FY 2008On December 26, 2007, the President signed into law H.R. 2764/P.L. 110-161, theConsolidated Appropriations Act for 2008. This followed four Continuing Resolutions that expired on December 31 and provides funding for the entire fiscal year. The FY 2008 Enacted level for NIH provided an increase over FY 2007 of $329 million for a total of $29.2 billion.
FY 2009The FY 2009 President’s budget was released to the public on February 4, 2008. The President’s request for NIH is $29.2 billion, the same as the FY 2008 Enacted level. In the FY 2009 President’s budget, NIH continues to identify the four P’s―predictive, personalized, preemptive, and participatory―as top strategic priorities.
The FY 2009 budget request for NIA is $1,048.278 million, an increase of $1.018 million or 0.09 percent from the FY 2008 Enacted level. The NIA FY2009 Congressional Justification can be viewed at http://www.nia.nih.gov/AboutNIA/BudgetRequests/.
For NIA, the FY 2009 President’s Budget will allow for 1,668 total RPGs, including 518 new and competing awards. The estimate also includes a total of $118.2 million for research centers and other research grants, the same amount as the FY 2008 level. For research training, the FY 2009 budget request includes $24.0 million to support 564 trainees. The R&D contract mechanism will be supported at a level of $70.2 million, the same level as FY 2008.
FY 2010
Preliminary work on the budget for FY 2010 has begun using the FY 2009 President’s budget request as the base. After intermediate stages of review, the President’s budget request for FY 2010 will be presented to Congress in February 2009, at which time it will become available to the public.
[excerpts from the NIA Congressional Justification for the NIA FY2009 budget]
Major changes by budget mechanism and/or budget activity detail are briefly described below. Note that there may be overlap between budget mechanism and activity detail and these highlights will not sum to the total change for the FY 2009 budget request for NIA, which is $1,018,000 more than the FY 2008 Enacted level, for a total of $1,048,278,000.
Research Project Grants (-$1,380,000; total $686,445,000): NIA will continue to support new investigators and to maintain an adequate number of competing RPGs. NIA will support a total of 1,668 Research Project Grant (RPG) awards in FY 2009. Noncompeting RPGs will increase by 12 awards and decrease by $25,549,000. Competing RPGs will increase by 72 awards and $24,169,000. The NIH Budget policy for RPGs in FY 2009 is to provide no inflationary increases in noncompeting awards and no increase in average cost for competing RPGs.
Intramural Research (+$1,614,000; total $109,231,000): Intramural Research will receive a modest increase to help offset the cost of pay and other increases. NIA will work to identify areas of potential savings within the Intramural Research Program that will allow the institute to continue to achieve its program goals and accomplishments.
Research Management and Support (+$594,000; total $40,214,000): The NIA oversees almost 2,100 research grants and more than 500 full-time training positions and 100 research and development contracts. The increase will be used to partially offset the expenses associated with pay raises and other inflationary cost increases necessary to provide for the effective administrative, planning and evaluation, public information and communications, and scientific leadership of the institute.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
S. 898 – On July 25, 2008, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) (Senator Edward Kennedy [D-MA]), reported out by unanimous consent S. 898, the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2007. S. 898 would increase the authorization level for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, and require the Director of the NIA to make supporting AD research a priority for the Institute. In addition, the bill would require an expansion of clinical research on AD with a focus on (1) early diagnosis and detection, (2) the relationship of vascular disease and AD, and (3) expediting the translation of research findings into effective treatments and prevention strategies. S. 898 would require the Secretary, HHS, within 3 years of enactment of the legislation and every 3 years thereafter, to convene a summit on AD for the purpose of providing a detailed overview of current research activities at the NIH, as well as to discuss and solicit input to potential areas of collaboration between the NIH and other Federal agencies related to research, prevention and treatment of AD. House version, H.R. 1570 has been referred to the Subcommittee on Health for action.
Congressional Briefings and Events
(For information, contact Dr. Tamara Jones, NIA Legislative Point of Contact, Ph. 301-451-8835.)
Dr. Louise Hsu was a native of Taiwan and graduated from National Taiwan University in 1962 with a Chemistry major. She received her Ph.D. at the University of Kansas in 1967. From 1968-1970 Dr. Hsu attended Case-Western Reserve University as a post-doctoral research trainee in bio-organic chemistry and moved to the UCLA School of Medicine for a postdoctoral research fellowship in Neuroscience in1971-1972. A series of university appointments followed including positions at the University of Texas (Houston) and UCLA. She increasingly focused her work on neurology and aging research.
She came to NIH via the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in 1990 and moved soon after to NIA. Her main area of focus has been neuroscience and she closely followed scientific advances in the field of Alzheimer’s disease. She contributed to that field through more than ten years of service organizing and running the NIA-N committee. She is well respected by the neuroscience community at large for contributions to the science in general and to Alzheimer’s research in particular.
Her hobbies included Chinese and Western literature, opera, classical music, arts (including painting), world travel, and ping pong. Dr. Hsu was a devoted Christian, an active participant in church activities, loving and generous to her parents and a large extended family of 10 siblings, and 22 nephews and nieces. She enjoyed cultivating friendships and helping many people. She lived an active and vigorous life in spite of fighting rheumatoid arthritis and lupus for many years. She was a friend, a guide, a mentor, and an inspiration to many in her local community, at NIA, and to the broader community in neuroscience and aging.
Dr. Marie A. Bernard has agreed to join NIA as Deputy Director. Many NIA staff are familiar with Dr. Bernard’s research and remember her further valuable contributions to research on aging through her leadership on NIA’s National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA).
Dr. Bernard comes to the Institute with exceptional credentials and vision in geriatrics and research. She currently serves as the Donald W. Reynolds Chair in Geriatric Medicine, and Professor and Chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. She also holds an appointment as the Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics and Extended Care at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Bernard also is Chairman of the Board of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs (ADGAP) and President of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. These activities are in addition to her leadership and participation in a wide range of committees and activities, from journal editorship to board service in a number of professional medical and aging organizations.
Dr. Bernard is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She trained in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, where she also served as chief resident. She received additional training through the AAMC Health Services Research Institute, the Geriatric Education Center of Pennsylvania, and the Wharton School Executive Development program.
Dr. Bernard’s research interests include nutrition and function in aging populations, with particular emphasis upon ethnic minorities. Dr. Bernard has, throughout her career, sought to support and improve the evidence base which forms the foundation for geriatrics and the care of older people. Dr. Hodes looks forward to bringing her expertise and energy to the NIA, as NIA continues its efforts to address the needs of an aging population.
Dr. John Williams joined the Biology of Aging Program (BAP) in January 2008 as a new Health Scientist Administrator in the Aging Physiology Branch. Dr. Williams was most recently an Associate Professor in the Division of Nephrology, Bone, and Mineral Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. He has extensive experience in the field of bone biology and his recent research focused on the role of an osteoclast-derived cytokine, Mim-1, in the regulation of osteoclast activity and bone homeostasis. Dr. Williams will manage the musculoskeletal portfolio of grants which includes projects on age-related changes in bone matrix as well as changes in osteoblast and osteoclast activity and/or function, age-related changes in muscle structure and function, and age-related changes in cartilage and connective tissue.
Ms. Barbara Cire recently accepted a position with NIA’s Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL) to lead media activities and to serve as editor of the Institute’s new online newsletter, Spotlight on Aging Research: News and Notes from the National Institute on Aging (SOAR). Ms. Cire’s career as a medical and scientific writer for more than 25 years brings extensive experience to the Institute in writing, editing, media relations, publications production and management, and corporate communications. Before joining NIA, she was senior editor of the NCI Cancer Bulletin andassociate editor for NIDA Notes. Ms. Cire also worked in media relations at Children’s National Medical Center. Her writing and editing have been recognized with national awards, and OCPL is pleased to welcome her to NIA. Dr. Cerise Elliott joined the Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging (NNA) Program in January 2008 as a research program analyst in the Dementias of Aging Branch. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha in Neuroscience in 2004. Most recently she worked on the Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) project in the Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives (OPASI) in the Office of the Director at NIH.
Dr. Henriette van Praag recently joined the Intramural Research Program as a Tenure Track Investigator, heading the Neuroplasticity and Behavioral Unit in the Laboratory of Neurosciences. Dr. van Praag received her degree in biopyschology at Tel-Aviv University, Israel, in 1992. Her prior experience includes a position as staff scientist in the Laboratory of Genetics under Dr. Fred H. Gage at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA.
Dr. Ramesh Vemuri was appointed Chief, Scientific Review Branch (SRB, formerly Scientific Review Office), in February 2008. He brings both expertise and experience to the SRB where he has served as Deputy Chief since 2004. Prior to joining NIA, Dr. Vemuri worked on genetics of inherited diseases in the Intramural Division of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Following his MS, and M Phil. degrees in India, he attended Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel, for his Ph.D. which focused on studies in biochemical alterations during ischemic and hypoxic conditions. He continued his research as a post-doctoral fellow at UCLA Medical School. Since becoming NIA’s representative on the NIH Review Policy Committee, he has been instrumental and influential in changing several policies at the NIH level.
Dr. Mary Nekola, Chief, Scientific Review Office (SRO), retired at the end of January 2008, after 18 years of outstanding Federal service. Dr. Nekola was a vital part of the Institute and adeptly guided the SRO with expertise and dedication.
I. Past Meetings
Workshop on Genetic Mechanisms and Life Course Development – February 11-12, 2008The Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) Program sponsored this exploratory workshop held in Bethesda, MD. The workshop explored areas where the integration of lifespan development and genetics can clarify developmental mechanisms that promote selected domains of psychosocial competence in aging. The focus of the workshop was on resilience and enhancement factors, or factors that lead to improved health and aging outcomes, rather than risk factors. (For more information, contact Dr. Erica Spotts, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
BIO-SIGNATURES – May 1-2, 2008The Biology of Aging Program (BAP) sponsored an advisory workshop (May 1 & 2, 2008, Bethesda, MD) on Bio-Signatures (Title: Employing New “Omics”-Technology Platforms to Identify Bio-Signatures for Aging). The purpose of the workshop was to assemble appropriate experts to explore the value of “Omics” technology platforms, which increasingly play significant roles in understanding the dynamic networks in complex biological systems. Multiple types of networks operate concurrently in living cells and these may change during aging. These networks could include regulatory controls at the level of genes, microRNAs, membranes, protein-protein interactions, cell signaling pathways and metabolism. Given the rapid advances in new high-throughput technologies, it has become necessary to widen the scope of our thinking to consider employing network analysis in the discovery and validation of bio-signatures for different diseases and phenotypes, including aging. This is a particularly difficult problem for aging, because ‘aging phenotypes’ show greater variance with chronological age. Developing the field of bio-signatures of aging will be instrumental to increasing the accuracy of diagnosis of normal aging versus age-related diseases and may lead to better clinical practices in health-care management of the aging human population. The expert group helped evaluate these platforms, leading to a set of recommendations that might result in publications. (For more information, contact Dr. Mahadev Murthy, BAP, Ph: 301- 402-7749).
II. Upcoming Meetings
Opportunities for Advancing Behavioral and Social Research on Aging: An Introduction for Psychological Scientists – May 22, 2008In collaboration with the Association for Psychological Science (APS), BSR is coordinating a pre-conference workshop at the APS 20th Annual Convention in Chicago, IL. This workshop aims to bring established psychological scientists up to date on emerging directions in behavioral and social science research on aging and to provide strategic guidance on incorporating aging-relevant questions into their scientific research programs. Morning sessions will focus on grant writing for aging research, neuroimaging and the aging mind, and opportunities for secondary analysis of archived social and behavioral data on aging featuring the Health and Retirement Study (Weir, PI) and MIDUS (Ryff, PI). Afternoon panel discussions will focus on the themes of “Integrative Research in Social and Personality Psychology of Aging;” “Psychology, Neuroscience and Economics: An Interdisciplinary Collaboration toward Understanding Decision Making and Economic Behavior over the Life-span;” and “Advances in Cognitive Aging Research.” The workshop is supported by the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research/NIH and BSR. (For more information, contact Dr. Lis Nielsen, BSR, Ph: 301-402-4156.)
Second Annual New Investigators Forum – May 27-29, 2008The Biology of Aging Program will sponsor a Second Annual New Investigators Forum in Boulder, CO, on May 27-29, 2008. The purpose of the forum is to bring together new awardees (i.e., Principal Investigators who can be identified as “new investigators”) to present their research in the spring of the year following their award. This will allow BAP program staff to get better acquainted with the new grantees, as well as allow the new grantees to network with each other. It is the Program’s hope that this forum will encourage the continued success of the awardees and helpe further focus their research in the area of aging. (For more information, contact Dr. David Finkelstein, BAP, Ph: 301-496-7847).
Exploratory Meeting on Health Services, Health Systems and the Elderly – June 10, 2008This BSR-funded exploratory meeting will be held in conjunction with the annual research meeting in Washington, DC, of Academy Health. A group of 10-12 experts will discuss research priorities and scientific opportunities in health policy, health care organization, and health and long-term care financing, topics which are of special relevance to the health and well-being of the elderly. (For more information, contact Dr. John Haaga, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3131.)
The Role of Vascular Comorbidity in Neurodegenerative Diseases Resulting in Dementia and the Role of Vascular Factors in other Cognitive, Affective, and Movement Disorders in Older Persons - June 12 -13, 2008 The Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program (NNA), in collaboration with the Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology Program (GCG), is organizing this exploratory workshop, which will take place June 12-13, 2008, in Bethesda, MD. The workshop will bring together investigators from a variety of disciplines to examine current knowledge on differing vascular pathologies in the brain and how they could contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, and to cognitive, motor, or affective dysfunction. Important issues which will be addressed include: impairments in cerebral blood flow autoregulation, effects of changes in the vascular wall on blood-brain barrier function, and the degree to which adverse age-related changes in the brain vasculature are unique to the brain or reflect systemic vascular pathologies. Another important set of questions relates to how cardiovascular medications commonly used in older persons (such as statins, ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and other antihypertensive medications) affect brain vasculature and vascular function, and how such effects might have neurologic consequences influencing cognition, motor function, and affective state. (For more information, contact Dr. Creighton Phelps, NNA, Ph: 301-496-9350, phelpsc@nia.nih.gov).
Mechanisms and Management of Pain in the Elderly - June 30-July 1, 2008The NNA Program, in collaboration with the GCG Program, the BSR Program, and the NIH Pain Consortium, is organizing an exploratory workshop on “Mechanisms and Management of Pain in the Elderly,” which will take place in Bethesda, MD, on June 30 and July 1, 2008. Pain is one of the most common reasons for physician visits in general and costs associated with pain are extremely high. The prevalence of pain among elderly in the age range of 75-86 years is at least 5 times as high as the prevalence in the 25-34 years age group. Despite recent growth in the understanding of the molecular entities and pathways involved in pain sensation in the periphery and central nervous system, few of these advances have been translated into understandings of the mechanisms, assessment and treatment of pain conditions relevant to the elderly population. This exploratory workshop will convene leading experts in various aspects of pain research as well as geriatricians working on issues related to pain to identify the gaps, barriers, and opportunities for aging research on pain mechanisms, assessment, and treatment/management. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, NNA, Ph: 301-496-9350; chenw@nia.nih.gov).
Workshop on Meditation for Health Purposes – July 8-9, 2008The BSR Program is co-funding this National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) exploratory workshop, which will consider the data and conclusions from an Agency for Health Care and Quality (AHRQ) review of what is known regarding the health benefits of meditation. Included in its scope is determination of whether meditation is beneficial to physical, emotional, and cognitive health. The workshop will also assess the state of the science and suggest directions for future research. One of BSR’s areas of emphasis includes behavioral and mind-body interventions; BSR will work with NCCAM to identify new opportunities that may promote knowledge on meditation and health outcomes. (For more information, contact Dr. Lis Nielsen, BSR, Ph: 301-402-4156.)
Bridging Population and Laboratory Science to Advance Research on Social and Economic Behaviors of Relevance to Aging – July 14-15, 2008.In collaboration with the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, BSR is hosting a small, exploratory meeting in London. Objectives are: (1) Compare the state-of-the-art in the application of social neuroscience and related areas of neuroeconomics in the US and the UK, (2) Pinpoint the major conceptual and methodological advances necessary, (3) Bridge scientific expertise such as population and experimental sciences, particularly focusing on opportunities for laboratory/survey interface, (4) Highlight major gaps in knowledge and key priorities for research in this field over the next five years, (5) Explore the potential for cross-national collaboration. (For more information, contact Dr. Lis Nielsen, BSR, Ph: 301-402-4156.)
NIA Workshop on Epigenetic Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases – July 15-16, 2008The NNA Program in collaboration with BAP and the GCG Program will hold an exploratory workshop on July 15-16, 2008, in Bethesda, MD, focused on epigenetic mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases. The workshop is part of NIA’s effort to capitalize on the newly launched Roadmap Epigenomics Initiative by assessing the current state of knowledge in epigenomics and by highlighting areas of aging research that will most benefit from this new science. The workshop will bring together experts from the fields of epigenetics and genetics. (For more information, contact Dr. Suzana Petanceska, NNA, Ph: 301-496-9350; petanceskas@nia.nih.gov, or Dr. Anna McCormick, BAP, 301-496-6402; mccormia@nia.nih.gov).
Mouse Phenotyping – July 28-29, 2008The BAP program will sponsor an exploratory workshop (July 28 & 29, 2008, Bethesda, MD) on Mouse Phenotyping. The purpose of this exploratory workshop is to address phenotyping of the mutant mouse models for aging research. The mouse models continue to serve as important tools in advancing aging research both at the level of biology of aging and age-related conditions/disease states. We believe that this workshop will provide us with an opportunity to discuss in-depth characterization of transgenic, knockout, and mutant mouse models used in aging research and/or with the potential to be of value to the aging field. Phenotyping would include lifespan, pathology at death, assessments of physical and cognitive function, and incidence of age-associated diseases. The experts drawn from the pool of investigators, including those using specific mutant, transgenic and knockout models in aging research, and wild-type mouse models in aging research, and those working primarily in human subjects, could provide their input on the need for such a program and its potential value for advancing aging research. They may also provide a good perspective on the translational value of different mouse phenotyping protocols. This will also complement our on-going Interventions Testing Program (ITP). (For more information, contact Dr. Mahadev Murthy, BAP, Ph: 301- 402-7749).
Exploratory Meeting on Health Economics - July 31, 2008This BSR-funded exploratory meeting will be held in Cambridge, MA, in conjunction with the National Bureau of Economic Research Summer Institute on Aging. The meeting will consider issues such as the usefulness of microsimulation models for forecasting and new research on disparities in health care utilization and expenditures. (For more information, contact Dr. John Phillips, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
Expert Meeting on Sociology and Demography of Aging - August 2, 2008BSR has previously commissioned short papers from eight leading experts in demography and sociology on scientific priorities in their fields and new developments (in data and methods) that might be brought to bear on issues relevant to the health and well-being of the elderly and understanding social processes in aging. These papers will be shared and then discussed at this exploratory meeting, which will be held in Boston, MA, in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association. (For more information contact Georgeanne Patmios, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
Role of ApoE and its Receptors in Normal Brain Aging and in Alzheimer’s Disease - August 13-14, 2008The NNA Program, is organizing a multidisciplinary advisory workshop on “The Role of ApoE and its Receptors in Normal Brain Aging and in Alzheimer’s Disease” to be held in Bethesda, MD, on August 13-14, 2008. ApoE is a pleiotropic protein which regulates multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in the periphery and in the Central Nervous System, and, in addition, is a ligand for a number of receptors. The purpose of this workshop is to examine the current state of knowledge concerning the biology of ApoE and its receptors with an emphasis on their role in normal brain aging and in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A major subject of discussion will be advances and challenges in the drug discovery arena aimed at ApoE as a therapeutic target, with the goal of identifying new avenues for future investigation. (For more information, contact Dr. Suzana Petanceska, NNA, Ph: 301-496-9350, petanceskas@nia.nih.gov).
Biology of Aging Summit – September 2-5, 2008An advisory meeting, the Biology of Aging Summit, will be held on September 2-5, 2008 in Gaithersburg, MD. The purpose of the meeting is to gain further insight into the entire scope of the science that BAP supports and/or should support. A group of 30-40 leaders in the field have been carefully chosen by BAP staff with the help of a 6-member “advisory group” chosen from the community. It is expected that an in-depth discussion of the current state of the science of aging biology will be followed by a request of the panel to make informed predictions about future trends in biogerontology. The meeting is expected to produce a series of documents that will be made public through a leading gerontology journal. This meeting will help BAP staff formulate cohesive and comprehensive development plans for the future, make informed changes in BAP structure, and provide direction for the Program’s next NACA review, due in May 2009. (For more information, contact Dr. Felipe Sierra, BAP, Ph: 301-496-6402).
Stress, Aging, the Brain, and the Body - September 8-9, 2008 Stress-linked diseases are now being recognized as important causes of morbidity and public health concern in our ever more complex society. Elucidation of the underlying neural and psychological mechanisms involved in the stress response and their interactions with changes associated with aging need to be investigated and interventions developed. The NNA Program, in collaboration with BAP and BSR, is organizing a multidisciplinary exploratory workshop on September 8-9, 2008, in Bethesda, MD. This NIA-sponsored workshop will bring together leading experts from various fields of stress research with the goal of assessing current knowledge and identifying new avenues for future investigation and collaboration. (For more information, contact Dr. Andrew Monjan, NNA, Ph: 301-496-9350, monjana@nia.nih.gov).
2nd AD Translational Research Investigators Meeting - Mid-September, 2008The staff of the NNA Program will hold the 2nd Annual Investigators Meeting for Translational Research in September 2008, in Bethesda, MD. Participants in this exploratory meeting will include investigators who are recipients of grants from the above programs and investigators who use the Toxicology Contract services, program staff from NIA and NINDS, and experts on drug discovery for AD from academia and/or industry in the role of expert advisors. (For more information, contact Dr. Suzana Petanceska, petanceskas@nia.nih.gov or Dr. Neil Buckholtz, buckholn@nia.nih.gov NNA, Ph: 301-496-9350).
New Strategic Directions Document - NIA recently completed a comprehensive examination of its strategic priorities resulting in the development of a new strategic directions document titled, “Living Long and Well in the 21st Century: Strategic Directions for Research on Aging.” The broad goals and objectives reflect the current state of the science in aging research, incorporate new scientific and technological opportunities, and provide a framework for mapping NIA’s portfolio, tracking progress, and prioritizing investments. NIA’s strategic directions are intended to be used as a framework for priority setting and future research planning. They are broad in scope to ensure flexibility so that the Institute may capitalize on new scientific findings and opportunities.
NIA invited and received participation in this process from members of the National Advisory Council on Aging and the Board of Scientific Counselors as well as from external stakeholders and NIA intramural and extramural staff. Their contributions were important to the development of this document, and we greatly appreciate the time that they invested. The document, located on the NIA website at http://www.nia.nih.gov/AboutNIA/StrategicDirections/, includes links that connect NIA’s strategic goals and objectives to NIA research including initiatives, scientific advances, and clinical trials.
Dr. Lisbeth Nielsen, of the BSR Program, was elected to the Scientific Advisory Board of the Society for Neuroeconomics at the Society’s Annual Meeting in September 2007. The Society for Neuroeconomics promotes research and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of neuroeconomics.
Dr. David Schlessinger, Laboratory of Genetics, received the 2007 NIA Director’s Award on December 13, 2007, in recognition of his outstanding performance in coordinating the SardiNIA project.
Dr. Weidong Wang, Laboratory of Genetics, received the 2007 NIA Director’s Award on December 13, 2007, in recognition of his outstanding, rigorous biochemical analysis to isolate the Fanconi Anemia core protein complex and discover its enzymatic functions.
Dr. Robert Brosh, Jr., Senior Investigator and Chief, Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, was recently awarded a research grant from the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. He will receive funding for two years, $25,000 for each year, for his research, “Molecular and Cellular Investigation of the FANCJ Helicase Defective in Fanconi Anemia.”
Office of Communications and Public Liaison - The NIA continues to earn top honors for its public communications efforts. The Institute's Office of Communications and Public Liaison received several Blue Pencil Awards and a Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC), which recognizes achievement in publications and other communications activities across the Federal Government.
Publications wholly or partially funded by the BSR Program:
NIA Publications and Online Resources
The following new publications were released:
The following publications were updated or reprinted:
The NIA online newsletter, Spotlight on Aging Research: News and Notes from the National Institute on Aging, was launched (http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/SOAR/v1n1/).
NIHSeniorHealth activities:
(For more information about NIA’s publications, online activities, or NIHSeniorHealth, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752.)
The following press releases and announcements were distributed with a potential audience in print and internet outlets of 38,000,000 people:
High Blood Cholesterol Newest Offering on NIHSeniorHealth Websitehttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080228cholesterol.htm
Study Finds Improved Cognitive Health Among Older Americanshttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080225coghealth.htmLanga, K., et al. Trends in the prevalence and mortality of cognitive impairment in the United States: Is there evidence of a compression of cognitive morbidity? Alzheimer’s & Dementia 2008; 4(2): 134-144
Stress Hormone Impacts Memory, Learning in Diabetic Rodentshttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080217memory-diabetes.htm Mattson, M., et al. Diabetes impairs hippocampal function through glucocorticoid-mediated effects on new and mature neurons. Nature Neuroscience 2008; 11(3): 309- 317
Distinguished Scientists Appointed to National Advisory Council on Aginghttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080130NACA.htm
Gene Variant Found Associated with Fetal Hemoglobin Levels Linked to Moderated Symptoms of Beta-Thalassemiahttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080130thalassemia.htmUda, M., et al. Genome-wide association study shows BCL11A associated with persistent fetal hemoglobin and amelioration of the phenotype of β-thalassemia. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2008; 105(5): 1620-1625
Researchers Uncover New Piece to the Puzzle of Human Heighthttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080113height.htm Sanna, S., et al. Common variants in the GDF5-UQCC region are associated with variation in human height. Nature Genetics 2008; 40(2): 198-203
International Effort Finds New Genetic Variants Associated with Lipid Levels, Risk for Coronary Artery Diseasehttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080113lipids.htm Willer, C.J., et al. Newly identified loci that influence lipid concentrations and risk of coronary artery disease. Nature Genetics 2008; 40(2): 161-169
Information on "Participating in Clinical Trials" Now Available on NIHSeniorHealth.govhttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20080104NLMtrials.htm
Older Adults With Mild Memory Impairment Still Benefit From Cognitive Training in Areas Not Reliant on Memorizationhttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20071130cogtraining.htm Unverzagt, F.W., et al. Effect of memory impairment on training outcomes in ACTIVE. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 2007; 13(6): 953-960
Training Guide from the National Institute on Aging Helps Older Adults Find Health Information Onlinehttp://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/NLMtoolkit.htm
(For more information about NIA’s press activities, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752.)
Meetings and Exhibits
NIA staff met with the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Funding, Friends of the NIA, Association of Population Centers/Population Association of America, and the Alzheimer’s Association.
NIA hosted Cynthia Kenyon for the NIH Director’s Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series on February 20, 2008. Dr. Kenyon, an American Cancer Society Research Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Director, UCSF Hillbrom Center for the Biology of Aging, presented, “From Worms to Mammals: Genes That Control the Rate of Aging.”
NIA staff participated in the annual Brain Awareness program along with five other NIH Institutes on March 13-14. Over 350 children in grades 6 - 11 attended NIA’s lively discussion of “Learning and Memory.”
New Notices and Initiatives Relevant to National Institute on Aging (NIA)Includes Notices and Initiatives (Requests for Applications (RFAs) and Program Announcements (PAs), published since the October 2007 Council presentation of the Director’s Status Report (DSR) to the National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA). Also check our NIA website for “Funding Opportunities” at http://www.nia.nih.gov/GrantsAndTraining/FundingOpportunities/CurrentFundingOpportunities.htm
(Shown here are selected Notices and Initiatives relevant to NIA/National Institutes of Health/DHHS).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RFA-AG-09-002
NIA
3/21/2008
n/a
6/12/2008
U01
Biomarkers for Older Controls at Risk for Dementia (BIOCARD) Study Extension (U01)
Purpose-this study will assess the ability of clinical, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric evaluations, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarkers to understand and predict progression from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Scientific/Research Contact: Neil Buckholtz, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 350 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-9350FAX: (301) 496-1494 Email: buckholn@nia.nih.gov
RFA-AG-09-001
1/18/2008
5/6/2008
P50
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (P50)
Purpose-the principal aim of the ADRCs is to enhance the performance of innovative research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related topics, including research that may lead to potential disease modifying therapy or behavioral or other symptom treatments.Scientific/Research Contact: Creighton H. Phelps, Ph.D. Alzheimer’s Disease Centers ProgramNeuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging ProgramNational Institute on Aging7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 350Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telephone: (301) 496-9350Fax: (301) 496-1494Email: phelpsc@nia.nih.govorNina B. Silverberg, Ph.D.Alzheimer’s Disease Centers ProgramNeuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging ProgramNational Institute on Aging7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 350Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telephone: (301) 496-9350Fax: (301) 496-1494Email: silverbergn@mail.nih.gov
B. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES –RFAs (NIH's) Not Roadmap-related-those issued by NIH that are not Roadmap-related, in which NIA is involved. No RFAs in this category during this time period were published.
RFA-MH-09-030
NIMH
3/19/2008
8/16/2008
9/17/2008
R01
Probes and Instrumentation for Monitoring and Manipulating Nervous System Plasticity (R01)
Scientific/Research Contact: Andrew A. Monjan, Ph.D.Chief, Neurobiology of Aging BranchNeuroscience and Neurophysiology of AgingNational Institute on AgingGateway Building, Room 3507201 Wisconsin Ave.Bethesda, MD 20892Telephone: (301) 496-9350FAX: (301) 402-4740Email: am39m@nih.gov
RFA-AI-08-012
NIAID
3/7/2008
5/18/2008
6/19/2008
Rejuvenating the Aged Immune System (R01)
Scientific/Research Contact:Rebecca Fuldner, Ph.D.Biology of Aging ProgramNational Institute on AgingSuite 2C231, MSC-92057201 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-6402 Fax: (301) 402-0010Email: fuldnerr@nia.nih.gov
RFA-OD-08-001
ORD
2/8/2008
8/21/2008
U54
Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortia (RDCRC) for the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (U54)
The purpose of this cooperative agreement research program is to facilitate clinical research in rare diseases.
Scientific/Research Contact: Susan G. Nayfield, M.D., M.Sc.Chief, Geriatrics BranchGeriatrics and Clinical Gerontology ProgramNational Institute on Aging7201 Wisconsin AvenueGateway Building, Suite 3C-307Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Phone: (301) 496-6761Fax: (301) 402-1784E-mail: nayfiels@mail.nih.gov
PAR-08-062
12/27/2007
1/5/2008
1/8/2011
Alzheimer’s Disease Pilot Clinical Trials (R01)
Purpose-The objective of the Alzheimer’s Disease Pilot Clinical Trials initiative is to improve the quality of clinical research designed to evaluate interventions for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and age-associated cognitive decline by stimulating applications for pilot clinical trials to test drug and/or behavioral interventions aimed at delaying the onset of or preventing AD, MCI, and age-associated cognitive decline; slowing, halting, or, if possible, reversing the progressive decline in cognitive function; and modifying the cognitive and behavioral symptoms in AD and MCI.
Scientific/Research Contact:Laurie M. Ryan, PhD Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 350, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9350 Fax: (301) 496-1494 Email: ryanl@nia.nih.gov
PA-08-037, PA-08-038, & PA-08-039
12/5/2007
R01, R21, & R03
Thyroid in Aging
Purpose - The purpose of these funding opportunity announcements (FOA) is to encourage submission of investigator-initiated research applications on the thyroid in aging. These FOAs are intended to promote basic, translational, and clinical studies leading to increased understanding of the physiology of the aging thyroid and improved diagnosis and management of thyroid disease in older adults.
Scientific/Research Contact:Basil A. Eldadah, MD, PhDNational Institute on AgingGateway Building, Suite 3C-3077201 Wisconsin AvenueBethesda, MD 20892-9205Phone: 301-496-6761Fax: 301-402-1784Email: eldadahb@nia.nih.gov
PA-08-050
NIH
1/25/2008
3/5/2008
1/8/2009
R43/R44
PHS 2008-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44])
Purpose- This initiative invites eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) to submit Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications. United States SBCs that have the research capabilities and technological expertise to contribute to the R&D mission(s) of the NIH, CDC and FDA awarding components identified in this FOA are encouraged to submit SBIR grant applications in response to identified topics (see PHS 2008-2 SBIR/STTR Program Descriptions and Research Topics for NIH, CDC, and FDA.)
Scientific/Research Contact: Dr. Michael-David A.R.R. KernsNational Institute on Aging, NIHGateway Building, Suite 2C2187201 Wisconsin Ave., MSC 9205Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Phone: 301-496-9322Fax: 301-402-2945Email: mk417e@nih.gov
PA-08-051
R41/R42
PHS 2008-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42])
Purpose -This initiative invites eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) to submit Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications. United States SBCs that have the research capabilities and technological expertise to contribute to the R&D mission(s) of the NIH awarding components identified in this FOA are encouraged to submit STTR grant applications in response to identified topics (see PHS 2008-2 SBIR/STTR Program Descriptions and Research Topics for NIH, CDC, and FDA.)
Scientific/Research Contact:Dr. Michael-David A.R.R. KernsNational Institute on Aging, NIHGateway Building, Suite 2C2187201 Wisconsin Ave., MSC 9205Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Phone: 301-496-9322Fax: 301-402-2945Email: mk417e@nih.gov
F. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – PAs/PARs/PASs (Other IC's ). Announcements are sorted by release date. Most recent announcements are at the top of this list.)
PAR-08-112 & PAR-08-113
FIC
3/18/2008
4/16/2008
8/24/2010
R01 & R21
Brain Disorders in the Developing World: Research Across the Lifespan
Purpose-These Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) encourage grant applications proposing the development and conduct of innovative, collaborative research and research training projects, between High Income country (HIC) and low- to middle-income country (LMIC) scientists, on nervous system function and disorders throughout life, relevant to LMICs.
Scientific/Research Contact:Andrew A. Monjan, Ph.D., M.P.H. Chief, Neurobiology of Aging Branch Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 350 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 (use 20814 for express mail) Telephone: (301) 496-9350 Fax: (301) 496-1494 Email: monjana@nia.nih.gov
PAR-08-101
3/6/2008
5/26/2010
T32
Jointly Sponsored Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Predoctoral Training Program in the Neurosciences (T32)
Purpose- The Jointly Sponsored NIH Predoctoral Training Program in the Neurosciences supports broad and fundamental, early-stage graduate research training in the neurosciences via institutional NRSA research training grants (T32) at domestic institutions of higher education.
Scientific/Research Contact:Bradley C. Wise, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program National Institute on AgingGateway Building, Suite 350 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX: (301) 496-1494 Email: wiseb@nia.nih.gov
PA-08-099 & PA-08-100
NINDS
5/5/2008
5/8/2011
Mechanisms of Functional Recovery After Stroke
Purpose- These initiatives solicit Research Project Grant (R01) applications from institutions/ organizations that propose to find brain mechanisms to improve and develop new approaches to functional recovery after stroke.
Scientific/Research Contact:Suzana S. Petanceska, Ph.D.Program DirectorNIA, NIH 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 350, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX: (301) 496-1494 Email: petanceskas@nia.nih.gov
PA-08-097 & PA-08-098
3/4/2008
Functional Links between the Immune System, Brain Function and Behavior
Purpose- These initiatives solicits research grant applications to study neuroimmune molecules and mechanisms involved in regulating normal and pathological functions of the central nervous system (CNS).
Scientific/Research Contact:Andrew A. Monjan, Ph.D.Chief, Neurobiology of Aging ProgramNeuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging ProgramNational Institute on Aging7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telephone: (301) 496-9350FAX: (301) 496-1494Email: monjana@mail.nih.gov
PA-08-083, PA-08-084 & PA-08-085
NCI
2/1/2008
2/5/2008
R01, R21 & R03
The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Health Care Delivery
Purpose- These initiatives seek to (1) improve the measurement of racial /ethnic discrimination in health care delivery systems through improved instrumentation, data collection, and statistical/analytical techniques; (2) to enhance understanding of the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination in health care delivery and its association with disparities in disease incidence, treatment, and outcomes among disadvantaged racial/ethnic minority groups; and (3) to reduce the prevalence of racial/ethnic health disparities through the development of interventions to reduce the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination on health care delivery systems in the United States (U.S.).
Scientific/Research Contact: (HIV/AIDS-related applications only)John G Haaga, PhD Behavioral & Social Research ProgramNational Institute on Aging (NIA)7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Gateway Building Room 533, MSC 9205Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telephone: (301) 496-3131E-mail: jh735i@nih.gov
PA-08-077 & PA-08-078
1/17/2008
11/6/2011
R21 & R01
Research on the Economics of Diet, Activity and Energy Balance
Purpose- These initiatives invite applications in the area of energy balance (i.e., the relationship between diet, physical activity, and body composition) known to researchers with expertise and experience in health economics, health services, and econometric modeling including multi-level analyses who otherwise might not be aware of the opportunity to apply their disciplines to this area of research. Obesity has become a major focus of public health efforts at the national, State, and local levels.
Scientific/Research Contact: John W. R. Phillips, Ph.D.Behavioral and Social Research ProgramNational Institute on Aging7201 Wisconsin AvenueGateway Building, Room 533, MSC 9205Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telphone: (301) 496-3138Fax: (301) 402-0051E-mail: phillipj@nia.nih.gov
PA-08-071
1/11/2008
R43, R44
Lab to Marketplace: Tools for Brain and Behavioral Research (SBIR [R43/R44])
Purpose - The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research is a framework to enhance cooperative activities among the NIH Office of the Director and 15 NIH Institutes and Centers that support research on the nervous system.
Scientific/Research Contact:Dr. Suzana PetanceskaNational Institute on Aging7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 350, MSC 9205Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telephone: (301) 496-9350Email: sp440u@nih.gov
PAR-08-065, PAR-08-066 & PAR-08-067
OBSSR
1/8/2008
4/3/2008
5/14/2008
R01, R21 & P01, P20, P50, P60, U01, U10, U54
NIH Revision Awards for Studying Interactions Among Social, Behavioral, and Genetic Factors in Health
Purpose- The objective of these Program Announcements is to bridge disciplinary boundaries to study how the interactions of genetic, environmental, behavioral and social factors influence health and disease phenotype variations and outcomes.
Scientific/Research Contact:Erica Spotts, Ph.DHealth Scientist AdministratorBehavioral and Social Research Program National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Gateway 533 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496.3131Fax: (301) 402.0051 Email: spotts@mail.nih.gov
PA-08-052 & PA-08-053
NIDCR
12/18/2007
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine
Purpose-These funding opportunities (FOA) are aimed at enhancing nanoscience and nanotechnology research focused on problems in biology and medicine. Nanoscience and nanotechnology refer to research and development on the understanding and control of matter at a length scale of approximately 1 - 100 nanometers, where novel properties and functions occur because of the size.
Scientific/Research Contact: Bradley C. Wise, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 3507201 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX: (301) 496-1494 Email: wiseb@nia.nih.gov
PA-08-056
12/17/2007
R44
Competing Renewal Awards of SBIR Phase II Grants for Brain and Behavior Tools (R44)
Purpose - This FOA solicits Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications that propose to continue the process of developing complex instrumentation, clinical research tools, or behavioral interventions and treatments. This FOA specifically invites applications for the competing renewal of previously funded Phase II SBIR grants to further develop the aforementioned types of technologies
Scientific/Research Contact: Suzana Petanceska, Ph.D.National Institute on Aging7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 350, MSC 9205Bethesda, MD 20892-9205Telephone: (301) 496-9350Email: sp440u@nih.gov
PA-08-043 & PA-08-044
12/13/2007
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell (hPSC) Research Using Non-Embryonic Sources
Purpose- The aim of these FOAs is to encourage new research applications proposing research on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) derived from non-embryonic sources, such as reprogrammed somatic cells and cells derived from human amniotic fluid, as well as investigation into other novel approaches for developing human pluripotent stem cells. These FOAs will enhance the opportunity to conduct research on mechanistic aspects of basic stem cell biology and on stem cell based therapies by supporting research on both the derivation of hPSC and research on the characterization of the molecular, cellular, and genetic properties of hPSC derived from non-embryonic sources.
Scientific/Research Contact:Ronald A. Kohanski, Ph.D.Deputy Director, Biology of Aging ProgramNational Institute on Aging, NIHGateway Building, Suite 2C2317201 Wisconsin AvenueBethesda, Maryland 20892-9205Office 301-496-6402FAX 301-402-0010email kohanskir@mail.nih.gov
G. NOTICES ISSUED BY NIANo Notices issued by NIA appeared during this time period.
NOT-HD-08-003
NICHD
Request for Information (RFI): Research Priorities in Fragile X syndrome, Fragile X Tremor Ataxia syndrome, Premature Ovarian Failure and Other Relevant Conditions Associated with FMR1 Gene Function
RFA-RM-08-002
Roadmap
10/22/2009
Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award (U54)
RFA-RM-08-007
12/12/2007
2/16/2008
A Data Analysis & Coordination Center (DACC) for the Human Microbiome Project (U01)
RFA-RM-08-008
1/15/2008
Development of New tools for Computational Analysis of Human Microbiome Project Data (R01)
RFA-RM-08-009
R21
Development of New tools for Computational Analysis of Human Microbiome Project Data (R21)
RFA-RM-08-010
Development of New Technologies Needed for Studying the Human Microbiome (R01)
RFA-RM-08-011
1/16/2008
Development of New Technologies Needed for Studying
NOT-RM-08-010
2/28/2008
Notice of Clarification: Institutions/Organizations Eligible to Apply for Reference Epigenome Mapping Centers (U01) RFA-RM-07-013 and Epigenomics Data Analysis and Coordination Center - EDACC (U01) RFA-RM-07-014
NOT-RM-08-007
Human Microbiome Project RFA: Notice of Applicant Information Meeting
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