NCCAM Research and Training Grants

Keywords: grants, RFA, RFP, PA, R01, funding

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The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is 1 of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Like most institutes and centers at NIH, NCCAM supports research projects and research training through the grant process. Specifically, we fund:

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Getting Started

Research

Please visit our Grants Section for:

Training

For training and career development opportunities, see our Training Section.

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How NCCAM Prioritizes Its Research

We prioritize our research through a formal planning process that draws on:

We regularly reexamine and redefine our research priorities to fill gaps in our portfolio, address specific needs of the field, and capitalize on emerging opportunities that can advance CAM research. See our Research Funding Priorities for details and current priorities.

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Types of Research Projects Funded by NCCAM

Our strategic plan for 2005 to 2009 calls for us to substantially increase funding of basic and preclinical studies. We encourage applications for projects that aim to determine the biological effects and mechanisms of action of CAM modalities.

NCCAM funds both:

We also set aside funding specifically for research and development carried out in small businesses.

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Examples of Currently Funded Research

A few examples illustrate the broad array of basic, preclinical, and clinical research projects—related to various health conditions and CAM modalities—supported by NCCAM:

Investigator-Initiated Research/R01s

A common funding mechanism for investigator-initiated research is the R01 grant, which supports a discrete research project. R01 applications follow the NIH-wide guidelines provided in the SF424 electronic grant application instructions. Descriptions of other types of funding mechanisms for research projects can be found on our Web site.

Solicitations/RFAs, RFPs, and PAs

We also solicit applications for research projects and research center grants and contracts through:

Visit Funding Opportunities for active RFAs, RFPs, and PAs.

Small Business Opportunities/SBIR and STTR Programs

We provide funding opportunities to small business concerns through our:

Innovation and the potential for commercialization are among the important factors in the review criteria used to evaluate SBIR and STTR applications.

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Types of Research Training and Career Development Supported by NCCAM

In order to increase the number, quality, and diversity of CAM investigators, we are committed to supporting high-quality research training and career development opportunities. Since its inception, NCCAM has steadily increased funding in these areas.

We have programs aimed at assisting:

NCCAM also participates in the NIH Loan Repayment Program, which supports doctoral-level researchers who seek to exchange 2 or 3 years of research service at eligible institutions for the repayment of educational debt.

Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) for specific research training and career development awards are listed on our Web site.

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Eligibility for NCCAM Funding

Individuals and organizations based inside or outside the United States may be eligible to apply for funding. All awards are made through a competitive peer review process. Applicants must be able to comply with all relevant NIH and NCCAM requirements and policies. It is important to consult the relevant FOA or contact an NCCAM program officer for more detailed information on eligibility requirements.

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Answering Specific Questions

If you have questions, NCCAM staff is available and eager to help. For questions about:

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This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

NCCAM Publication No. D024
Updated August 2008

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