FROM ICs OTHER THAN NIAID
June 5, 2002
NIAID SUPPORT OF INTRAMURAL BIODEFENSE RESEARCH FROM ICs OTHER
THAN NIAID: The NIAID will make approximately $10million
available for intramural researchers from ICs other than NIAID who
propose highly meritorious research relevant to the NIAID Research
Agenda for CDC Category A Agents. This document describes the scope
of the NIH intramural initiative, and the process by which interested
investigators may be funded.
BACKGROUND: For the purposes of the NIAID strategic plan for
biodefense research, and the specific research agenda that follows
from it, bioterrorism is defined as the intentional use of
microorganisms that cause human disease, or of toxins derived from
them, to harm individual people or to elicit widespread fear or
intimidation of society. Bioterrorism is a subset of the larger
problem of emerging infectious diseases. The NIAID program for
Biodefense Research is built on this concept. It is directed
primarily toward the needs of civilian populations (although
interventions emerging from it may have application in military
settings). Research addressing terrorism resulting from the use of
chemical toxins, nuclear energy, or organisms/toxins primarily
affecting other animals or plants is the primary responsibility of
other U.S. government agencies. The NIAID may collaborate with those
agencies and organizations on such research when there is mutual
opportunity for scientific or public health gain, and overlap in
scientific mission.
NIAID'S STRATEGIC PLAN: The NIAID will address the challenges
of bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases through a program of
basic and translational research aimed at ensuring and improving the
public health and preparedness against terrorist attack of civilian
populations. The institute's Strategic Plan and Research Agenda for
CDC Category A Agents
(http://www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/pdf/biotresearchagenda.pdf)
emphasizes: 1) basic research on microbes and host defenses; and 2)
targeted, milestone-driven development of drugs, vaccines, other
interventions, and diagnostics. The plan will be executed through
traditional and novel programs of support, in collaboration with
partners in academia, industry, and other private and public sector
agencies.
ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM
· NIAID will make available up to $10 million annually (contingent on Congressional approval of the President's budget request), beginning in FY03, for support of meritorious basic or applied research projects that are proposed and carried out by intramural NIH or FDA investigators from ICs other than NIAID.
· The research must be directly responsive to the Counter-Bioterrorism Research Agenda of the NIAID for CDC Category A Agents (available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/pdf/biotresearchagenda.pdf).
· Projects may be laboratory or clinical in nature. Clinical intervention projects should, in general, be preliminary or exploratory in nature; large clinical trials will not be supported by this mechanism.
· The proposed research must be consistent with the investigator's expertise and the scientific focus of his/her laboratory.
· Support may include costs for equipment, supplies, and non-permanent personnel needed to carry out the project.
· The investigator's IC must provide the space and other infrastructure, as well as support for any renovation or construction required for the project.
· Projects may be funded for periods of up to 3 years, at a total cost of $500,000 (over the 3 year period). Continued funding beyond the original period will be contingent upon satisfactory review of progress and plans.
· Funded investigators will participate in an annual one-day meeting that will include a presentation of the progress of each funded project.
· NIAID intramural researchers may be included as un-funded
collaborators on projects.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION, REVIEW AND FUNDING
· Investigator prepares and submits a brief proposal (5 page maximum, including budget) to his/her Scientific Director.
1. Title
2. Abstract
3. Research Proposal
4. Statement of relevance to the NIAID Research Agenda
5. Proposed Budget
6. A 2 page (max) APPENDIX addressing the review criterion "Expertise and qualifications of investigator team" should document the PI's relevant expertise, and the relevance of the proposed research to the scientific focus of his/her laboratory. Either the standard PHS autobiographical sketch or an abbreviated CV is acceptable as long as it provides sufficient information.
· Scientific Director approves the proposal and forwards to NIAID, Assistant Director for Biodefense Research
· PROPOSAL DUE DATE: AUGUST 30, 2002
· Proposal is screened for relevance to NIAID Research Agenda
· Proposal undergoes peer review for scientific merit by a relevant committee of intramural scientists (NIAID and other ICs), using the following criteria:
1. Relevance to the NIAID Research Agenda for CDC Category A Organisms2. Merit of the proposed research
3. Expertise and qualifications of investigator team
4. Reasonableness of budget
· Peer review committee assigns level of enthusiasm and makes budget recommendations
· Funding decision will be made by NIAID
· Funding will be by interagency transfers of annual increments for the period of funding
· For additional information contact:
Jack Killen, M.D.
NIAID Asst. Director for Biodefense Research
Bldg 31, Rm 7A28
Bethesda, MD 20892
PH: 301-451-4262
FX: 301-480-1593
jkillen@nih.gov