of this RFA. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D. Program Director National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 2109 Bethesda, MD 20892-9521 Telephone: (301) 496-9964 FAX: (301) 402-2060 Email: ee48r@nih.gov SCHEDULE Letter of Intent Receipt Date: December 17, 2001 Application Receipt Date: January 18, 2002 Peer Review Date: June 2002 Council Review: September 2002 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2002 Some of the applications selected for funding under this RFA will be awarded in fiscal year 2002 (earliest start date of September 30, 2002), and some will be awarded in fiscal year 2003 (earliest start date of December 1, 2002). While NINDS will attempt to accommodate the requested start date shown on the PHS 398 application face page, some applications will be funded in FY 2003. The start date will not affect the likelihood of funding. APPLICATION PROCEDURES The PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001)available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html are to be used in applying for these grants. This version of the PHS 398 is available in an interactive format. For further assistance contact Grants Info, Telephone 301/710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov. ALLOWABLE COSTS Requests for funds to support attendance at these meetings, to be held in the Washington, D.C. area, should be included as a part of the budget proposal. Funds may also be requested to support administrative costs for the Network Director, communication costs, travel expenses in order to attend and participate in the scheduled activities and meetings of the network, as well as the evaluation and analysis of pilot data by network members. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS For the purposes of this RFA, all applications must follow modular grant procedures. The modular grant concept establishes specific modules in which direct costs may be requested as well as a maximum level for requested budgets. Only limited budgetary information is required under this approach. The just-in-time concept 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, reviewers and NIH staff. The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html is to be used in applying for these grants, with modular budget instructions provided in Section C of the application instructions. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. Type the RFA number on the label. 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 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. The RFA label is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package 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) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Lillian Pubols, Ph.D. Chief, Scientific Review Branch National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3208 Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service) Applications must be received by the application receipt date listed in the Heading of this RFA. 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 Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR and responsiveness by NINDS staff. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NINDS in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the NINDS National Advisory Council. Review Criteria The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. In the written comments reviewers will be asked to discuss the following aspects of the application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note that the application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward. (1) Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? (2) Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? (3) Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or method? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? (4) Investigator: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)? (5) Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? Additional criteria that are specific for applications received under this RFA include: o Scientific, technical, or medical significance of the goals that the network is designed to achieve. Is there evidence that the integrative approach proposed in the network application will address the dynamic nature of cognitive systems? o Appropriateness and adequacy of the proposed network design and membership for achieving these goals through cross-disciplinary interaction. o Feasibility of network participants successfully completing scheduled meetings and activities. In addition to the above criteria, in accordance with NIH policy, all applications will also be reviewed with respect to the following: O The adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities and their subgroups, and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. O The reasonableness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research. O The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals or the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project proposed in the application. O The adequacies of the proposed plan to share data, if appropriate. AWARD CRITERIA Award criteria that will be used to make award decisions include: o scientific merit (as determined by peer review) o availability of funds o programmatic priorities Only applications judged to have met the highest scientific standards of excellence will be considered for award. Networks must demonstrate feasibility for integrated discussions among investigators in pursuit of cross-disciplinary research agendas. Networks proposing themes that address high-risk experimental questions, but with high potential benefits, will be given careful consideration. 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 are provided indicating 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 UPDATED "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on August 2, 2000 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-048.html), a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm. The revisions relate to NIH defined Phase III clinical trials and require: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols to provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable, and b) all investigators to report accrual, and to conduct and report analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of NIH that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt dates after October 1, 1998. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines on the Inclusion of Children as Participants in Research Involving Human Subjects" that was published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is available at the following URL address: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. URLS IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Reviewers are cautioned that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site. REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human subjects. This policy announcement is found in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement dated June 5, 2000, at the following website: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm Applicants may wish to place data collected under this RFA in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award. 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 Request for Applications (RFA), Multimodal Integration Research Networks in Cognitive Neuroscience, is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/. AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.853. Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 74 and 92. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The NIH Grants Policy Statement is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm. This document includes general information about the grant application and review process, information on the terms and conditions that apply to NIH grants and cooperative agreements, and a listing of pertinent offices and officials at the NIH. The PHS strongly encourages all grant 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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