SIGNALSVol. 05, No. 03January 3, 2005

Office of Research Services The Biological Sciences DivisionThe University of Chicago & The Pritzker School of Medicine

SIGNALS is a periodic publication that is intended to highlight upcoming funding opportunities and research related issues to BSD faculty and administrators. We encourage you review our web site: http://ors.bsd.uchicago.edu or contact us at 4-8996 for additional information.

M A R C H F U N D I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Table of Contents Page

Private Funding Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7Federal Funding Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8Additional Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9Awards/Prizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11Regulatory Submission Due Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Research News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PRIVATE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

AMERICAN EPILEPSY SOCIETY (AES) The AES has established a novel grant opportunity for its membership that will provide seed support to encourage innovative, collaborative basic or clinical research associated with the epilepsy field. Awards from the Research Initiative Fund will be given to AES members who are established investigators. The objective of these awards is to encourage established investigators to think "outside the box" and involve other established investigators who may not now be working in the field of epilepsy. Members who are candidates for an Epilepsy Foundation Junior Investigator Award or AES and EF research or training fellowships will not be considered ($30-50K per project).

LOI Deadline: 03/01/05Full Application: 04/19/05

Web Site: http://www.aesnet.org/Visitors/Research/sponsoredgrants/research_init.cfm

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION (ALA) The ALA and the LUNGevity Foundation announce a new award, dedicated to finding improved treatments and a cure for lung cancer, the Lung Cancer Discovery Award. This award will provide funding for investigators seeking to develop novel medical treatments or a cure for lung cancer. This Award supports clinical, laboratory, epidemiological, or any other kind of research that relates to the cure and treatment of lung cancer. The focus of the research award will be programs that have a high likelihood to advance our understanding of lung cancer treatment. Investigators interested or who have had experience in research that is relevant to treatments are encouraged to apply (up to $100K per year; up to 2 years).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site:http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=258634 or https://v2.ramscompany.com/UPLOADS/PRDESC208.PDF

AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION, INC. APDA Research Grants are intended for scientists affiliated with U.S. research institutions. Funds are awarded to support research related to Parkinson’s disease (up to $50K per year; 1-3 years). The Advanced Centers for Parkinson's Disease Research support institutions with the critical personnel and equipment mass able to contribute to the understanding and the treatment of

Parkinson's Disease ($100K per year; 5 years). The APDA is inviting applications for the following fellowships: George C. Cotzias Memorial Fellowships assist promising young neurologist in establishing careers in research, teaching and patient service relevant to the problems, causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease and related neurological movement disorders ($70K per year; 3 years). The Roger C. Duvoisin, MD Fellowships provide “special support money” for established scientists affiliated with U.S. research institutions and presently not working on Parkinson’s disease. The applicants must be sponsored by a not for profit institution and the principal goal of the fellowship is to support new research ideas coming from established investigators ($80K per year; 1-2 years).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web site: http://www.apdaparkinson.org

ASHP RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION The goal of the Junior Investigator Research Grant Program is to support health services research in medication use that is conducted by pharmacist junior investigators.  Health services research affects a wide range of medication-use topics including patient education; patient outcomes and effectiveness of medication therapy; health care quality; medication use in minority, elderly and other special populations; medication costs and financing; information for health care policymakers; and access to medications. A secondary goal of the program is to develop and strengthen the skills of newer pharmacist investigators while fostering development of mentoring relationships with more experienced senior investigators (up to $25K over up to 2 years). 

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.ashpfoundation.org/research/showFundingOpp.cfm?id=161

CANCER RESEARCH AND PREVENTION FOUNDATION (CRPF) The goal of the Foundation’s Research Program is to provide funding for innovative projects expected to lead to future funding from other peer-reviewed sources. Grant proposals will be considered in the following categories:

Basic, clinical, translational and applied research projects. Education programs in cancer prevention. Early detection projects. Behavioral intervention projects.

Examples of such projects include, but are not limited to: research that leads to improvement in early detection and intervention, research into dietary links to cancer, behavioral/educational aspects of cancer prevention, epidemiological and genetic studies that may have a direct impact on cancer prevention, and primary

prevention programs that focus on children and adolescents ($35K per year; 2 years).

Electronic Deadline: 02/28/05Application Deadline: 03/01/05

Web site: http://www.preventcancer.org/researchers/appinfo.cfm

CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE The Investigator Award Program supports accomplished assistant professors undertaking their first independent investigations in basic and tumor immunology. By awarding these researchers, the program provides flexibility and a degree of stability during this very challenging period ($50K per year; 4 years). The aim of the Pre-doctoral Program is to attract an even younger generation of budding talent to the field of cancer immunology. It is primarily intended to introduce graduate students to basic research principles in the field of tumor immunology, excite them about research possibilities, and set them on the path to a lifelong career in the field. Students are given the opportunity to interact with respected tumor immunologists, from among whom they will choose their mentors for their doctoral research, and learn about the advances and trends in cancer immunology. This award is granted to major universities that demonstrate a core group of faculty members with interest, expertise, and ongoing research in cancer immunology. The faculty must commit to establishing a program in cancer immunology that includes dedicated lecture courses, student-led tutorials, and cancer immunology journal clubs for graduate students who are competitively chosen to participate in the program ($450K over 4 years; renewable).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.cancerresearch.org/

CHRISTOPHER REEVE PARALYSIS FOUNDATION

Quality of Life Grants are given to programs or projects that improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice yearly to programs that provide assistance through access, advocacy, education, recreation, and technology, among others. Quality of Life grants support non-profit organizations that address the needs of persons living with paralysis (particularly spinal cord injury), their families and caregivers.  Funding is awarded in thirteen categories, including:  accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, health promotion, independent living, practical service, sports and recreation, and therapeutic riding.  Except for the health promotion category, the primary focus of the Quality of Life grants is paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.  To qualify for funding, a non-profit organization does not have to exclusively serve people with spinal cord injuries; however, at least a portion of the population served must have spinal cord injuries (up to $25K per grant).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: www.christopherreeve.org/qlgrants/qlgrantsmain.cfm

CURE AUTISM NOW FOUNDATION Young Investigator Awards support promising young scientists to enter the field of autism research. Applicants must be no more than four years out of an M.D. or Ph.D. program and work under the supervision of an established investigator. The mentor need not be directly involved in autism research, but must provide a research environment in which the young investigator can perform research with direct relevance to autism (Postdoctoral Fellowship Support: $40K per year; 2 years; $1K per year may be used for conferences). Pilot Research Awards support established investigators from within as well as outside of the field of autism. Research proposals targeting promising hypotheses, using innovative approaches and technologies are a priority. In addition, we encourage studies focused on generating preliminary data or replication of previous findings, leading to larger studies and federal funding. These awards are available to investigators at any stage in their career (up to $60K per year; 2 years). Letters of intent are required prior to invitation of full proposals.

LOI Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.cureautismnow.org/research/index/funding.jsp

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION The New Therapy Grants Program will support innovative research leading to new insights into a cure for epilepsy. The primary focus of this program is to bring new approaches and therapies to patients through translational research. Other areas of consideration include but are not limited to:

• Meaningful grants to senior level scientific and clinical investigators on the brink of new discoveries, working at the nation’s leading academic and research institutions, and in private industry

• Seed funding for preliminary work necessary to explore novel approaches

• Building innovative platform technologies. Investigation of innovative tests to streamline the development of new therapies and the development of a genomics database for epilepsy

• Research to bring new approaches and therapy to children• Innovative cutting edge projects that could lead to breakthrough

discoveries• Support for applying work in other areas, which shows the

potential for promise in epilepsy• Research programs that might not otherwise be funded through

traditional sources

• Projects that encourage collaboration among scientists and industry

• Proposals dealing with commercializing academic research projects

($100-200K per year; multiple year awards will be considered)

Deadline: 03/01/05Web Site: www.epilepsyfoundation.org/research/erf.cfm http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/research/upload/erfapp20040719.pdf

THE GLAUCOMA FOUNDATION The Foundation offers Research Grants to doctors and scientists striving to improve the lives of glaucoma patients through research. Grant applications are accepted semi-annually. TGF's two areas of particular focus for grant-in-aid funding are Optic Nerve Rescue and Restoration and Molecular Genetics (Y1: up to $35K per year; Y2: of up to $50K -renewal contingent upon research findings from the initial research).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/info.php?i=5

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY The Translational Research Program was designed to encourage and provide support for new and novel clinical research. The goal of the program is to accelerate transfer of findings from the laboratory to clinical application. The program's purpose is to fund research that shows high promise for translating basic biomedical knowledge to prevention or new treatments and, ultimately, to prolong and enhance life. A renewal of the grant may be funded for an additional two years if it includes an approved clinical trial. A principal intent of the program is to permit the acquisition of sufficient data to apply to an appropriate agency or sponsor for sustained support (up to $200K per year for 3 years; renewable for an additional 2 years).

Preliminary Proposal: 03/01/05Full Proposal: 03/15/05

Web site: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=11620

---The Society will also sponsor Focused Workshops when they serve to advance the mission of the Society and thus, have a significant impact on the prevention, diagnosis, or management of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma (up to $30K).Deadline: Open

Web Site: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=11625

PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA (PBA) The PBA Investigator Award provides funding for clinically based research investigating public health issues related to the burden of illness of eye-related health and safety topics. All research grants must focus on preserving sight and preventing blindness. Funding priority is given to projects for research relating to clinically important eye diseases. Preference will be given to clinical and disease-oriented grants or grants which investigate public health issues related to the burden of illness of eye-related health and safety topics. Topical areas of interest for this program could include, but are not limited to:

research into the causes and potential prevention of ocular disease and vision loss on a population basis,

the development and evaluation of new early detection technologies and strategies,

evaluation of interventions designed to prevent or delay the onset of ocular diseases,

evaluation of new approaches to screening including testing strategies, outreach to high-risk populations, follow-up protocols, and issues of patient compliance with screening recommendations,

development and evaluation of interventions to improve compliance with chronic medical therapy for glaucoma and other disorders requiring long-term treatment,

health services research designed to evaluate new strategies for delivery of eye care services, especially to under served populations,

studies to document the burden of ocular disease and vision loss, and their consequences to the population.

($25K - $50K per year; 1 year).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.preventblindness.org/research

STANLEY MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SMRI) SMRI supports Research Grants in the etiology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Areas of special interest include neuropathology, neurovirology/neuroimmunology, and research relevant to developing better pharmacological treatments. This program supports researchers at all levels of development who are already in this field. It also supports, and is especially interested in, researchers from other areas of medicine and biology (e.g., neurology, immunology, biochemistry, epidemiology) who wish to initiate new research projects on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (up to $75K per year; up to 2 years). SMRI is especially interested in pilot testing of novel, generic, and off-label compounds, and nutritional supplements through its Treatment Trials for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. The Institute is interested in supporting studies of compounds not supported by the pharmaceutical industry, including novel agents, and studies of the “off-label” use of drugs approved for other conditions ($50K- $300K per year for up to 3 years depending on design).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.stanleyresearch.org

STURGE-WEBER FOUNDATION The Foundation offers two awards: Young Investigator Awards provide postdoctoral fellowship support (salary stipend and conference allowance) to encourage the brightest young minds to enter the field. Applicants must be no more than four years out of M.D. or Ph.D. program and work under the supervision of an established mentor (Up to $30K per year; up to 2 years). The Pilot Research Studies support innovative studies with the potential for continued support from federal or other agencies. These awards are available to investigators at any stage in their career (up to $30K per year; up to 2 years).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.sturge-weber.com/clinical_science.htm

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY (UCP) The objective of the Ethel Hausman Clinical Research Scholars Award is to assist institutions in the U.S. to recruit promising clinician-investigators early in their careers and to help in their establishment as focal points for scholarly activities in areas of direct relevance to cerebral palsy and closely related developmental brain disorders. These scholarly activities include research, teaching and associated clinical responsibilities. Candidates for the Award will either be U.S. citizens or have permanent residency status ($75K per year; 3 years).

Deadline: 03/01/05

Web Site: http://www.ucp.org/ucp_generaldoc.cfm/1/4/23/23-23/111

---

The Foundation provides funding for Pilot Studies on research important to the prevention and treatment of cerebral palsy, including improvement in the quality of life of persons with disabilities due to cerebral palsy and closely related developmental brain disorders. This broad research agenda includes basic, clinical and applied research.

For 2005, the following research areas have been designated for Foundation targeted attention. For 2005, research grant applications will be accepted for review in the following areas:

The biology of factors and mechanisms which adversely affect the developing brain resulting in cerebral palsy and/or disorders often closely associated with cerebral palsy (e.g. visual system impairment).

The development and evaluation of research methodologies for use in studies of the etiologies, pathobiologies, prevention, diagnosis or therapy of cerebral palsy and the impairments or disabilities associated with it.

The development of interventions to prevent developmental brain damage associated with cerebral palsy.

The development and evaluation of interventions for improved diagnosis or clinical management of the biological impairments or functional disabilities associated with cerebral palsy.

The effects of aging on persons with disabilities due to cerebral palsy; the prevention and treatment of increased disability.

In addition, investigators considering research in other areas of relevance to cerebral palsy are encouraged to submit a one or two page letter summarizing the objective, significance and design of a research proposal. On the basis of the summary, a decision will be made about whether a research grant application would be considered for review ($50K per year; up to 2 years).

Deadline: Continuous

Web Site: http://www.ucp.org/ucp_generaldoc.cfm/1/4/23/23-23/113

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RESEARCH ON SCHIZOPHRENIA AND DEPRESSION (NARSAD) NARSAD's Independent Investigator Award Program provides support for investigators during the critical period between the initiation of research and the receipt of sustained funding for scientists at the associate professor level or equivalent, who are clearly independent and have won national competitive support as a principal investigator. Basic and/or clinical investigators are supported, but research must be relevant to schizophrenia, major affective disorders, or other serious mental illnesses. The program is intended to facilitate innovative research opportunities (up to $50K per year; 2 years).

Deadline: 03/04/05

Web Site: http://www.narsad.org/research/apply/young/guidelines.html

NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION (NBTF) The Oligo Brain Tumor Fund supports translational research specifically focusing on oligodendrogliomas ($50K per year; 1 year).

Deadline: 03/04/05

Web Site: http://www.braintumor.org/research/funding_available

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (ACS), IL DIVISION The Research Grants Program supports projects that show promise of producing significant new information directly related to cancer. Proposals must be independent, investigator-driven research. Proposals will not be accepted from investigators who have national-level, non-salary related funding from any

organization outside the institution of the principal investigator. Proposals dealing primarily with routine drug modification and screening are not encouraged. Funds are not provided to continue support for ongoing projects (bridge funding) (Max. grant--$100K per year; 1 year).

Deadline: 03/07/05

Email: akosciuk@cancer.org

COOLEY’S ANEMIA FOUNDATION The Research Foundation exists to promote an increased understanding of Cooley’s anemia, develop improved treatment, and achieve a final cure for this life-threatening genetic blood disorder. The Foundation offers Research Fellowships to clinical and basic science investigators interested in research related to Cooley’s anemia. The areas of interest for funding emphasize, but are not limited to, studies of globin gene regulation, fetal hemoglobin production, hematopoietic stem cell research, bone marrow transplantation, globin gene transfer and expression, approaches to iron chelation and iron overload, endocrine and cardiac disorders in thalassemia, clinical trials of novel therapies, and transfusion therapy and its complications. The fellowships are intended to provide research support to young scientists pursuing a career in medical research at the early stages of their professional development. Awards are available to both fellows and junior faculty members (Stipends: $40K per year; 1-2 years).

Deadline: 03/07/05

Web Site: http://www.cooleysanemia.org

JAMES S. MCDONNELL FOUNDATION

The 21st Century Research Awards are designed to support research projects with a high probability of generating new knowledge and insights. Projects submitted for funding consideration should be at an early, even preliminary stage of development that intend to break new ground or to challenge commonly-held assumptions. Projects submitted should be sufficiently novel, cross-disciplinary, or heterodox that they would not be strong candidates for federal funding. These Awards provide adequate, flexible funding over a sufficient time period to allow investigators to pursue and develop innovative directions to their research programs (up to $450K total costs can be requested over a minimum of 3 years or a maximum of 6 years. Please Note: Smaller amounts of money to help investigators pursue pilot projects or test the feasibility of an experimental approach are welcome. )

Deadline: 03/07/05Web Site: http://www.jsmf.org/apply/research/index.htm

---The Foundation also offers Collaborative Activity Awards to initiate interdisciplinary discussions on problems or issues, to help launch interdisciplinary research networks, or to fund communities of researchers/practitioners dedicated to developing new methods,

tools, and applications of basic research to applied problems. In each case the focus of the collaborative activity must meet the program guidelines for one of the following program areas:

Bridging Brain, Mind, and Behavior

Studying Complex Systems

Brain Cancer Research

NOTE: Collaborative awards will not be awarded in support of large, program-project style research proposals. Applicants requesting funds to support innovative research projects involving several laboratories should consider submitting one or more applications to the 21st Century Research Awards. If the $450K maximum budget is not adequate for the scope of the proposed project applicants can request that proposals from the individual laboratories be "bundled", meaning that the applications will be reviewed and considered for funding as a single entity.

Deadline: Continuous

Web Site: http://www.jsmf.org/apply/collaborative/index.htm

ELLISON MEDICAL FOUNDATION (EMF) The Senior Scholars Program in Global Infectious Disease supports biomedical research biomedical research on molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, informed by the vision of how this can contribute to the amelioration of some of humankind's most pressing problems. The Program intends to focus its support by placing emphasis on:

Those intractable or emerging parasitic and infectious diseases, caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal, or helminthic pathogens of major global public health concern, that are relatively neglected in federally funded research within the US.

Innovative research that might not be funded by the traditional sources because of its perceived novelty or high risk, or because the principal investigator is moving into a new research area.

Aspects of fundamental research that may significantly impact the understanding and control of global infectious diseases, but have not found a home within traditional funding agencies.

(Up to $150K per year; up to 4 years)

---The Senior Scholar Program in Aging is designed to support established investigators to conduct research in the basic biological and basic biomedical sciences relevant to understanding aging processes and age-related diseases and disabilities. The award is intended to provide significant support to established investigators in order to allow the development of new, creative research programs by investigators who may not currently be conducting aging research or who may wish to develop new research programs in aging. The Foundation particularly wishes to stimulate new research, which has rigorous scientific foundations, but which may not be currently funded adequately, because of its

perceived novelty, its high risk, or because it is from an area where traditional research interests absorb most funding.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to Structural biology Molecular genetics Studies with model systems ranging from

lower eukaryotes to humans Inquiries testing the relevance of simpler

models to human aging Genetic epidemiology of aging; candidate

longevity genes Aging in the immune system Host defense molecules in aging systems Mechanisms of free radical induced cell

aging Mechanisms of aging in various

differentiated cell populations Gene/environment and gene/gene

interactions Integrative physiology New approaches to age-modulated disease

mechanisms: Alzheimer's disease and others.

(Up to $150K per year; up to 4 years)

LOI Deadline: 03/09/05

Web Site: http://www.ellisonfoundation.org/emf_applications.jsp

NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION The Investigator-Initiated Research-Grants Program supports basic research on Parkinson’s disease. Grants are intended to provide seed funding to allow investigators to compete successfully for major federal grants. This program is designed to support projects of the highest scientific caliber from anywhere in the world that are:

• Directly relevant to the study of causes of and a cure for Parkinson disease;• Complementary to, not duplicative of, other research in the field;• “High-risk, high yield” projects are encouraged, provided that they are thoughtfully composed and reasonably likely to advance the state of the knowledge about Parkinson disease.

Both basic-research and clinical-research proposals are eligible for support. Preference will be given to scientists who are at an early stage of their professional careers (up to $40K per year; 1 year).

Deadline: 03/14/05

Web Site: http://www.parkinson.org/site/pp.asp?c=9dJFJLPwB&b=190389

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY (ASN)

The M. James Scherbenske Grant provide bridge funding for investigators from RO1 to RO1 whose application was scored, but not funded ($100K per year; 1 year).

Deadline: 03/15/04

Web Site: www.asn-online.org/grants_and_funding/Scherbenske-Grant.aspx

MARCH OF DIMES BIRTH DEFECTS FOUNDATION (MOD) The Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Award is designed to support young scientists just embarking on their independent research careers. MOD is most interested in birth defects in any abnormality of structure or function ($75K per year; 1 year).

Deadline: 03/15/05

Web Site: http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/691_1442.asp

PFIZER, INC. The mission of the Atorvastatin Research Awards (ARA) Program is to support outstanding investigators at the early stages of their careers in academic research. The ARA Program will support research into basic mechanisms of disease that may broadly involve: Lipid metabolism, vascular biology, HMG-CoA reductase pathways or novel effects of statins. Research may be in any of the following areas: Neuroscience, Cardiovascular medicine (atherosclerosis, lipoprotein metabolism, thrombosis, vascular biology), Diabetes, Endocrinology, Inflammation/immunology, Oncology ($50K per year; 1- 2 years).

Deadline: 03/17/05

Web Site: http://www.physicianscientist.com/GrantsProgType.aspx?ProgID=403&ProgTypeID=4

FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) The DOE invites proposals for the Poplar Genome Based Research for Carbon Sequestration in Terrestrial Ecosystems program. Research is requested that could lead to strategies to improve the use of trees within the genus Populus (poplar), or other trees, for long-term sequestration of meaningful amounts of atmospheric carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. Specifically,

proposals are sought for research to use the poplar and/or microbial genomic sequences to enhance partitioning of carbon into quantitatively important recalcitrant components of trees or soil organic matter that could lead to enhanced carbon sequestration. Research should build on the recently completed genomic sequence of a female black cottonwood tree (Populus balsamifera L. ssp. trichocarpa (Torr. & Gray ex Hook.) Brayshaw, clone Nisqually-1) and, when relevant, the availability of a growing number of microbial genomic sequences to obtain the scientific understanding needed to select, breed, or manage trees to meaningfully enhance sequestration of carbon in tree biomass and/or the soil ($100-500K per year; up to 3 years).

Pre-proposal Deadline: 01/18/05Formal Proposals Due: 03/08/05

Web Site: http://www.science.doe.gov/grants/LAB05_10.html

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA)

General Web Site: http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/preview/default.htm

HIV/AIDSHRSA-05-031 National HIV Training And

Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements (NHTTACA) summary

03/01/05

HRSA-05-020 Ryan White Title III Early Intervention Services Capacity Development Grants (EISCDG) summary

03/01/05

HRSA-05-041 Community Based Dental Partnership Program (CBDP) summary

03/18/04

Maternal & Child Health HRSA-05-015 Maternal And Child Health

Research Program (MCHR) summary | application guidance

03/01/05

HRSA-05-082 Maternal And Child Health Research Network on Pregnancy-Related Care (MCHPRC) summary

03/01/05

HRSA-05-100 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Cooperative Agreement Program summary

03/03/05

HRSA-05-025 Partnership for State Oral Health Leadership Cooperative Agreement summary

03/30/05

HRSA-05-049 PCCSE Incentive Grant Program summary

03/31/05

Primary Health CareHRSA-05-104 Healthy Communities Access

Program (HCAP) summary03/02/05

HRSA-05-105 Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program

03/16/05

(RESEP) summary

Special ProgramsHRSA-05-043 Clinical Interventions to

Increase Organ Procurement summary

03/08/05

HRSA-05-007 Social and Behavioral Interventions to Increase Organ Donation (SBITD) summary

03/08/05

HRSA-05-009 Trauma - Emergency Medical Services Systems Program (TESP) summary

03/15/05

General Web Site: http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/preview/default.htm

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)

The following NSF BIO Core programs from the Biological Science Directorate, Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (http://www.nsf.gov/bio/ibn/start.htm) and Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (http://www.nsf.gov/bio/mcb/start.htm) have various submission dates.

General Web Site: http://www.nsf.gov/home/deadline/deadline.htm

---In partnership with academic institutions, botanical gardens, freshwater and marine institutes, and natural history museums, the NSF seeks to enhance Taxonomic Research (NSF 04-606) and help prepare future generations of experts. Through its Special Biennial Competition in Systematic Biology, NSF will support competitively reviewed projects that target groups of poorly known organisms for modern monographic research. Projects must train new taxonomists (two per project minimally) and must translate current expertise into electronic databases and other products with broad accessibility to the scientific community ($150K per year; 5 years).

Deadline: 03/07/05Web Site: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?ods_key=nsf04606

---The NSF announces its intention to continue support of multidisciplinary teams to conduct creative and innovative research that will resolve phylogenetic relationships for large groups of organisms on the Tree of Life (NSF 05-523). Teams of investigators also will be supported for projects in data acquisition, analysis, algorithm development and dissemination in computational phylogenetics and phyloinformatics.  Projects for Assembling the Tree of Life are expected to be ambitious, large scale, and to involve multiple investigators from multiple disciplines, likely from multiple organizations, and to include training, outreach, and dissemination components. Tree of Life projects that are taxon-oriented will focus on phylogenetic resolution of large lineages or clades; this taxon focus is not intended to deflect interest in and attention to theoretical or analytical issues, particularly when the clade under study raises

critical questions about the suitability or power of current phylogenetic methods of analysis. Tree of Life projects may also be method or theory-oriented, in which case they will address major analytical or computational problems in phylogenetic research and phyloinformatics. The taxon-focus and method-focus approaches described here are intended for guidance only, and not as constraints on innovative projects for Assembling the Tree of Life (up to $3M total; up to 5 years).

Deadline: 03/28/05Web Site: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?ods_key=nsf05523

---The goal of the Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics (UBM) Activity (NSF 04-546) is to enhance undergraduate education and training at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate the mathematical and biological sciences. The core of the activity is long-term research experiences for interdisciplinarily balanced cohorts of at least four undergraduates. Projects should focus on research at the intersection of the mathematical and biological sciences. Projects should provide students exposure to contemporary mathematics and biology, addressed with modern research tools and methods (up to $250K per year; 5 years).

Deadline: 03/30/05Web Site: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?ods_key=nsf04546

---The Evaluative Research and Capacity Building (EREC) Program seeks proposals that offer unique approaches to evaluation practice in the generation of knowledge for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education community and for broad policymaking within the research and education enterprise. Successful proposals may focus on one or more STEM education programs or projects in order to examine major issues in STEM education and/or may focus on the development of capacity within the education evaluation field (up to $1,350,000 over 36 months).

LOI Deadline: 03/31/05Full Proposal: 05/15/05

Web Site: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?ods_key=nsf05529

ADDITIONAL SIGNALS**Additional Signals are supplemental funding opportunities announced

or acquired after the respective published edition of Signals.

AMERICAN GASTROENTEROLOGICAL FOUNDATION (AGA) The Jon I Isenberg International Research Scholar Award provides for non-US citizen young investigators to spend one year

performing GI-related research at an American institution under the tutelage of an AGA member. The objective of this award is to promote international scholarship, increase AGA’s involvement within the international GI community and foster international collaboration in training GI investigators. This award provides a total of $50K for one year of study, $25K from the AGA and $25K in matching funds from the applicant’s national GI society.

Deadline: 01/14/05---

The AGA Foundation Outcomes Research Awards supports investigator-initiated outcomes research in gastroenterology/ hepatology. Preference for two of the awards will be for proposals related to the study of acid-peptic disease. In general, outcomes studies examine clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, quality of life, economic evaluation, quality of care, functional status, appropriateness of care, conformance of recommended/desirable standards of performance, or change in practice patterns. The objective of this award is to promote research by young investigators in the area of outcomes, broadly defined above, as it relates to digestive and liver diseases. Any acute or chronic condition of the digestive system or the liver is an appropriate candidate for study ($35K per year; 1 year).

Deadline: 02/14/05

Web Site: http://www.fdhn.org/html/awards/elect_app.html

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) The Research on Learning and Education (ROLE)Program (NSF 05-529) seeks to capitalize on important developments across a wide range of fields related to human learning and to STEM education. It supports research across a continuum that includes (1) the biological basis of human learning; (2) behavioral, cognitive, affective and social aspects of STEM learning; (3) STEM learning in formal and informal educational settings; (4) STEM Policy research; and (5) The diffusion of STEM innovations. The ROLE Program aims to advance the knowledge base within and across the intersections of these multidisciplinary areas. It encourages projects that reconcile and integrate basic research and educational practice, and generate hypotheses from one disciplinary area that can be tested and refined in another (up to $1,350,000 over 36 months).

LOI Deadline: 01/14/05Full Proposal: 03/04/05

Web Site: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?ods_key=nsf05529

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) EPA is soliciting grant proposals from eligible entities to conduct activities to reduce incidences of Childhood Lead Poisoning in vulnerable populations, including projects to: (1) address areas with high incidences of elevated blood-lead levels; (2) identify and

address areas with high potential for heretofore undocumented elevated blood-lead levels; (3) develop tools to address unique and challenging issues in lead poisoning prevention; and (4) identify tools that are replicable and scalable for other areas. Activities eligible for funding include outreach and public education, data gathering, monitoring, training, inspections and assessments, demonstrations, and new, innovative approaches for identifying or reducing lead poisoning (up to $100K over up to 2 years).

Deadline: 01/31/05

Web Site: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2004/December/Day-01/t26474.htm

NATIONAL MARFAN FOUNDATION (CMA) The CMA is soliciting applications grants to support basic, translational and clinical research on Marfan syndrome and related disorders. During this cycle of funding, the CMA is especially interested in receiving applications from investigators interested in the pulmonary manifestations of Marfan syndrome, but all applications are welcome. The overall goal of the CMA Research Program is to improve diagnosis and management of people with the Marfan syndrome through research on pathogenesis and novel therapies. Due to limited resources, applicants must propose either a self-contained project capable of addressing an important, circumscribed objective, or a pilot project that will support an application for more substantial funding from another agency. Any application should have the quality expected of a proposal to the Canadian Institute of Health Research or the NIH (up to $50K (Canadian) per year; 1-2 years).

Deadline: 02/15/05

Web Site: http://www.marfan.ca

AWARDS/PRIZES

FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE The purpose of the Kistler Prize is to recognize and reward original work investigating the implications of genetics for human society. It is awarded annually to an individual or research institution whose work has shown rigorous pursuit of scientific research and has made substantive and innovative contributions in this field. Created in 1999, the Prize includes a cash award of $100K and a 180-gram gold medallion. It is named for Walter P. Kistler, President and benefactor of the Foundation For the Future, who personally presents the award each year in a gala banquet and ceremony.

Deadline: 01/31/05

Web Site: http://www.futurefoundation.org/kistler/index.html

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS The Pfizer Teacher Development Awards honors community-based physicians who give up time from their practice to teach students or residents part time. Part time teaching is defined as not less than 4 hours and no more than 32 hours per month. The award consists of $2K and travel expenses to the AAFP annual scientific assembly to receive the award.

Deadline: 02/13/05

Web Site: http://www.aafpfoundation.org/teacherdevelopment.xml

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY (AAFPRS) The William K. Wright Award is presented to an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) member who has made outstanding contributions to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The John Dickinson Teacher award honors an AAFPRS Fellow or Member for sharing knowledge about facial plastic surgery with the effective use of audiovisuals in any one year. The F. Mark Rafaty Memorial Award is presented each year to any AAFPRS member who has made outstanding contributions to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The Community Service Award is presented each year to an AAFPRS member who has distinguished himself/herself by providing and/or making possible free medical service to the poor in his/her community. Nominations for these awards may be submitted to the Awards Committee using the nomination form online.

Deadline: 02/28/05Web Site: http://www.aafprs.org/

THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS (ACS) The ACS Board of Governors Committee on Socioeconomic Issues, in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative, is seeking nominations for the 2005 Surgical Volunteerism Award. The Committee members are looking for ACS Fellows who are making a significant contribution to surgical care through volunteer actions. Candidates for this award may practice their surgical volunteerism either in a domestic, international, or military setting. All surgical subspecialties are eligible for consideration.

Deadline: 02/28/05

Web Site: http://www.facs.org/index.html

BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM FONDS The Heinrich Wieland Prize is to promote research on lipids and related substances in the area of chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and clinical medicine. The prize consists of the Heinrich Wieland Medal and a sum of EUR 25,000. The presentation of the 2005 prize will take place in autumn 2005 in Munich.

Deadline: 02/28/05

Web Site: http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/corporate/research/heinrich_wieland_prize.htm

THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION

The Judson Daland Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in patient-oriented research. The chair of a clinical department of a medical school or hospital must nominate candidates. A letter from the nominator must make clear the patient-orientated nature of the investigation. The prize will be for 20K. Deadline: 03/15/04

Web Site: http://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/_____________________________________________________

THE INTERNATIONAL E. BALZAN PRIZE FOUNDATION The 2005 Balzan Prize attains the goal of fostering, on a worldwide level, culture, science, outstanding humanitarian causes and peace. The 2005 Balzan Prize will be awarded in the Natural Sciences and Medicine with topic interest in Population Biology and Mineral Physics. The prizes will be for one million Swiss Franks each (approximate conversation $709K US). Half of each prize will be designated by the winners to research projects involving young scientists and scholars. Deadline: 03/15/05

Web Site: http://www.balzan.ch/index_en.cfm

THE GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA The George Sacher Student Award is presented to the best student presentation by a GSA member at the Society's Annual Scientific Meeting. The annual $500 award is designed to

encourage research and to foster interest among students in the Biological Sciences. The Person-in-Training Award is given to a student of the Clinical Medicine section for the best student presentation at the Society's Annual Scientific Meeting. The $500 award is designed to encourage research and to foster interest among students in the Clinical Medicine. The BSS Student Research Award recognizes student research at the pre-dissertation and dissertation level (degree to have been awarded within 18 months of date of submission).  The winners receive a copy of the Handbook on Aging (the Social Sciences or the Psychology edition) and a one-year membership in the Society. The Student Research Award honors the best student paper on the SRPP Annual Scientific Meeting program. All GSA student members are eligible for the $500 award. The Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization offers a $250 cash award for the best interdisciplinary research paper on a topic related to aging by a GSA student member. Some examples might include how the biological aspects of aging are related to the social consequences of aging; using a theoretical perspective such as life course theory to explain various outcomes of communication and aging; or how public policy affects clinical, biological or psychological aspects of aging. Deadlines: 03/15/05

Web Site: http://www.geron.org/awards/awards.htm #bss

THE OCHSNER CLINICAL FOUNDATION The Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Health is presented to one or more clinical or basic science investigators for outstanding and exemplary original scientific investigations that relate tobacco consumption and health. This scientific work may be clinical, fundamental, epidemiological or preventive in scope. The prime criterion for award selection is its scientific impact on this major health threat. The award consists of $15K.

Deadline: 03/31/05

Web Site: http://www.ochsner.org/academics/smokingaward.html

REGULATORY SUBMISSION DUE DATES

IACUC MEETING DATES

January 13February 10

Please note: The ACUP review process takes approximately six weeks, depending on the completeness of the application, the complexity of the proposed research, the species used, and the nature of the care and use of the species. You may be contacted during this time to request supporting documentation (e.g. peer review letters, special room

requests) or to request clarification of information. Thus, the efficiency of the review process may also depend on your availability to answer questions, or the availability of a knowledgeable manner of your technical staff.

IBC MEETING DATES

February 4April 1

Please note: The IBC review process takes approximately six weeks, depending on the completeness of the application, the complexity of the proposed research. You may be contacted during this time to request supporting documentation or to request clarification of information. Thus, the efficiency of the review process may also depend on your availability to answer questions, or the availability of a knowledgeable manner of your technical staff.

IRB SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Committee A Committee B Committee CJanuary 19February 16March 16

January 5February 2March 2

January 21February 18March 18

RESEARCH NEWS

NIH ESTABLISHES WEBSITE FOR NEW INVESTIGATORS

The Office of Extramural Research (OER), NIH, announces the posting of a new website that articulates NIH's continuing commitment to new investigators. The website describes current policies, data related to the influx of new investigators, resources that new investigators can use to understand and work with the NIH, and helpful hints that might be useful in constructing a first application for NIH support. The OER solicits additional suggestions for non-commercial content for this website. Visitors who know of additional resources can send suggestions to OEPMailbox@mail.nih.gov.

Web Page: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/new_investigators/index.htm