NIH & Other Funding Opportunities

Recently announced Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Applications (RFAs), and other funding opportunities of possible interest to AAA members are listed below by date of posting and remain on the list through the closing date. To search this page for a particular topic, press Ctrl-F, then enter the keyword for which you are searching.

Posted March 11, 2013

Planning Grants for the NIH National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) (P20)
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage organizations with experience in the mentorship of individuals underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce to submit planning grant applications for the NIH National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN). The NRMN will establish a nationwide consortium to provide networking and mentorship experiences for individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research from the undergraduate to junior faculty level. Planning grant applications must propose a plan to develop the partnerships and infrastructure needed to be competitive for the NRMN initiative. Letter of intent - due April 10, 2013.

Posted February 25, 2013

The National Institutes of Health is launching Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K)
An initiative to address how best to manage and utilize the large amounts of biomedical data that new technologies can generate (http://www.nih.gov/news/health/dec2012/od-07.htm). This initiative resulted from a set of recommendations from the Data and Informatics Working Group to the Advisory Committee to the Director, NIH (Data and Informatics Working Group). As part of the its response to the recommendations, NIH has established a working group to develop plans to implement new programs to increase training in this area, and this working group intends to convene a workshop to discuss training and education needs in how to manage and utilize large complex data sets. Prior to the workshop, NIH wishes to collect information and relevant materials that will help inform the discussions of the workshop participants. Deadline March 15, 2013.

Posted January 2, 2013

Calcium Oxalate Stone Diseases (R01)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.

Posted December 11, 2012

Nociceptive GenitoUrinary Development Molecular Anatomy Projects (U01)
Seeking applications for Research Projects and Atlas Assembly Projects that will build a murine molecular anatomy atlas of the nociceptors (pain receptors) and associated cell types in pain processing of the urinary tract and the pelvic region. It is anticipated that the detailed description of the developmental origins, and the anatomical and biochemical heterogeneity of the murine nociceptors (pain receptors) and associated cells, will lay a foundation to support the long-term goal of developing new therapies for urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS), traditionally referred to as Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS) and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS).  Letter of intent due February 14; application due March 14.

Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Research (R01)
Seeking innovative research proposals that improve our understanding of etiology, pathology, natural history, and risk factors for urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS), traditionally referred to as Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS) and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS).  Letter of intent due January 27; application due February 27.

Posted November 28, 2012

NINDS Cooperative Program in Translational Research (U01)
To support preclinical development and testing of new therapies for neurological disorders. The program will facilitate therapy-directed projects to accelerate the translation of basic research discoveries into therapeutic candidates for clinical testing. Projects should include therapeutic leads, a strong biological rationale for the intended approach, and where available in vivo proof-of-concept of efficacy. Applications due February 7, 2013; August 20, 2013; February 7, 2014; August 20, 2014.

Posted October 2, 2012

Research Answers to NCIs Provocative Questions- Group A (R01)
To support research projects designed to use sound and innovative research strategies to solve specific problems and paradoxes in cancer research identified by the NCI Provocative Questions initiative. These problems and paradoxes phrased as questions are not intended to represent the full range of NCI's priorities in cancer research. Rather, they are meant to challenge cancer researchers to think about and elucidate specific problems in key areas of cancer research that are deemed important but have not received sufficient attention.  Applications due December 4, 2012 and June 20, 2013.  See also related R21.

Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancer for Years 2013 and 2014 (P50)
Program will fund 5-year P50 SPORE grants to support state-of-the-art investigator-initiated translational research that will contribute to improved prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of an organ-specific cancer (or a related group of cancers). SPOREs are expected not only to conduct a wide spectrum of research activities, but also to contribute significantly to the development of specialized shared resource core facilities (cores), improved research model systems, and collaborative research projects with other institutions.  Applications due January 24, May 21, September 20, 2013; January 21, May 20, September 23, 2014.

Posted September 18, 2012

Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) [R21]
Encourages Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) applications that establish the feasibility of technologies, techniques or methods that: 1) explore a unique multidisciplinary approach to a biomedical challenge; 2) are high-risk but have a considerable pay-off; and 3) develop data which can lead to significant future research. An EBRG application may propose hypothesis-driven, discovery-driven, developmental, or design-directed research and is appropriate for evaluating unproven approaches for which there is minimal or no preliminary data.

NIDCR Dentist Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)
Program purpose is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented NIH-supported independent investigators,  facilitating a timely transition from a mentored postdoctoral research position to a stable independent research position with independent NIH or other independent research support at an earlier stage than is currently the norm.  

Sponsoring institution(s) must guarantee a minimum of 9 person-months (equivalent to 75% full-time professional effort) protected research time during both the K99 and R00 award phases. Award recipients have the option to train in a clinical specialty on a part-time basis during the R00 phase.

Posted August 20, 2012

Molecular Mechanisms of Circadian Clocks in Aging Tissues (R01)
National Institute on Aging solicits grant applications to enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control circadian clocks in aging tissues.  This FOA encourages studies on the roles of peripheral and extra suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) circadian clocks during aging.  These studies include understanding the impact of alterations in the clock system on chromatin remodeling, gene expression, translation, signaling, and function of individual cells.  In addition, studies are solicited on the pathophysiology of alterations to circadian clock regulation in aged tissues, with particular attention to the response of the clock system to metabolic/nutritional, environmental and pharmacological challenges.  Letter of intent due October 5; application due November 7.

NIH Common Fund Opportunities:  Extracellular RNA
The recent finding that RNA molecules are secreted in the extracellular space and act as endocrine signals to alter the phenotypes of target cells represents a novel paradigm in intracellular signaling. Extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) have both protective and pathogenic roles in a variety of human disease. Further, functional plant-and microbe-derived exRNAs have been identified in human serum and cells, suggesting that trans-kingdom exRNA communication could explain some associations between environmental exposures and health or disease. To address critical needs and opportunities in this nascent field, the NIH Common Fund has launched the Extracellular RNA Communication program.

Posted August 7, 2012

Extracellular RNA Biogenesis, Biodistribution, Uptake, and Effector Function (U19)
Projects to determine the principles that guide the selection of regulatory RNA molecules for extracellular transport and to determine the function of these extracellular RNAs (exRNAs).  Main scientific areas of interest include (1) exRNA biogenesis, (2) exRNA biodistribution, (3) uptake of exRNA by target cells, and (4) the physiological impact of delivered exRNA in target cells and tissues.  Enabling tools, technologies, bioreagents, and innovative analytical approaches will likely be required to achieve the research goals.  Therefore, awards funded under this FOA are anticipated to involve research conducted by multidisciplinary teams of investigators and focus on the role of exRNA communication in health and disease. Letter of intent due October 12; application due November 13.

Posted August 6, 2012

Genetic and Genomic Analysis of Xenopus (R01)
NICHD, NIDCD, NIGMS, and the Trans-NIH Xenopus Working Group (TXWG) invite investigator-initiated applications designed to exploit and enhance the power of Xenopus as a vertebrate model for biomedical research. Applications may propose to develop new tools or genetic, genomic, or proteomic resources of high priority to the Xenopus research community to advance the detection and characterization of genes, pathways, and phenotypes of interest in development, organogenesis, and in cell biological processes such as cell division, signaling and migration. In addition, applications will be welcomed that use recently developed genetic, genomic, or proteomic tools or resources to advance these same goals particularly when these projects employ tools that have not previously been used in Xenopus research.  
Applications due October 1, 2012, September 30, 2013, September 30, 2014; letter of intent due 30 days earlier.  See also related R21.
 

Posted July 19, 2012

NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (EIA)
The EIA provides an opportunity for exceptional junior scientists to accelerate their entry into an independent research position at a “host” institution, essentially skipping the postdoctoral training period following completion of the graduate degree or clinical residency. Reducing the time to independence allows highly motivated and intellectually mature individuals to begin making contributions earlier in their research career, and invigorates research institutions by providing a means to recruit outstanding, early career scientists. Each institution (as defined by a unique DUNS number) may submit only up to two applications in response to this funding opportunity announcement. To apply for the EIA award, potential EIA candidates must “matchup” with an institution that is willing to submit an application on their behalf and host them as an EIA recipient. NIH has developed a Web resource to facilitate the “matching” process between host institutions and potential EIA candidates. Letters of intent due December 30; applications due January 30, 2013.

Specialized Neuroscience Research Program (SNRP) (U54)
NINDS encourages applications to augment and strengthen emerging research programs focused on NINDS mission-related research at institutions committed to increasing diversity in the neuroscience workforce. For the purposes of this FOA, Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs (SNRPs) are defined as those institutions with NINDS funding less than $25 million total cumulative costs over the 3 years leading up to the application. The intent of the SNRP is to promote opportunities to improve the research infrastructure at academic institutions with emerging NINDS mission related research programs to engage researchers in novel, cutting edge research. It also provides early stage investigators with the opportunity for intensive research experiences to promote scholarship in discovery, integration, and the application of knowledge in basic and translational neuroscience research. Applications due November 27.

Stem Cells and Alcohol-induced Tissue Injuries (R01 & related R21)
Encourages applications to study human and non-human stem cells involved in alcohol-induced tissue injuries. Alcohol abuse is known to cause pathology in a number of organ systems.  Disorders most commonly associated with chronic alcohol consumption include alcoholic liver disease (ALD), pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease, neural damage, endocrine dysfunction, osteoporosis, cancer, and immune dysfunction. The objective of this FOA is to understand the role of stem cells in alcohol-induced tissue damage and recovery, particularly how they are influenced by alcohol metabolism and their role in alcohol-related cancers.

Posted April 4, 2012

Senior Scientist Research Award (K05)  
Provides protected time for outstanding senior scientists who have demonstrated a sustained high level of productivity conducting biomedical research relevant to the scientific mission of the appropriate institute to focus on their research and to provide mentoring of new investigators. Standard application dates. 

Posted February 8, 2012

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipends, Tuition/Fees and Other Budgetary Levels Effective for Fiscal Year 2012
Establishes new stipend levels for fiscal year (FY) 2012 Kirschstein-NRSA awards for undergraduate, predoctoral, and postdoctoral trainees and fellows.  They are: 

Freshmen/Sophomores, $8,304; Juniors/Seniors, $11,628; Predoctoral, $22,032;

Postdoctoral, $39,264-$54,180.  Tuition and Fees, Training Related Expenses for trainees, and the Institutional Allowance for individual fellows remain unchanged.

Notice of Salary Limitation on Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts
Every year since 1990 Congress has legislatively mandated a provision limiting the direct salary that an individual may receive under an NIH grant.  This is the first year that the salary limitation has been reduced.  Effective with grant awards with an initial Issue Date on/after December 23, 2011, the salary limitation is limited to Executive Level II of the Federal Pay Scale, $179,700.  NIH competing grant awards with categorical budgets reflecting salary levels at or above the new limit that have an initial Issue Date on/after December 23, 2011, will reflect adjustments to the current and all future years so that no funds are awarded or committed for salaries over the limitation.

Notice of Legislative Mandates in Effect for FY2012
Provides details of NIH mandates continued, revised, or added based on the omnibus funding bill for FY 2012.

NIH Fiscal Policy for Grant Awards FY 2012
Guidelines related to FY 2012 appropriations.