kristoff@GENBANK.BIO.NET (Dave Kristofferson) (04/18/91)
NOTE: The NIH Guide may be split into more than one mail message to
avoid truncation during e-mail distribution. The first message always
begins with the RFP/RFA summary sections followed by the appended
texts of the full RFP/RFAs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
$$XID NIHGUIDE 19910419 V20N16 P1O1 ************************************
X-comment: RFAs described: HG-91-02
NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 16, April 19, 1991
$$INDEX BEGIN **********************************************************
NOTICES
$$INDEX N1 *************************************************************
THE NATIONAL CELL CULTURE CENTER
National Center for Research Resources
Index: RESEARCH RESOURCES
$$INDEX N2 *************************************************************
NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS USING PHS FORM 416-1
National Institutes of Health
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
Index: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)
$$INDEX R1 07/15/91 ****************************************************
NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR DETECTING ALL GENES AND CODING REGIONS IN
GENOMIC DNA (HG-91-02)
National Center for Human Genome Research
Index: HUMAN GENOME
ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
$$INDEX P1 *************************************************************
SPECIALIZED MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTERS
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTERS (PA-91-43)
National Institute of Mental Health
Index: MENTAL HEALTH
$$INDEX P2 *************************************************************
RESEARCH GRANTS ON THE NEUROLOGICAL BASIS OF COGNITION (PA-91-44)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Index: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE
ERRATA
$$INDEX E1 *************************************************************
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH ACADEMIC AWARD (PA-91-38)
National Institute of Mental Health
Index: MENTAL HEALTH
$$INDEX END ************************************************************
NOTICES
$$N1 BEGIN *************************************************************
THE NATIONAL CELL CULTURE CENTER
P.T. 34; K.W. 0780015, 0780000, 0760045
National Center for Research Resources
The National Cell Culture Center is a resource facility that
provides large scale mammalian cell culture services. The
Center, available to researchers throughout the United States,
has been established to alleviate the current shortage of
facilities and expertise required to meet the cell culture
needs of the biomedical research community.
Specifically, the Cell Culture Center supports basic research
and provides investigators with the following customized
services:
o Large quantity production of mammalian cells in suspension
or monolayer cultures. Quantities range from 10 to 150 liters.
o Large quantity production of monoclonal antibodies.
Quantities range from 0.5 to 100 grams.
o Large quantity production of non-hybridoma cell secreted
proteins. Quantities vary depending on individual cell lines.
An application form, obtained from the Cell Culture Center,
should contain a description of the relevant research project.
Following approval of the application by the Cell Culture
Center's Scientific Advisory Board, the applicant's cell line
is sent to the Center, and grown to the requested amount.
Researchers are charged only for the consumable materials and a
portion of the labor costs required for each project.
Application forms and inquiries should be directed to:
Mark Hirschel, Ph.D.
Director
National Cell Culture Center
Endotronics, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN 55433
Telephone: 1-800-325-1112
The Cell Culture Center is supported by a cooperative agreement
award from the National Center for Research Resources, NIH.
$$N1 END ***************************************************************
$$N2 BEGIN *************************************************************
NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS USING PHS FORM 416-1
P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006
National Institutes of Health
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
INSERT FLYER FOR APPLICANTS USING PHS FORM 416-1 REGARDING
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NIH/ADAMHA POLICY CONCERNING INCLUSION
OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY POPULATIONS
The purpose of this notice is to provide special
instructions to research grant and cooperative agreement
applicants using Form PHS 416-1, regarding NIH and ADAMHA
policies concerning the inclusion of women and minorities in
clinical research study populations. These policies were
published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on
February 8, 1991, Vol. 20, No. 6.
PRIORITY ANNOUNCEMENT
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS USING FORM PHS 416-1
REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NIH/ADAMHA POLICY
CONCERNING INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES
IN CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY POPULATIONS
NOTE: THESE INSTRUCTIONS APPLY ONLY TO THE LIMITED NUMBER OF GRANT
AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT APPLICANTS WHO PROPOSE CLINICAL
RESEARCH STUDIES, WHICH INCLUDE HUMAN BIOMEDICAL AND
BEHAVIORAL STUDIES OF ETIOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, PREVENTION
(AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES), DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF
DISEASES, DISORDERS, OR CONDITIONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
CLINICAL TRIALS.
NIH and ADAMHA policy is that applicants for NIH/ADAMHA
clinical research grants, cooperative agreements and
contracts will be required to include minorities and women
in study populations so that research findings can be of
benefit to all persons at risk of the disease, disorder or
condition under study; special emphasis should be placed on
the need for inclusion of minorities and women in studies of
diseases, disorders and conditions which disproportionately
affect them. If women or minorities are not included or are
inadequately represented in clinical research, particularly
in proposed populations-based studies, a clear, compelling
rationale should be provided.
Applicants are urged to assess carefully the feasibility of
including the broadest possible representation of minority
groups. However, NIH and ADAMHA recognize that it may not
be feasible or appropriate in all research projects to
include representation of the full array of United States
racial/ethnic minority populations (i.e, Native Americans
(American Indians or Alaskan Natives), Asian/Pacific
Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics). The rationale for studies on
single minority population groups should be provided.
Beginning immediately, all applications submitted to
NIH/ADAMHA will be required to address this policy.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Applications must include a description of the composition of
the proposed study population in terms of gender and
racial/ethnic group, together with a rationale for its
choice. In addition, gender and racial/ethnic issues should
be addressed in developing a research design and sample size
appropriate for the scientific objectives of the study.
This information should be included in the form PHS 416-1 in
Part I (Applicant), Item 29.b. (1) - (3) of the Research
Proposal AND summarized in 29.b. (5) Human Subjects/Vertebrate
Animals, and in Part II (Sponsor), Item 36. Human Subjects.
Applications must employ a study design with gender and/or
minority representation (by age distribution, risk factors,
incidence/prevalence, etc.) appropriate to the scientific
objectives of the disease, disorder or condition being
studied.
It is not an automatic requirement for the study design to
provide statistical power to answer the questions posed for
men and women and racial/ethnic groups separately; however,
whenever there are scientific reasons to anticipate
differences between men and women with regard to the
hypothesis under investigation, applicants should include an
evaluation of gender and minority group differences in the
proposed study.
If adequate inclusion of women or minorities is impossible
or inappropriate with respect to the purpose of the
research, the health of the subjects, or other reasons, or
if in the only study population available there is a
disproportionate representation of one gender or
minority/majority group, the rationale for the study
population must be well explained and justified in the
application.
The usual NIH policies concerning research on human subjects
also apply. Basic research or clinical studies in which
human tissues cannot be identified or linked to individuals
are excluded. However, every effort should be made to
include human tissues from women and racial/ethnic
minorities when it is important to apply the results of the
study broadly, and this should be addressed in the application.
PEER REVIEW
Scientific Review Administrators (formerly Executive Secretaries)
of the Initial Review Groups (IRGs)
will request written clarification from the applicant when
the application does not describe and justify the gender or
minority composition of the study population. If such
information is not contained within the application, and is
not provided upon request, the application will be deferred
without IRG review until it is complete, or be returned to
the applicant. In the case of responses to RFAs with single
receipt dates, applications that are not brought into
compliance will be returned without review, rather than
deferred.
Scientific Review Administrators of all scientific IRGs will instruct
the IRG members that the assessment of scientific and technical merit of
applications must include an evaluation of the proposed gender and
minority composition of the study population and its appropriateness to
the scientific objectives of the study and to this policy. If the
representation of women and minorities in a study design is inadequate
to answer the scientific question(s) addressed AND the justification for
the selected study population is inadequate, it will be considered a
scientific weakness or deficiency in the study design and will be
reflected in the assigned score given to the application. When
preparing the summary statement, the Scientific Review Administrator
will summarize the findings and recommendations of the reviewers on this
policy in a special section at the end of the Critique sub-headed:
Women and Minority Subjects.
Regardless of the priority score, percentile ranking or
program relevance of the proposed research, the NIH and
ADAMHA funding components will not fund/award grants that do
not comply with this policy.
APPLICANTS SHOULD CONTACT NIH/ADAMHA PROGRAM STAFF FOR
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE IN INTERPRETING THIS POLICY IN THE
CONTEXT OF ANY SPECIFIC INSTITUTE, CENTER OR DIVISION
RESEARCH PROGRAM OF NIH/ADAMHA.
For further information or for questions concering this notice,
contact:
Dr. Samuel Joseloff
Chief, Office of Grants Inquiries
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 449
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-7441
$$N2 END ***************************************************************
NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)
$$R1 BEGIN HG-91-02 FULL-TEXT ******************************************
NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR DETECTING ALL GENES AND CODING REGIONS
IN GENOMIC DNA
RFA AVAILABLE: HG-91-02
P.T. 34; K.W. 1215018, 0755045, 1002008, 1002058
National Center For Human Genome Research
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: June 17, 1991
Application Receipt Date: July 15, 1991
The National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR)
invites applications for assistance awards to support the
development of new technologies capable of (1) detecting all
coding sequences and/or genes in genomic DNA or (2)
preparing complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries that are
representative of all expressed genes.
BACKGROUND
There are several approaches to detecting coding information
in the genome: (1) identification of cDNAs representing
expressed genes; (2) identification of sequences conserved
across species; and (3) identification of sequences capable
of being expressed, using techniques such as exon trapping.
Problems in using these approaches for thorough screening of
the genome include the low abundance of many mRNAs and the
differential tissue or developmental expression of many
genes. Given the magnitude of the effort necessary to
identify all genes and/or coding sequences and to
differentiate non-coding sequences from coding sequences,
new or significantly improved strategies need to be
developed to insure that all coding sequences located within
a region of genomic DNA can be identified and characterized
in an expeditious and cost-effective manner.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN
RESEARCH STUDIES
NIH policies concerning research on human subjects apply to this
program. For projects involving clinical research, NIH requires
applicants to give special attention to the inclusion of women and
minorities in study populations. Basic research or clinical studies
in which human tissues cannot be identified or linked to individuals
are excluded from this requirement. However, every effort should
be made to include human tissues from women and racial/ethnic
minorities when it is important to apply the results of the study
broadly, and this must be addressed by applicants.
RESEARCH SCOPE
Projects responsive to this Request for Applications (RFA) should seek
to develop new technologies or research strategies to identify genes
and/or coding sequences in genomic DNA or to isolate cDNAs in a rapid,
thorough and cost-effective manner. Applications in the following areas
are encouraged:
o Methods of identifying all the genes or complete
coding regions directly from genomic DNA;
o New methods of generating high quality, full-
length cDNAs;
o New methods of generating and ordering cDNA
libraries that are representative of the complete
coding information content of genomic DNA or of
all coding regions expressed in various tissues.
Emphasis will be on projects that are based on experimental
rather than computational approaches.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
Support for this program will be through research grants
(R01s). The total amount of support available for grants
under this RFA is approximately $1.5 million for the first
year of the project and is contingent upon the appropriation
of funds for this purpose. Approximately six awards will be
made and will be contingent upon the quality of the
applications received.
ELIGIBILITY
Domestic universities, medical colleges, hospitals, and other public
or private research institutions, including State and local
government units, are eligible. Applications from minority
investigators and women are encouraged.
LETTER OF INTENT
Potential applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent
by June 17, 1991. This letter should include a descriptive
title of the proposed research, name of the Principal
Investigator and other key investigators and their
institutions. The letter of intent does not commit the
sender to submit an application, nor is it a requirement for
submission of an application. Letters of intent should be
sent to the program person listed at the end of this RFA.
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
Applications in response to this announcement will be
reviewed in accordance with the usual NIH peer review
procedures. Applications will be screened first by NIH staff for
responsiveness to this RFA. Those deemed non-
responsive will be returned to applicants or referred to the
Division of Research Grants for processing by the regular
procedure. If a large number of responsive applications is
received, they will undergo a preliminary peer review by the
Genome Research Review Committee, NCHGR, to identify the
most meritorious ones. Applications that are deemed
non-competitive by this process will receive only a brief
critique and will not be reviewed further. The remaining
applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical
merit by the Genome Research Review Group, NCHGR. The
second level of review will be conducted by an appropriate
national advisory council. Review criteria include the
following:
o Originality and innovativeness of the approach;
o Overall scientific and technical merit of the
research;
o The potential of the proposed work to attain the
research objectives outlined in this RFA;
o Training, experience, research competence, and
dedication of the investigator(s);
o Adequacy of available facilities;
o Provision for the protection of human subjects and
the humane care of animals; and
o Appropriateness of the requested budget for the work
proposed.
Applications must be submitted using the form PHS 398
(rev. 10/88). The RFA label available in the revised
application kit MUST be affixed to the bottom of the face
page. 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. Application kits are
available in the business or grants offices at most academic
or research institutions and from the Division of Research
Grants, National Institutes of Health.
TIMETABLE:
Receipt Date: July 15, 1991
IRG Review: November 1991
Council Review: February 1992
Earliest Funding Date: April 1992
It is essential that applicants type "New Technologies for
Detecting Genes in Genomic DNA" and the RFA number,
HG-91-02, on line 2 on the face page of the application
form. The original and four copies of the application
must be submitted to:
Grant Application Receipt Office
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20892**
To expedite the review process, it is also important to
submit two copies of the application directly to:
Office of Scientific Review
National Center for Human Genome Research
National Institutes of Health
Building 38A, Room 604
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
Funding decisions will be based on recommendations of the
initial review group and the advisory council regarding
scientific merit and program relevance, and on the
availability of funds.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact staff very
early in the planning phase of the application. For more
information regarding the program or a complete copy of the
RFA, please contact:
Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D.
Chief, Research Grants Branch
National Center for Human Genome Research
National Institutes of Health
Building 38A, Room 610
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-7531
E-mail: B2G@NIHCU.BITNET; B2G@CU.NIH.GOV
For information about PHS Grant Policy, applicants may
contact:
Ms. Alice Thomas
Chief, Grants and Contracts Management Branch
National Center for Human Genome Research
Building 38A, Room 613
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
The program and grants management officials welcome the
opportunity to clarify any issues or questions related to
this RFA and encourage written or telephone inquiries.
$$R1 END ***************************************************************
ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
$$P1 BEGIN *************************************************************
SPECIALIZED MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTERS
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTERS
PA: PA-91-43
P.T. 04; K.W. 0715095, 0715129
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health seeks applications for the
support of Specialized Mental Health Clinical Research Centers
(SMH-CRC) and General Mental Health Clinical Research Centers (GMH-
CRC). An SMH-CRC provides research resources that are to be used
by a cooperating group of researchers as the foundation for a
research program focused around a single major theme, typically a
mental disorder or a group of closely related disorders. A GMH-
CRC has no single thematic focus but provides the enabling research
infrastructure to support a broad range of mental health clinical
investigations; it may have multiple research foci that are not
necessarily related in nature. Both types of centers provide
infrastructure support, rather than support for specific research
studies.
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 program
announcement, "Specialized Mental Health Clinical Research Centers;
General Mental Health Clinical Research Centers," is related to the
priority area of mental health. Potential applicants may obtain a copy
of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or
"Healthy People 2000" (Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402-9325 (telephone 202-783-3238).
This announcement supersedes the prior announcements for Mental
Health Clinical Research Centers (MH-CRC) and Clinical Research
Centers for the Study of the Psychopathology of the Elderly
(CRC/PE) and will govern future competitive renewals for existing
Centers, as well as applications for new Centers.
These grants are available to any public or private, nonprofit
institution, such as a university, college, hospital, or community
agency, units of State and local government, authorized units of the
Federal Government, and for-profit institutions and entities. Each of
the Centers should involve a clinical facility with research laboratory
capability and be affiliated with a major university or research center.
No organization may have both an SMH-CRC and a GMH-CRC, and it may not
have more than one GMH-CRC.
Applications for NIMH grants are required to include both women and
minorities in study populations for clinical research. Research
projects that use Center resources should incorporate into their
study design gender and/or minority representation appropriate to
the scientific objectives of the work proposed. If representation
of women or minorities in sufficient numbers to permit assessment
of differential effects is not feasible or is not appropriate, the
reasons for this must be explained and justified.
There are two categories of grant applications under each of these
two different programs: applications for Developing Centers (P20)
and applications for Mature Centers (P30). The intent is to
encourage the broadened use of the clinical research center
approach across a wide range of institutions at various stages of
research capacity development. The funding cap for grants for
Developing Centers is $300,000, plus negotiated institutional
indirect costs. The funding cap for Mature Centers is $1,000,000,
plus negotiated institutional indirect costs.
All of the following characteristics must be apparent in each
application: Each Center should provide an environment of
scientific excellence that will assure the highest quality research
and leadership in its particular area(s) of investigation. Each
SMH-CRC and GMH-CRC must include a research apprentice or career
development component that is an integral aspect of training
programs in psychiatry, nursing, social work, clinical psychology,
and/or graduate training programs in basic science departments in
medical and graduate schools. Each Center must have a
scientifically and administratively well-qualified Center Director
with primary responsibility for administration. He or she is
responsible for the overall coordination and development of the
Center as a valuable integral resource for the parent institution
and for the quality of the ongoing research.
The Center must have an administrative structure that will assure
maximum effectiveness and efficiency of operation and sound
financial practices. The Center should have access to sufficient
inpatient and/or outpatient facilities to ensure availability of
patients for the specific clinical research programs. The Center
accomplishes its research goals through the provision of core
facilities and research laboratories that provide an infrastructure
for the independently funded research associated with the Center.
The provision of these facilities is designed to enhance the
overall research effort.
One of the most important roles of a Developing Center is that of
a magnet to draw other high quality scientists, laboratories, and
project grants into the Center. Application for a Developing
Center should not be made if the resources for a full operating
Center are present. Each Developing CRC should be capable of
providing research experience for at least two research apprentices
annually. Such apprenticeships shall be made available to junior
faculty and postdoctoral staff, as well as senior residents.
Criteria for Developing Centers include the quality and extent of
institutional support available to facilitate the development of
the Center; the likelihood that the Center will develop into a
fully mature Center during the five years of support; the quality of
the plans to recruit excellent, new research faculty; and the
likelihood that the establishment of a Developing Center will
facilitate the existing research activities.
For a Mature Center, the research program must be focused on an
organizing theme which should be a clearly defined mental disorder
or related group of disorders or a specific mental health problem
or issue of major scientific and/or public health importance. The
following criteria apply specifically to MH-CRCs: the quality,
appropriateness, and originality of the integrating theme,
including its logic and linear development; the appropriateness and
novelty of the research questions being asked; and the kind and
degree of synergistic potential of the individually supported
research projects.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed according to the regular
Center review schedule. Funding for Developmental Centers is for
a five-year period only. Funding for Mature Centers can be for a
maximum project period of five years, and additional project periods
may be funded following competitive renewal. Actual amounts and
years of support that may be approved and awarded will depend on
the appropriate level of support necessary for the scientifically
meritorious work proposed.
Potential applicants may seek information and consultation from the
Division of Clinical Research, NIMH, by contacting:
Leonard Lash, Ph.D., Chief
Parklawn Building, Room 10-99
Telephone: (301) 443-3264
For Aging Clinical Research Centers:
Barry D. Lebowitz, Ph.D., Chief
Parklawn Building, Room 7-103
Telephone: (301) 443-1185
For grants management information:
Stephen J. Hudak
Parklawn Building, Room 7C-26
Telephone: (301) 443-4456
The address for all of the above is:
National Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.242. Under authority of Section 301 of the
Public Health Service Act, as amended PL 78-410, 42 U.S.C. 241,
the National Institute of Mental Health provides support for
Clinical Research Centers.
$$P1 END ***************************************************************
$$P2 BEGIN *************************************************************
RESEARCH GRANTS ON THE NEUROLOGICAL BASIS OF COGNITION
PA: PA-91-44
P.T. 34; K.W. 1002030, 0414005, 0705010
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
This program announcement, reissued by the Division of
Fundamental Neurosciences of the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), is designed
to encourage the submission of research grant applications
dealing with the neurological basis of cognitive processes.
I. BACKGROUND
The 1990s have been designated as the Decade of the Brain.
The 1980s saw a burgeoning of research into how the two
hemispheres of the mammalian brain differ in anatomy and in
their contributions to cognitive functions, and it can now
be expected that sophisticated physiological investigations
will provide a more thorough understanding of mechanisms
that underlie asymmetrical brain functions. Recent studies
have demonstrated a system of structures in the human brain
supporting mechanisms of attention; different components of
attention will likely be found to be associated with
different neural systems. Sex differences also have been
reported in brain functions underlying cognitive
processes, but possible reasons for these differences are
not yet well understood. Lately, research on cognitive
processes has intensified because of advances in
understanding the neurobiology of cognitive function. This
announcement encourages continued research in this field
and development of new investigative techniques.
II. SCOPE
The Division presently supports research on the nature of
the neurological basis of cognition, some of which resulted
from an announcement on the "Neurophysiology of Cognitive
Processes" issued a decade ago. The present announcement
supersedes the earlier one and is meant to expand this area
of research.
Examples of research areas:
Investigations envisioned by this announcement could
include the following:
o Localization of function with brain scanning devices,
using reliable methods of assessing such functions as
imagery, closure, autobiographical memory, different facets
of attention and problem solving.
o Neurophysiological and noninvasive neuropsychological
research on nonhuman primates engaged in language-relevant
communication, including the use of numbers. If, as in the
human being and certain birds, there is asymmetrical
function, tracking the localization as it develops can
provide further insight into the nature of the mechanisms.
o Comprehensive analysis of gender differences on the
effects of circumscribed static neurological lesions upon
well-standardized cognitive measures, with attention to
comparing patients with either anterior or posterior
locations of lesions, subcortical or cortical locations,
right or nonright handedness, etc.
o Neurophysiological measures obtained from nonhuman
primates engaged in repetitive event-related activities.
Certain theories about brain function during event-related
potentials might profitably be tested in primates or other
nonlissencephalic animals. Noninvasive methods could be
used with the more rare and endangered species.
o Investigations of episodic and semantic memory which
could lead to biologically based distinctions.
III. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
The support mechanisms for grants in this area are
individual research grants (RO1), program projects (PO1),
and First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) awards
(R29).
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
Applications are to be prepared on form PHS 398 (rev.
10/88) using the instructions included in the application
kit available from the Office of Sponsored Research at most
institutions, from the Division of Research Grants,
National Institutes of Health, Westwood Building, Room 449,
Bethesda, MD 20892, or from the NINDS address given below.
Additional application guidelines for NINDS PO1
applications should be obtained from NINDS (see below).
Receipt dates for new research project grant and FIRST
award applications are February 1, June 1, and October 1.
To identify responses to this announcement, indicate
"Research Grants on the Neurological Basis of Cognition, PA-91-44"
under item 2 of page 1. A mailing label is provided in the
application kit. Send the signed original and six exact
copies to:
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD 20892**
Applications for research project grants and FIRST awards
will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an
appropriate study section in the Division of Research
Grants. Secondary review will be provided by an appropriate
national advisory council. Applications
judged to be within the purview of other Institutes of NIH
will be assigned accordingly, e.g., applications dealing
with cognition and aging would be sent to NIA.
Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical
Research Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center
for Research Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a
resource for conducting the proposed research. In such a
case, a letter of agreement from either the GCRC progam
director or Principal Investigator may be included in the
application.
For further information, and for program project guidelines
(P01s), potential applicants are encouraged to call or
write to:
Herbert C. Lansdell, Ph.D.
Division of Fundamental Neurosciences
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Federal Building, Room 916
7550 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-5745
For fiscal and administrative matters, contact:
Patricia Driscoll
Grants Management Specialist
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Federal Building, Room 1004
7500 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-9231
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION
OF NIH POLICIES CONCERNING INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND
MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY POPULATIONS
NIH and ADAMHA policy is that applicants for NIH/ADAMHA
clinical research grants and cooperative agreements will be
required to include minorities and women in study
populations so that research findings can be of benefit to
all persons at risk of the disease, disorder or condition
under study; special emphasis should be placed on the need
for inclusion of minorities and women in studies of
diseases, disorders and conditions which disproportionately
affect them. This policy is intended to apply to males and
females of all ages. If women or minorities are excluded
or inadequately represented in clinical research,
particularly in proposed population-based studies, a clear
compelling rationale should be provided.
The composition of the proposed study population must be
described in terms of gender and racial/ethnic group,
together with a rationale for its choice. In addition,
gender and racial/ethnic issues should be addressed in
developing a research design and sample size appropriate
for the scientific objectives of the study. This
information should be included in the form PHS 398 in
Section 2, A-D of the Research Plan AND summarized in
Section 2, E, Human Subjects.
Applicants/offerors are urged to assess carefully the
feasibility of including the broadest possible
representation of minority groups. However, NIH recognizes
that it may not be feasible or appropriate in all research
projects to include representation of the full array of
United States racial/ethnic minority populations [i.e.,
Native Americans (including American Indians or Alaskan
Natives), Asian/Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics]. The
rationale for studies on single minority population groups
should be provided.
For the purpose of this policy, clinical research includes
human biomedical and behavioral studies of etiology,
epidemiology, prevention (and preventive strategies),
diagnosis, or treatment of diseases, disorders or
conditions, including, but not limited to, clinical trials.
The usual NIH policies concerning research on human
subjects also apply. Basic research or clinical studies in
which human tissues cannot be identified or linked to
individuals are excluded. However, every effort should be
made to include human tissues from women and racial/ethnic
minorities when it is important to apply the results of the
study broadly, and this should be addressed by applicants.
For foreign awards, the policy on inclusion of women
applies fully; since the definition of minority differs in
other countries, the applicant must discuss the relevance
of research involving foreign population groups to the
United States' populations, including minorities.
If the required information is not contained within the
application, the review will be deferred until the
information is provided. (For RFAs, change to read: If
the required information is not contained within the
application, the application will be returned.)
Peer reviewers will address specifically whether the
research plan in the application conforms to these
policies. If the representation of women or minorities in
a study design is inadequate to answer the scientific
question(s) addressed AND the justification for the
selected study population is inadequate, it will be
considered a scientific weakness or deficiency in the study
design and will be reflected in assigning the priority
score to the application.
All applications for clinical research submitted to NIH are
required to address these policies. NIH funding components
will not award grants or cooperative agreements that do not
comply with these policies.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applications for research grants may be made by public or
private for-profit or non-profit organizations, such as
universities, colleges, hospitals or laboratories, units of
State or local government, or authorized units of the
Federal Government. Women and minority investigators, in
particular, are encouraged to apply.
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance No. 93.854, Biological Basic Research
in the Neurosciences. Awards will be made under the
authority of the Public Health Service Act, Section 301 (42
USC 241) and administered under PHS grant policies and
Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74.
This program is not subject to review by a Health Systems
Agency.
$$P2 END ***************************************************************
ERRATA
$$E1 BEGIN *************************************************************
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH ACADEMIC AWARD
PA: PA-91-38
P.T. 34; K.W. 0715095, 0715129
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health announces that incorrect
information pertaining to funding was contained in the third
paragraph of the Clinical Mental Health Academic Award announcement
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 20, No. 13, March 29,
1991.
The funding information is as follows: NIMH will provide 75
percent of the base institutional salary, up to a maximum stipend
of $75,000 plus fringe for each year of the award. An additional
$25,000 may be requested each year for research and/or career
development support.
$$E1 END ***************************************************************
**THE MAILING ADDRESS GIVEN FOR SENDING APPLICATIONS TO THE DIVISION OF
RESEARCH GRANTS OR CONTACTING PROGRAM STAFF IN THE WESTWOOD BUILDING IS
THE CENTRAL MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.
APPLICANTS WHO USE EXPRESS MAIL OR A COURIER SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO
FOLLOW THE CARRIER'S REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWING A STREET ADDRESS. THE
ADDRESS FOR THE WESTWOOD BUILDING IS:
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20816
FULL TEXT OF RFAs FOR ONLINE ACCESS
$$XID RFA HG9102 HG-91-02 P1O1 *****************************************
NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR DETECTING ALL GENES AND CODING REGIONS
IN GENOMIC DNA
RFA: HG-91-02
P.T. 34; K.W. 1215018, 0755045, 1002008, 1002058
National Center For Human Genome Research
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: June 17, 1991
Application Receipt Date: July 15, 1991
The National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR)
invites applications for assistance awards to support the
development of new technologies capable of (1) detecting all
coding sequences and/or genes in genomic DNA or (2)
preparing complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries that are
representative of all expressed genes.
The NCHGR sponsors basic and applied research concerned with
the development and application of new technologies for the
characterization and analysis of the human genome and the
genomes of selected model organisms. The activities
encompassed by the NCHGR program include genetic and
physical mapping, DNA sequencing, informatics related to
mapping and sequencing, and technology development which
will facilitate all of these efforts. The NCHGR, in
conjunction with the Department of Energy, recently
formulated a five-year plan that identifies areas where
further research, including new technology development, is
needed if the characterization of the human and other
genomes is to proceed to the degree envisioned by the
scientific community. A copy of the five-year plan is
available from: Human Genome Management Information System;
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6050;
telephone number (615) 576-6669.
BACKGROUND
One of the long-range objectives of the Human Genome Program
is the sequencing of the 3 billion base pairs of human DNA
and the genomes of select model organisms. A challenge
attendant upon acquisition of a large amount of DNA sequence
is the identification of all coding sequences or genes
within it. To date only a small fraction of the estimated
50,000 to 100,000 human structural genes has been
identified. While over 5,000 diseases that are genetic in origin
have been identified,
only a small number of genes
associated with such diseases have been mapped and fewer
have been sequenced. The GenBank nucleic acid sequence
database lists approximately 2,800 expressed protein-coding
sequences which are of human origin. Most of these data
have been accumulated through the efforts of individual
investigators whose primary interest was in a particular
gene and its biology.
There are several approaches to detecting coding information
in the genome: (1) identification of cDNAs representing
expressed genes; (2) identification of sequences conserved
across species; and (3) identification of sequences capable
of being expressed, using techniques such as exon trapping.
Problems in using these approaches for thorough screening of
the genome include the low abundance of many mRNAs and the
differential tissue or developmental expression of many
genes. Given the magnitude of the effort necessary to
identify all genes and/or coding sequences and to
differentiate non-coding sequences from coding sequences,
new or significantly improved strategies need to be
developed to insure that all coding sequences located within
a region of genomic DNA can be identified and characterized
in an expeditious and cost-effective manner.
The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to
solicit applications for investigator-initiated research
projects in two areas: (1) the development of new methods
of identifying coding sequences or genes. As a guideline,
contigs on the order of two million base pairs are currently
being produced in the course of physical mapping projects
and new technologies for megabase sequencing are being
developed. Thus, two megabases of DNA appears to be a
reasonable target size in which to test the ability of any
new technology to identify all coding sequences. (2) The
development of more general and efficient methods of
preparing, isolating and characterizing libraries of intact
cDNAs. Current methods are limited, labor-intensive and
inefficient. These two areas represent a major challenge in
completely analyzing complex genomes.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN
RESEARCH STUDIES
NIH policies concerning research on human subjects apply to this
program. For projects involving clinical research, NIH requires
applicants to give special attention to the inclusion of women and
minorities in study populations. Basic research or clinical studies
in which human tissues cannot be identified or linked to individuals
are excluded from this requirement. However, every effort should
be made to include human tissues from women and racial/ethnic
minorities when it is important to apply the results of the study
broadly, and this must be addressed by applicants.
RESEARCH SCOPE
Projects responsive to this RFA should seek to develop new
technologies or research strategies to identify genes and/or
coding sequences in genomic DNA or to isolate cDNAs in a
rapid, thorough and cost-effective manner. Applications in
the following areas are encouraged:
o Methods of identifying all the genes or complete
coding regions directly from genomic DNA;
o New methods of generating high quality, full-length
cDNAs;
o New methods of generating and ordering cDNA libraries
that are representative of the complete coding
information content of genomic DNA or of all coding
regions expressed in various tissues.
Emphasis will be on projects that are based on experimental
rather than computational approaches. Computational-based
applications that focus on new technologies and approaches
to identifying all genes or coding sequences among several
million contiguous nucleotides of genomic sequence data
should be submitted under the regular program announcement,
"Mapping, DNA Sequencing, and Technology Development in
Support of the Human Genome Program," which was published
July 27, 1990, in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts, Vol.
19, No. 28. Proposals that use standard or currently
available techniques for the isolation of candidate cDNAs
associated with a specific function or phenotype will not be
considered responsive.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
Support for this program will be through traditional research grants
(R01s). The total amount of support available for grants
under this RFA is approximately $1.5 million for the first
year of the project and is contingent upon the appropriation
of funds for this purpose. There is no set limit on the
size of each award. Rather, each investigator should
propose a budget adequate to accomplish the work proposed.
Approximately six awards will be made and will be contingent
upon the quality of the applications received.
ELIGIBILITY
Domestic universities, medical colleges, hospitals, and other public
or private research institutions, including State and local
government units, are eligible. Applications from minority
investigators and women are encouraged.
LETTER OF INTENT
Because of the specialized interest of this NCHGR program,
and the potential for overlap with other NIH programs, it is
strongly recommended that potential applicants contact NCHGR
staff to discuss research objectives. Potential applicants
are also asked to submit a letter of intent by June 17,
1991. This letter should include a descriptive title of the
proposed research, name of the Principal Investigator and
other key investigators and their institutions. The letter
of intent is requested in order to provide an indication of
the number and scope of applications to be reviewed. The
letter of intent does not commit the sender to submit an
application, nor is it a requirement for submission of an
application. Letters of intent should be sent to:
Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D.
Chief, Research Grants Branch
National Center for Human Genome Research
National Institutes of Health
Building 38A, Room 610
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-7531
E-MAIL: B2G@NIHCU.BITNET; B2G@CU.NIH.GOV
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
Applications in response to this announcement will be
reviewed in accordance with the usual NIH peer review
procedures. Simultaneous submission of identical
applications to different NIH solicitations is not allowed,
nor can essentially identical applications be reviewed by
different initial review committees. Therefore, if the
application submitted in response to this RFA is identical
to or substantially the same as one already submitted to the
NIH, but has not yet been reviewed, the applicant will be
asked to withdraw either the pending application or the new
one. Similarly, an application which is essentially
identical to one that has already been reviewed cannot be
submitted in response to this RFA. This does not preclude
the submission of a previously reviewed application which
has undergone substantial revision; however, such
application must address, in the Introduction, the previous
critique.
Applications will first be screened for responsiveness to
this RFA by NIH staff. Those deemed non-responsive will be
returned to applicants or referred to the Division of
Research Grants for processing by the regular procedure. If
a large number of responsive applications is received, they
will undergo a preliminary peer review by the Genome
Research Review Committee, NCHGR, to identify the most
meritorious ones. Applications that are deemed
non-competitive by this process will receive only a brief
critique and will not be reviewed further. The remaining
applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical
merit by the Genome Research Review Group, NCHGR. The
second level of review will be conducted by an appropriate
national advisory council. Review criteria include the
following:
o Originality and innovativeness of the approach;
o Overall scientific and technical merit of the
research;
o The potential of the proposed work to attain the
research objectives outlined in this RFA;
o Training, experience, research competence, and
dedication of the investigator(s);
o Adequacy of available facilities;
o Provision for the protection of human subjects and
the humane care of animals; and
o Appropriateness of the requested budget for the work
proposed.
Applications must be submitted using the form PHS 398
(rev. 10/88). The RFA label available in the revised
application kit MUST be affixed to the bottom of the face
page. 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. Application kits are
available in the business or grants office at most academic
or research institutions and from the Division of Research
Grants, National Institutes of Health, Westwood Building, Room 449,
Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 496-7441. Applications will be
accepted in accordance with the following schedule:
TIMETABLE
Receipt Date: July 15, 1991
IRG Review: November 1991
Council Review: February 1992
Earliest Funding Date: April 1992
It is essential that applicants type "New Technologies for
Detecting Genes in Genomic DNA" and the RFA number,
HG-91-02, on line 2 on the face page of the application
form. The original and four copies of the application
should be submitted to:
Grant Application Receipt Office
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD 20892**
To expedite the review process, it is also important to
submit two copies of the application directly to:
Office of Scientific Review
National Center for Human Genome Research
National Institutes of Health
Building 38A, Room 604
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
It is important to send these two copies to the NCHGR at the
same time as the original and four copies are sent to the
Division of Research Grants; otherwise the NCHGR cannot
guarantee that the application will be reviewed in
competition for the RFA.
Funding decisions will be based on recommendations of the
initial review group and the advisory council regarding
scientific merit and program relevance, and on the
availability of funds.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact staff very
early in the planning phase of the application. For more
information regarding the program, please contact:
Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D.
Chief, Research Grants Branch
National Center for Human Genome Research
Building 38A, Room 610
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-7531
E-mail: B2G@NIHCU.BITNET; B2G@CU.NIH.GOV
For information about PHS Grant Policy, applicants may
contact:
Ms. Alice Thomas
Chief, Grants and Contracts Management Branch
National Center for Human Genome Research
Building 38A, Room 613
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 402-0733
The program and grants management officials welcome the
opportunity to clarify any issues or questions related to
this RFA and encourage written or telephone inquiries.
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.172. Awards will be made under the
authority of the Public Health Service Act, Sections 301
(Public Law 78-410, as amended 42 U.S.C. 241) and
administered under PHS grants policies and Federal
Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program
is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirement
of Executive Order 12372 or to Health Systems Agency review.