In this Issue:
1. NIDCR News
2. NIH News
3. Funding Opportunities
4. Science Advances
5. NIDCR Personnel News
NIDCR NEWS
NIDCR Launches Pathway to Product Development Web Page
NIDCR has a new section on its website called "Pathway to Product Development" that highlights how to translate science into product development, the challenges involved in translational research, and the Institute’s SBIR/STTR offerings. The site also provides advice on "10 Steps to Commercializing a Great Idea."
FY 2008 NIDCR Congressional Justification Available
See the FY 2008 NIDCR Congressional Justification.
NIDCR Participates in High Priority Short-Term Project Award (R56)
A brief description of the High Priority Short-Term Project Award (R56) has been added to the Funding Mechanisms page on the NIDCR web site with links to the original NIH announcement and to the Notice announcing NIDCR participation.
NIDCR Support for Meetings and Scientific Conferences (R13/U13)
An updated description of the R13/U13 program has been added to the NIDCR web site that provides information about the types of meetings and conferences NIDCR will consider supporting. It also directs potential applicants to consult with the appropriate program director before submitting a request for advance permission to submit an application. Finally, it provides the standardized form that is required for seeking this permission.
NIH NEWS
 |
R01 Grant Application Alert
New Process, New Forms
Required for Feb. 2007 |
New On-Line Training Resources Available for Electronic Grant Submission
Three new training resources have been added to the electronic submission training site.
The computer demos and presentations walk applicants through the process of finding grant opportunities and downloading applications, checking e-application status (for signing officials) and checking e-application status (for principal investigators).
Remember, R01 attachments must be in PDF format. Information about this and other new requirements may be found in the powerpoint presentation on Preparing for NIH Electronic Grant Applications.
President Signs NIH Reform Act
On January 15, 2007, President Bush signed into law the NIH Reform Act following unanimous support by the Congress. This action affirms the importance of NIH and its vital role in advancing biomedical research to improve the health of the Nation. Provisions would revise Title IV of the PHS Act and create the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, to be supported by the Common Fund. The bill authorizes, but does not appropriate, for NIH $30,331,309,000 for FY 2007, $32,831,309,000 for FY 2008 and such sums as necessary for FY 2009. In addition, the bill:
- calls for the establishment of a Scientific Management Review Board to review the structure of NIH every seven years
- authorizes the NIH Director to award grants for demonstration projects for research bridging the biological sciences with the physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences; and authorizes the establishment of demonstration programs that award grants, contracts, or engage in other transactions, for high-impact, cutting-edge research demonstration programs
- deletes most reports pertaining to NIH in current law and replaces them with one biennial report to Congress
NIH Center for Scientific Review to Host Open House Workshops to Improve the Review of NIH Grant Applications
Starting in March 2007, the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will convene the first of six one-day Open House Workshops in 2007 to solicit input from leaders of the scientific community and other stakeholders. The input will be critical to realigning and reinventing CSR's application review groups so the $20+ billion NIH invests in biomedical research grants each year advances the most promising research. Workshop participants also will provide input on other ongoing and proposed initiatives to improve CSR's peer review process. See additional information, dates, and online registration forms for the CSR open house workshops.
Register for NIH Regional Seminars on Program Funding and Grants Administration
NIH is offering two regional seminars intended to help demystify the application and review process, clarify Federal regulations and policies, and highlight current areas of special interest or concern. The first seminar will be held March 5-7, 2007 in Salt Lake City, UT, and the second will take place April 24-26, 2007 in Research Triangle Park, NC. The seminars are appropriate for grants administrators, researchers new to NIH, and graduate students.
NIH to Host SBIR/STTR Conference
On February 26-27, 2007, NIH will hold its 9th annual Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Conference in Las Vegas, NV. The meeting will provide an overview of the SBIR/STTR programs with a focus on the process of moving an idea to product commercialization.
Licensing Opportunities for Rare Disease Technologies Announced
On December 11, NIH launched a website offering technologies available for commercial licensing that are related to rare diseases or conditions. The listing consists of more than 500 technologies, including drugs, biologics, and devices, available to be transferred from the NIH and the Food and Drug Administration to the private sector for further research and development and potential commercialization. “By making it easier for pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions to identify licensing opportunities, this new site will help facilitate the transfer of research advances from bench to bedside where the interventions can ultimately benefit the patients,” said NIH Director Elias Zerhouni.
NIH in the Post-Doubling Era: Realities and Strategies
An article by NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., appeared in the November 17 issue of Science, entitled “NIH Funding in the Post-Doubling Era: Realities and Strategies.”
Seven New Members Appointed to Advisory Committee to the NIH Director
NIH has selected seven individuals to serve as members of the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD). The ACD advises the NIH Director on policy and planning issues. The new members, who join 13 current members of the council, are Catherine D. DeAngelis, M.D., MPH, of Chicago, Illinois; Karen A. Holbrook, Ph.D., of Columbus, Ohio; Ralph I. Horwitz, M.D., of Stanford, California; Mary-Claire King, Ph.D., of Seattle, Washington; Alan, I. Leshner, Ph.D., of Washington, District of Columbia; John C. Nelson, M.D., MPH, FACOG, FACPM, of Chicago, Illinois; and Barbara L. Wolfe, Ph.D., of Seattle, Washington.
Stephen E. Straus, M.D., Becomes Senior Advisor to NIH Director
On November 7, Dr. Stephen E. Straus, director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), stepped down from his leadership of the Center for health reasons. Dr. Straus will become senior advisor to the NIH Director. Dr. Zerhouni has named Ruth L. Kirschstein, M.D., formerly acting director of NIH, to be the acting director of NCCAM.
FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
AIDS
Behavioral/Social Science Research
Biotechnology
Cancer
Career Development
Clinical Research/Clinical Trials
Genetics and Developmental Biology
Health Disparities
Immunology
Microbiology
Neurobiology/Pain
NIH Roadmap-Related Initiatives
Small Business
Teeth and Bone
Training
REQUESTS FOR APPLICATIONS
Neurobiology/Pain
Extension of National Research Service Award Training, Fellowship, and Career Development Funding Opportunity Announcements
The expiration date for several of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional training grants (T), NRSA Fellowships (F), and Career Development (K) funding opportunity announcements has been extended until January 3, 2008. See additional information about the affected NRSA awards.
SCIENCE ADVANCES
Scientists Discover How Maternal Smoking Can Cause Cleft Lip and Palate
Science News in Brief
Please see the following brief summaries of recent oral health research findings:
NIDCR PERSONNEL NEWS
Dr. Robert Fitzgerald Dies
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Dr. Robert J. Fitzgerald on January 18, 2007. Dr. Fitzgerald was a research pharmacologist at the (then) NIDR from 1948-1969. His landmark research, conducted together with Dr. Paul Keyes, demonstrated that specific bacteria cause dental caries. He later extended this work to studies of other factors involved in the formation of tooth decay. Dr. Fitzgerald served in the U.S. Public Health Service from 1945 to 1969, retiring with the rank of captain. In 1969, he moved to Miami, FL and became chief of the Dental Research Unit at the Miami VA Medical Center and professor of microbiology at the University of Miami School of Medicine. His group continued to make important observations relating to caries, periodontal disease, and root canal infections. He was a member of the National Advisory Dental Research Council and served as a consultant and visiting lecturer at many institutions in the U.S. and abroad, including the Pan American Health Organization. His numerous awards include the Dental Research Prize of the International Dental Federation, the Scientific Award of the International Association for Dental Research, the Distinguished Service Award of the National Institute of Dental Research, and the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs Exceptional Service Award.
Dr. Harold Fullmer Dies
We also regret to report the death on January 20, 2007 of Harold M. Fullmer, D.D.S., who was with the NIDR from 1953 until 1970. Dr. Fullmer was the first to isolate collagenase in humans. He held several positions at the Institute, including chief of the Section on Histochemistry and chief of the Experimental Pathology Branch. In 1970, he moved to the University of Alabama at Birmingham as director of the Institute of Dental Research and professor of dentistry and pathology. In 1987, he was made professor emeritus. He was a Fulbright Research Scholar at the University of Adelaide in 1982. Dr. Fullmer was chairman of the Section on Dentistry of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, president of the American Association for Dental Research and the International Association for Dental Research, and a founder and president of the International Association of Oral Pathologists. He also chaired the Dental Caries Program Advisory Committee of DHEW (1976-79).