Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: Where can I find the report of the working group that led to this initiative?
A: The recommendations from the meeting and roster for the group are posted on the NIGMS Web site at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/reports/biodefense.html. The concept was approved by the National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council in September 2002 (see http://www.nigms.nih.gov/about_nigms/9-02_council_open.html#biodefense)
Q: Can individual investigators apply for research project grants (R01) under MIDAS?
A: No, MIDAS is composed strictly of the network as described in the RFA. For information on initiatives directed to R01s and other grant mechanisms, go to the funding information on the NIGMS Web site (http://www.nigms.nih.gov/research/announcements.html) or the NIAID Web site (http://www.niaid.nih.gov/ncn/budget/default.htm).
Q: What is the long-term goal of MIDAS?
A: The MIDAS network will be charged with producing user-friendly computational models for policymakers, public health workers, and other researchers to assist them in making better-informed decisions about emerging infectious diseases.
Q: How is MIDAS related to other NIH biodefense initiatives?
A: MIDAS is an integral component of the overall NIH biodefense plan. NIGMS works closely with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which has primary responsibility in the area of biodefense, and with the Fogarty International Center.
Research Groups
Q: What should be the focus of a Research Group proposal?
A: A successful Research Group application should describe research addressing two of the following thematic areas: Modeling of Host-Pathogen Systems, Modeling of Disease Epidemiology and Forecasting Systems, and Modeling of Response Systems. A research group must demonstrate that it has appropriate cross-disciplinary expertise and the capacity to design, build, and validate computational models. In addition, research groups are expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively with other participants in the network.
Q: Should the Research Group proposals be hypothesis-driven?
A: Each group will create its own balance of research and application. It is not a requirement that research groups proposals be primarily hypothesis-driven.
Q: Should the Research Group proposals have an experimental component?
A: The MIDAS network will use existing data to build and validate models. The network will not support primary data collection.
Q: What microbes can a Research Group model?
A: Data from known pathogens, possible bioweapon agents, and from model systems are appropriate. The Centers for Disease Control Category A agents are posted at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/Agent/agentlist.asp; however, some modeling studies may appropriately use other systems. For example, research on zoonoses might not involve current human pathogens but could be acceptable for the program.
Q: Can an institution apply for both a Research Group and a Informatics Group?
A: Yes, but the applications should be submitted separately. In order to maintain flexibility, NIGMS could decide to fund one or both applications.
Informatics Group
Q: What should be the aim of an Informatics Group application?
A: A successful Informatics Group application will propose a practical strategy to create a common MIDAS Database that gathers and organizes data needed by the research groups. The Informatics Group will also serve as a resource for computational tools, and eventually make models and tools publicly available. A successful Informatics Group will develop a user-friendly interface for models and information so that public health officials, policymakers, and others can make use of this resource.
Q: Have the specifications for the MIDAS Database been determined?
A: There is no preconceived model in mind (e.g., whether the database will be built all at once or assembled from components), and the merits of different strategies will be evaluated in the peer review process.
Steering Committee
Q: What will be the role of the Steering Committee?
A: The Steering Committee will be the main governing body of MIDAS. It will provide the framework for the exchange of ideas and information within and beyond the network. It will set standards for data management, establish policies and procedures for the network, evaluate progress, and consider the views of investigators outside the network.
Mechanism
Q: Why will these awards be made by a cooperative agreement (U01) mechanism?
A: The U01 mechanism allows NIH staff to contribute to the development of annual benchmarks, policies, and approaches. Because the program is highly focused on producing products to serve a specific goal, NIH staff play an integral role in providing direction.
In Case of Emergency…
Q: I see something about the MIDAS network being involved in national emergencies. What does that mean?
A: If there is an infectious disease outbreak, whether intentional or natural, NIH may call upon the MIDAS investigators to develop specific models for policymakers and public health officials to help them develop policies to address the crisis.
Q: Will there be extra resources if this happens?
A: Grantees will be able to redirect their effort and budgets toward new goals. Depending on the situation, there may also be additional funds available.
Application
Q: Is there a special application form?
A: No, use the standard PHS 398 form (rev. 5/01); however, you should take careful note of the special application requirements found in the RFA.
Q: Will the application resemble that of a program project grant?
A: No, the RFA instructions state that a single, integrated application should be prepared.
Q: How should collaborations be handled in the budget section of the application?
A: The funds for a collaboration within the institution should be built into the main budget. When interactions take place outside the submitting institution, you should construct subcontract budgets.
Q: How should other ongoing (or pending) support that is related to the subject area of the application be presented?
A: Follow the instructions on the "Other Support" pages of the PHS 398 form. Provide sufficient explanation if there is any concern about scientific or budgetary overlap.
Intellectual Property
Q: What are the current NIH guidelines regarding intellectual property issues?
A: Guidance for extramural investigators regarding the use and exchange of intellectual property is available on the NIH Office of Extramural Activities Intellectual Property Web site at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/intell-property.htm and on the NIH Office of Technology Transfer Extramural Programs Web page at http://ott.od.nih.gov/academia.html. Agreements cited within MIDAS applications should be crafted so as to support the free and open access to information unless there is a national security risk.
Research Training
Q: Can graduate students and postdoctoral fellows work on these grants?
A: Some projects may not be appropriate for training. If you plan to include graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows, you should address the training component in the application.
Data Release and Sharing
Q: What is the MIDAS policy for releasing and sharing data and resources?
A: Applicants should plan on sharing their findings with other members of the network and with members of the scientific community at appropriate forums. Because of the potential benefits of information and tools from MIDAS, NIGMS strongly encourages timely release of data, information, and resources. However, it is possible that some information may be confidential in the interests of national security.
Applicants should include their data release policies in their applications. Final MIDAS policies will be determined by the MIDAS Steering Committee.
Industrial Collaborations
Q: How is industrial participation viewed?
A: Industrial collaborations are permitted as long as all of the participating scientists understand and agree with the goals described in the RFA. It is critical that tools, models, and information be freely deposited into the MIDAS Database according to the policies developed by the Steering Committee.
Review and Funding
Q: How will the Research Group and Informatics Group applications be reviewed?
A: Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the NIH peer review process. A panel (or panels) of reviewers will be convened by the Office of Scientific Review, NIGMS. Site visits will not be conducted. The review criteria are stated in the announcement.
Q: Why are site visits not planned for these applications?
A: Because of constraints on timing, NIH staff, and resources, it will be impossible to visit applicants.
Q: How will funding decisions be made?
A: NIH staff will make these decisions based upon overall scientific merit and the aim of achieving balance and breadth, with the advice and consent of the appropriate national advisory councils.
Communication
Q: How can potential applicants learn of others planning to submit applications in order to propose logical connections or collaborations?
A: You may request a list of attendees at the Public Briefing (and those who indicated interest but could not attend) from NIH staff identified in the RFA.
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