(Supplementary Information)
Introduction
This supplementary information applies to applications requesting selected research supplements to active National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) grants. Its purpose is to clarify the application process and is not intended to substitute for the specific program announcements (PA). These are:
In all cases, at the time of a supplemental award, the parent grant must have support remaining for a reasonable period (usually two years or more).
Program Guidance, Submission, Review, and Funding of Applications
As outlined below, the processing of research supplement applications at NIDCR generally requires approximately eight weeks from the date of receipt to a funding decision by NIDCR Executive Staff. In addition, NIDCR uses the following eligibility table that defines the eligibility criteria for supporting individuals at the high school, undergraduate, postbaccalaureate/post-master, graduate research assistant, postdoctoral, and investigator levels.
Eligibility Table
Program Guidance in Development of the Application and the Career Development/Mentorship Plan
The Principal Investigator (PI) of the NIDCR grant, who will serve as mentor for the individual (the candidate) to be supported through the supplement, should contact his/her relevant Program Official (PO) prior to submission of an application. The PO will answer questions and generally explain the underrepresented minority, disability, or reentry supplement program to the PI. Critical issues to be discussed with the PO may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Extent and Scope of the Career Development/Mentorship Plan: The PA requires that the PI describe how the research and career development experiences will expand and foster the research capabilities of the candidate and how they relate to the research goals and objectives of the parent grant. The expectation is that an adequate and appropriate career development/mentorship plan will be prepared for the candidate. The plan should go well beyond basic laboratory assignments, supervision plans or lists of seminars or laboratory meetings to be attended. The plan should take into account the typical barriers and impediments encountered by all trainees, as well as the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minority individuals, and those with disabilities, encounter in gaining entry and progressing in the biomedical, behavioral and social, and clinical research career tracks. The plan should also present evidence that the proposed experience is appropriate for the stage of the individual’s research development, and that it will significantly enhance the individual’s research potential, while furthering the individual’s ability to pursue a research career.
- Specification of Goals and Objectives and Their Achievement: As required, the candidate should also provide a signed statement outlining short- and long-term research objectives and career goals, as well as a statement from the PI regarding what he/she will do to assist the candidate in achieving these objectives and goals.
- Transition Plans and Timeline: Within the career development/mentorship plan the expectation is that the PI will prepare detailed objectives and associated timelines for helping the candidate make the transition to the next stage of his/her research career. For example, postdoctoral and minority investigator level candidates are encouraged to submit an application for NIDCR support through other research or research development mechanisms prior to completion of the research supplement. Junior Investigators are encouraged to apply for fellowships, mentor-career awards and other developmental awards prior to competing for more advanced awards such as the R01.
Submission and Receipt of Applications
The PI submits an original and two copies of the application to NIDCR for an underrepresented minority, disability, or reentry research supplement to Dr. Albert Avila, Extramural Training Officer (see address below).
Review of Applications
Once the application is received by the Extramural Training Officer, copies of the application will be forwarded to the grants management specialist and the program officer for review. The NIDCR Center Directors then provide a second level of review for all supplement applications. Final approval of applications for funding is made by the Associate Director for Program Development.
Funding decisions are generally dependent on: 1) quality of the application and the proposed project (e.g., the career development/mentorship plan); and 2) availability of funds.
General Inquiries
For general information about the “Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research" and “Supplements to Promote Reentry into Biomedical and Behavioral Research Careers,” please contact:
Dr. Kevin Hardwick
Chief, Research Training and Career Development Branch
NIDCR/NIH
6701 Democracy Blvd, Room 690
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301) 594-2765
Fax: (301) 402-7033
Email: Kevin.Hardwick@nih.gov