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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into Public Law 111-5. The ARRA legislation provides the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a total of $10.4 billion over two years - through September 2010 - and these funds are not part of the annual base. Of these funds, $8.2 billion will be awarded in extramural funding to help stimulate the United States economy through the support and advancement of scientific research. The NIH Institutes and Centers have been given broad flexibility to invest in many types of grant programs to stimulate the economy, create or retain jobs, and have the potential for making scientific progress in two years. On April 27, the first round of ARRA applications were received as part of the NIH Challenge Grants Program. The Challenge Grants are just one of many funding opportunities announced by NIH. These opportunities and ARRA progress updates are available at:
The ARRA also provides funds to the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) to support extramural construction, repairs, and alterations, and for shared instrumentation and other capital equipment. NIH was also provided $400 million in funding to conduct comparative effectiveness research.
(For more information, contact Dr. Tamara Jones, NIA Legislative Point of Contact, Ph. 301-451-8835.)
Dr. Alexander Parsadanian joined the Scientific Review Branch as a Scientific Review Officer. Dr. Parsadanian received his B.S. and M.S. in Biophysics from Yerevan State University, Armenia, and his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the Institute of Molecular Biology, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow. From 1984 to 1992 he worked at the Institute of Biochemistry of the Armenian Academy of Sciences as a Senior Scientist and the Leader of the Genetic Engineering Group. In 1992, he joined the laboratory of Dr. H. Thoenen in the Max-Planck-Institute for Psychiatry in Munich, Germany, as a postdoctoral fellow. In 1995, he moved to the U.S. and worked as a Research Associate in the laboratory of Dr. W. Snider in the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. In 1999, Dr. Parsadanian joined the laboratory of Prof. D. Choi in the same Department, where he was promoted to a Research Assistant Professor. In 2002, Dr. Parsadanian established his own laboratory in the Department of Neurology, and in 2008 he was promoted to Associate Professor of Neurology. His research focused on the mechanisms of neuronal cell death and on the in vivo effects of neurotrophic factors on neurons during development, injury, and in neurodegenerative diseases with particular emphasis on motoneuron diseases. Dr. Parsadanian is a recipient of several grants including two from NIH, author of more than 30 scientific papers, and holds several patents.
Dr. Rebecca J. Ferrell also joined the Scientific Review Branch as their newest Scientific Review Officer. Dr Ferrell is a biological anthropologist with expertise in skeletal pathology and aging, dental microstructure and development, demography, and reproductive aging. She comes to NIA from Howard University, where she was an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and conducted NIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)-funded research in dental anthropology. Prior to that, she was a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for Population and Health where she worked on the Biodemographic Models of Reproductive Aging project. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes in the areas of dental anthropology, paleodemography, and reproductive aging. Dr. Ferrell received her B.A. in Anthropology from the College of William and Mary. Her M.A. and Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology are from Pennsylvania State University, where she was a Fulbright grantee for her dissertation research reconstructing past health and population dynamics.
Dr. Kevin Kinsella joined the Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) as a Health Scientist Administrator/demographer. Dr. Kinsella comes to the NIA from the U.S. Census Bureau where he served as Chief of the Aging Studies Branch in the International Programs Center. In his role at Census, he authored numerous publications on aging populations, prepared demographic estimates, and managed agreements that funded the Bureau’s aging-related activities and collaborations. Dr. Kinsella served as Study Director during a two-year detail at the National Research Council where he directed two BSR-sponsored panels which resulted in programmatically important National Research Council (NRC) volumes: Preparing for An Aging World: The Case for Cross-National Research and Cells and Surveys - Should Biological Measures be Included in Social Science Research? He is also the primary author of two recent publications of significant programmatic importance to BSR: The Health and Retirement Study: Growing Older in America and Why Population Aging Matters: A Global Perspective. In his new role in BSR, he will be responsible for the management and development of an increasingly interdisciplinary demography of aging portfolio along with other members of the Population and Social Processes Branch. He conducted his graduate coursework in sociology at Cornell University.
Dr. Lyndon Joseph joined the Geriatrics Branch of the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology (DGCG) in March. Dr. Joseph, an Exercise Physiologist, was an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gerontology, Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland Baltimore with a joint Research Fellow appointment in the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at The Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. His research focused on the effects of exercise and weight loss on metabolic abnormalities that are usually associated with aging such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, specifically in insulin-dependent and -independent skeletal muscle signaling mechanisms regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in sedentary overweight/obese older men and women. Dr. Joseph received his doctorate degree in Physiology from Pennsylvania State University, his Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University, and his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. John Fisher College. He completed his Post-doctoral Fellowship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the Division of Gerontology and his Cardiac Rehabilitation internship at Boston University Medical Center. He has 23 peer reviewed publications and has written several review chapters on the effects of exercise and weight loss on the metabolic abnormalities of aging and obesity.
Mr. Michael O'Donnell joined the Intramural Research Program as the new Principal Administrative Officer. Prior to coming to NIA, Mr. O'Donnell was employed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) where he served as the Deputy Director of the Administrative Services Division. In addition to his duties as the USDA's Continuity of Operations Level Three Site Manager, he was a lead in developing the Division's five-year strategic plan, its annual performance plan, and its annual budget request and execution plan. At USDA, he also served as Acting Director, Civil Rights Division; Acting Branch Chief, Property Management Branch; and Head of the Space Management Section. A winner of multiple certificates of merit for outstanding performance, Mr. O'Donnell received the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary's Honor Award for his work on Salmonella Sampling Coordination.
Dr. John Hsiao joined the Division of Neuroscience (DN) as a Health Science Administrator in charge of the Biomarkers and Diagnosis Program in the Dementias of Aging Branch. Dr. Hsiao is a physician, graduating from the University of Maryland, and completing residency training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He completed a nuclear medicine residency at the NIH Clinical Center. Before joining NIA, Dr. Hsiao was at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), beginning in their Intramural Program and moving to their Extramural Program in 1994. Through various re-organizations at NIMH, he led research programs in neuroimaging, schizophrenia, clinical neuroscience, and clinical treatment trials. He was the Project Officer for NIMH's Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) – two randomized clinical trials comparing newer and older antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia and in patients with Alzheimer's disease and psychosis. He continues to evaluate and treat people with serious mental illness. Dr. Hsiao is a Captain in the Public Health Service.
Dr. Andrew Monjan, Chief of the Neurobiology of Aging Branch, DN, retired from Federal service in April 2009. After receiving his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Rochester in 1965, he completed post-doctoral studies as an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurophysiology at the University of Rochester’s Center for Brain Research. He subsequently held joint appointments in the Departments of Psychology and of Physiology at the University of Western Ontario, and then went on to obtain an M.P.H. from The Johns Hopkins University in 1970 under an NIH Community Trainee Fellowship. Following a decade within the Department of Epidemiology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, he joined the NIH in 1983 as an extramural program officer at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Two years later, he joined NIA. A founding member of the Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee, he fostered the development of sleep research throughout NIH, served as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, participated in the development of a National Sleep Research Disorders Center within the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and was an active advisor to the extramural community to promote a better understanding of sleep, health, and aging. He also played an early and continuing role in the development of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, where he served on the Blueprint Coordinating Committee and was a member of several project teams. He served as the NIA liaison to NASA, wherein he worked with NASA, other NIH Institutes, and international partners to develop and implement the first in-flight biomedical space research laboratory as part of the Neurolab Spacelab mission (STS90), and on NASA’s shuttle mission STS95. Within NIA, he served as the first Acting Associate Director of the Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program (now the Division of Neuroscience), was the project officer for the first national controlled randomized clinical trial of a drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease, and subsequently developed strong research programs relating to neuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, sensory and motor function, sleep, prion diseases, and their relationships to the aging process. Dr. Monjan has received several awards, including the NIH Director’s Award and NIH Award of Merit, in recognition for his achievements at NIA. He will receive a Special Achievement Award from the Sleep Research Society at their annual meeting in June.
I. Past Meetings
Harmonization of Longitudinal Aging Surveys – February 9-14, 2009 This BSR-supported exploratory meeting brought together a group of experts, including the principal investigators from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS), comparable international studies, and teams developing such studies, to a meeting to support harmonization of surveys and the development of a cross-national research agenda on health and health systems. The meeting was held in New Delhi, India. (For more information, contact Drs. Richard Suzman or John Phillips, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3136.)
Clinical Trials on Vitamin D Supplementation in Older Individuals – March 2-3, 2009Following recommendations by the Clinical Trials Advisory Panel, DGCG organized and sponsored an exploratory workshop to review issues on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on clinical and/or functional outcomes in older persons to better inform a decision about the need for and types of clinical trials in the topic area. The workshop was held on March 2-3, 2009 in Bethesda, MD. Participants reviewed the strength of current evidence regarding the effects of vitamin D supplementation on numerous clinical and functional outcomes in the elderly and discussed design features for possible future clinical trials, including target population, effect size and dose/blood level response relationships with outcomes such as physical function and falls. The workshop proceedings were reviewed by the Clinical Trials Advisory Panel at its meeting on May 12 when the Panel made final recommendations to DGCG as to whether to proceed with any initiative on the topic. (For more information, contact Dr. Sergei Romashkan, DGCG, Ph: 301-435-3047.)
NIA-Alzheimer’s Association Meeting on Alzheimer’s Disease Prevalence – March 19-20, 2009The Division of Neuroscience (DN), in conjunction with Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) and the Alzheimer’s Association, held an advisory workshop on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on March 19-20, 2009, in Washington, DC. The goals of the meeting were: (1) to review the major projects that have produced national prevalence figures and to review other recent research efforts focusing on diagnostic approaches that may shed some light on why national prevalence figures for AD differ; (2) to review data trends on the prevalence of dementia and AD; and (3) to consider the utility of using computer and web-based technology to facilitate case ascertainment in population-based studies of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)/Cognitive Impairment no Dementia(CIND)/AD/dementia. An executive summary of the workshop presentations, discussions, and potential future research directions and challenges will be submitted for publication. A draft of this executive summary will be available for consideration at September Council. (For further information, contact: Dr. Dallas Anderson, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; andersda@nia.nih.gov .)
Integrating the GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study) into the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) - April 16-17, 2009 This BSR-supported exploratory meeting, held in Bethesda, MD, had a goal of identifying the best phenotypes for focus and statistical and analytic issues that may arise in conducting a genome-wide scan on the Heath and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants included HRS researchers and scientists in the fields of behavioral and social phenotypes, statistical genetics, and population genetics. (For more information, contact Dr. Erica Spotts, DBSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
An Advisory Workshop to Develop Consensus Criteria for Defining Normal Aging in Rodent Models - April 20-22, 2009 Recent scientific advances in aging and age-associated diseases serve as key drivers to learn more about aging phenotypes in rodents and humans. The NIA-supported workshop on biosignatures of aging, held in May 2008, identified the need for developing consensus criteria on normal aging phenotypes. It was agreed that better defined aging phenotypes would strengthen many future NIA-supported studies on normal aging and age-associated diseases. The objective of the April 2009 workshop was to develop consensus criteria for normal aging phenotypes that would include physiological, cellular, and molecular aspects of normal aging. They can be applied to studies in rodent models to: 1) develop and validate biomarker/bio-signature panels, 2) test the influence of genetic background, 3) test potential interventions to promote health aging, and 4) study gene-environment interactions.
Invited participants represented various disciplines including geriatrics, immune, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems, and metabolism. Geriatricians considered aspects of human aging and its potential connections to the study of rodent aging biology. Experts who work with invertebrate model organisms were also invited. A future journal article is anticipated. (For more information, contact: Dr. Mahadev Murthy, DAB, 301-496-6402.)
Harnessing Neuroplasticity for Human Applications - April 21-22, 2009The NIA participated in the organization of an exploratory workshop on Harnessing Neuroplasticity for Human Applications by the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research. The workshop built on previous Blueprint activities to focus on plasticity at the circuit level or “circuit retraining,” which includes alterations in central nervous system (brain and/or spinal cord) structure and function that support enduring changes in behavior. These alterations may involve qualitative and/or quantitative changes at the cellular or synaptic level that alter, restore, adapt, activate, or form novel circuitry to affect function and behavior. To identify research opportunities for promoting circuit retraining to improve functional outcomes, 30 invited participants with expertise in basic and/or clinical research areas, such as neuroimaging, animal models, clinical trials, deep brain and non-invasive brain stimulation, neurofeedback, virtual reality, pharmacology, therapeutic exercise, and learning-based behavioral interventions, worked as a group to develop background papers and presented at the workshop in one of the four relevant aspects of (1) adult trauma and stroke, (2) mental and addictive disorders, (3) neurodegeneration and aging, and (4) pediatric and developmental disorders. A consensus report (or reports) from the workshop will be developed and published to guide future research priorities in neuroplasticity-based therapeutic intervention and assessment strategies, technological advances and tools for promoting and understanding circuit-level changes, resource issues and barriers, and collaborative opportunities. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; chenw@nia.nih.gov.)
II. Future Meetings
Social, Emotional, and Socioeconomic Behaviors in Aging – May 21, 2009This BSR-supported exploratory meeting will highlight cutting edge research in domains of psychology of aging that rely on interdisciplinary and multilevel approaches to understanding the social, behavioral, psychological, and biological factors that contribute to positive aging outcomes. This meeting, to be held in Berkeley, California, one day prior to the Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science in San Francisco, will explore the potential for advancing integrative psychological research on topics such as self-regulation, social communication and understanding, social stress, well-being, trust, cooperation, and social status. (For more information, contact Dr. Lis Nielsen, BSR, Ph: 301-402-4156.)
The Role of the Cytoskeleton in Cellular Aging – May 22, 2009The primary goal for this exploratory workshop is to assemble a group of experts in cytoskeletal biology with experts in aging research to identify novel approaches, roadblocks, challenges, and opportunities in determining if and how the cytoskeleton changes with age. It is anticipated that the expert panel will provide NIA with specific recommendations on the best approach to advance the science in this underserved area of research. The workshop will be held in Rockville, MD. (For more information, contact Dr. Jose Velázquez, DAB, 301-496-6402.)
NIH Pain Consortium Symposium: Advances in Pain Research – May 26, 2009 The NIA will co-sponsor and participate in organizing the 4th Annual Symposium on Advances in Pain Research by the NIH Pain Consortium. This year the symposium will feature 10-12 presentations from NIH grantees to highlight cutting-edge research accomplishments in areas of genes and genetic studies to understand risk factors for chronic pain, assess treatment responses and abuse potentials, and develop pain research tools and animal models. These are issues of public health significance. Approximately 20 posters from NIH-funded young investigators will be presented and, at the end of the symposium, there will be an open session for participants to provide feedback on pain research opportunities. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; chenw@nia.nih.gov.)
Workshop: Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Back Pain – May 27, 2009 Chronic pain and its associated morbidity and disability are major health problems around the world. In spite of huge expenditures on care (e.g., annual US expenditures for back pain alone are estimated at $50B to $100B annually), available treatment options and approaches are less than fully satisfactory. Although studies suggest that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies – spinal manipulation, massage, and acupuncture – are the three most utilized interventions for back pain, the evidence base for such interventions is limited. Thus, there is a compelling need for effectiveness research on non-pharmacological interventions for back pain, including CAM interventions, especially as they are administered and utilized in real-world settings and across a broad range of outcome measures meaningful to patients and their health care providers. The NIA is participating in a trans-NIH Steering Committee, led by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), to organize a one-day workshop, in the form of roundtable discussions among a panel of experts, to identify and explore a range of important and timely clinical research questions related to non-pharmacological interventions to treat back pain. The outcome of this workshop will help inform future research directions for the NIH and the biomedical scientific community. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; chenw@nia.nih.gov, and Dr. Basil A. Eldadah, DGCG, Ph: 301-496-6761; eldadahb@nia.nih.gov.)
Workshop on Results from the 2004 National Long-Term Care Survey –May 28-29, 2009 The purpose of this BSR-supported exploratory meeting is to present new research taking advantage of the 2004 (and final) wave of the National Long-term Care Survey (NLTCS) to further our understanding of disability and the aging life course. Scholars have been invited based upon submitted abstracts, and other interested researchers and policymakers have been invited to participate as well. The meeting will be held in Bethesda, Maryland, and has been planned in coordination with the National Archive of Computerized Data on Aging. (For more information, contact Georgeanne Patmios, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
Electronic Technologies to Address the Study of Independent Living – Spring 2009 This BSR-supported meeting will explore how a technology platform identical or similar to that used by TRIL (Technology Research for Independent Living) and CLARITY (Centre for Sensor Web Technologies) might address a broad range of social, behavioral, and health-related questions. TRIL is a joint program between Irish universities and Intel, aimed at developing technologies to enable elderly persons to live at home. CLARITY is a group of academics and industry partners established as a Science Foundation of Ireland Centre for Science Engineering and Technology. (For more information, contact Georgeanne Patmios or Dr. Jonathan King, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3136.)
Workshop on Changes in Central Regulation of Bone in Aging – June 9, 2009 The primary goal for this exploratory workshop is to assemble a group of experts in neuro and endocrine regulation of bone biology with experts in aging research, to identify novel approaches, roadblocks, challenges and opportunities in further developing the emerging area of aging and neuroendocrine regulation of bone. It is anticipated that the expert panel will provide NIA with specific recommendations on the best approaches to advance the science in this emerging area. The workshop will be held in Bethesda, MD. (For more information, contact Dr. John Williams, DAB, 301-496-6402.)
Conference to Develop Revised Diagnostic Criteria for MCI and Dementia - June 15, 2009 The Division of Neuroscience (DN) will convene an advisory workshop on June 15, 2009 in Bethesda, MD to examine the current state of knowledge on early diagnosis of MCI and dementia and methods to differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from other dementing illnesses. Approximately 20 experts in the field will be invited to participate in a roundtable discussion to examine the evidence and make recommendations as to the timing and organization of an advisory conference on revising the criteria for AD diagnosis. Discussion topics will include clinical methods, neuropsychological testing, and the use of imaging and fluid biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of MCI, AD and other dementias of the aging. (For further information, contact: Dr. Creighton Phelps, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; phelpsc@nia.nih.gov.)
Genetics and Behavioral and Social Interventions – June 23-24, 2009 This BSR-supported exploratory meeting will be convened to discuss use of genetic information to better understand and plan behavioral and social interventions. Background papers commissioned during FY08 will be presented. (For more information, contact Dr. Erica Spotts, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
Systems Biology Approaches to Understanding Aging - July 27-31, 2009Launching an integrated, systems approach to understanding the biology of aging and longevity was one of the central recommendations of the Biology of Aging Summit held in September 2008. This proved to be a central theme of many of the individual working groups at the Summit. Dr. Geoffrey West of the Santa Fe Institute and Dr. Michal Jazwinski of Tulane University approached DAB staff (Anna McCormick and Jose Velazquez) about co-sponsoring this exploratory workshop on “Systems Biology Approaches to Understanding Aging.” Drs. West, Jazwinski, McCormick, and Velazquez are the primary scientific organizers of the proposed workshop planned for July 27-31, 2009, in Santa Fe, NM. Mark Collins of the Glenn Foundation and Stephanie Lederman of AFAR were active participants at the Biology of Aging Summit and offered to co-sponsor this workshop.
The major goals are to gather experts in many areas of aging biology and systems biology to discuss research opportunities related to understanding the biology of aging and to explore rational plans to develop a systematic and integrated systems biology approach to understanding aging biology. Several NIA staff members will be invited to participate in this workshop because of wide-spread interest in this scientific discipline and approach to further aging research. (For more information, contact Dr. Anna McCormick, DAB, 301-496-6402.)
Priorities for Social and Behavioral Research on the Elderly in Disasters – July 2009This BSR-supported exploratory meeting, organized by the National Academies of Science (NAS), under the auspices of the Committee on Population and the Disasters Roundtable, will be convened to review research on the elderly, both in community and institutionalized, in natural and man-made disasters, to discuss priorities for behavioral and social science research. Relevant Program Announcements issued in 2006 will expire in 2009. This meeting will include researchers and staff from funding and planning agencies to take stock of relevant research (both NIH-funded and other) and discuss priorities for research and translation in the future. (For more information, contact Dr. John Haaga, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3131.)
Alternative Animal Models for Aging Research - July/August, 2009 Over the years, the aging research community has extensively leveraged many invertebrate, yeast and vertebrate models (rodents, birds, non-human primates, etc.) for studies in aging and age-associated diseases. Despite the extensive use of these models for aging research, there are still significant scientific gaps, which can be addressed with the use of alternative and often underutilized animal models in aging research. Within this context, aquatic species (zebra fish, freshwater turtle, annual fish, Japanese medaka, etc.) have received very limited attention from the aging research community and grant support from NIA. These models may prove to be valuable for studies involving physiology, genetics, anatomy and pathology.
In addition, short-lived common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) appear to be useful primate models for aging studies relative to other primate models currently in use. They are small (350-400 grams) South American primates and capable of producing twins or triplets every 5.5 months. However, the marmoset model needs further development for defined phenotypes such as physical, metabolic, physiological, immunological, cognitive and psychosocial functions. Furthermore, genomic tools may have to be further developed for exploiting this model in aging research. The overall objective of this NIA-supported exploratory workshop is to assemble experts who work with these models and have them evaluate their usefulness for aging research. (For more information, contact Dr. Mahadev Murthy, DAB, 301-496-6402.)
TBI and the Risk of Dementia - August 2009 Head trauma, a frequent occurrence in the United States and other industrialized nations, is the leading cause of brain injury. Centers for Disease Control estimates suggest that at least 1.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) per year in the United States, and the costs of TBI in the US are estimated to be $48 billion dollars annually. The societal burden caused by TBI may actually be much greater, as there is growing evidence that TBI is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. However, the exact nature of the relationship between head trauma and AD is still unclear and needs further study. The Division of Neuroscience (DN) is organizing a multidisciplinary exploratory workshop, in August 2009 in Bethesda, MD, bringing together expert clinicians, epidemiologists, geneticists and basic research scientists from the TBI and AD fields, as well as from other relevant fields, who will critically appraise the current state of knowledge on TBI and risk of AD and outline possibilities for further research. (For further information, contact: Dr. Laurie Ryan, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; ryanl@mail.nih.gov.)
Work, Health and Retirement: Developing a Whitehall in Washington – August 2009 This BSR-supported exploratory meeting will bring together experts from the research community and the federal government to discuss research opportunities on federal workforce retirement and health. A planning teleconference will be held in May to develop the agenda for the meeting. (For more information, contact Dr. John Phillips, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
Models Systems to Study the Epigenetics of Aging and Longevity – September 2009 Understanding the role of epigenetics in tissue-specific aging and organismal longevity was identified as one of the top research priorities for DAB at the Biology of Aging Summit held in September 2008. This year NIA joined the RoadMap “Epigenetics of Health and Human Disease” RFA and several investigators have sent letters of intent regarding aging-related projects, which is very encouraging. One limitation of this RoadMap RFA is the almost exclusive focus on studying epigenetics in humans and human cell models.
With respect to understanding the role of epigenetics in aging and longevity, Summit participants highlighted the opportunity and added value to be gained from parallel studies in well-studied models systems including Drosophila, C. elegans and mice. The major goal of the planned workshop on “Model Systems to Explore the Epigenetics of Aging” is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these three model systems and to try to develop a coordinated and cooperative approach to studying this evolving field of research on aging. Several experts in epigenetics, genetics, biology and physiology will be invited to the planned three-day discussion-focused workshop to develop a plan for studying the epigenetics of aging and longevity. Several NIA staff will also be invited to attend due to broad NIA-based interest in epigenetics. This exploratory workshop is planned for September, 2009. (For more information, contact Dr. Anna McCormick, DAB, 301-496-6402.)
Financial Innovation and Retirement Security: From Ideas to Implementations – Sept 2009This BSR-supported exploratory workshop will address the challenge of how to design financial products to enhance the financial security of older Americans. The nature of the risks that are faced in later life remains poorly understood. The meeting will focus on three topics: (1) Managing Longevity Risk, (2) Managing Health Costs and other Expenditure Risks, and (3) Framing and Decision-Making. (For more information, contact Dr. John Phillips, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)
Biology of Aging Summit – September 2-5, 2008 The results of the Biology of Aging Summit were presented to Council in January by Dr. Felipe Sierra. The proceedings of the meeting were published as a series of articles (15 original articles plus an introduction) in the February issue of The Journals of Gerontology, Biological Sciences (J. Gerontol. Biol. Sci 64A (2):155-318). (For more information, contact Dr. Felipe Sierra, DAB, 301-496-6402.)
Office of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) (DHHS)-NIA Seminar on Health and Aging: Trends and Correlates of Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults – March 18, 2009 This informational meeting, funded by BSR and held at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), was designed to inform senior HHS staff of current issues in aging research. Dr. Kenneth Langa, University of Michigan School of Medicine and Institute for Social Research, discussed “Trends in Cognitive Impairment in the United States: Evidence of a Compression of Cognitive Morbidity?” Dr. Dawn Alley, University of Maryland School of Medicine, presented “Educational Differentials in Cognitive Decline and Life Expectancy with Cognitive Impairment.” Dr. Kathleen Cagney, University of Chicago, Population Research Center, talked on “Social Resources and Cognitive Function.” (For more information, contact Dr. John Haaga, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3131.)
ASPE-NIA Recent Trends in U.S. Mortality at Older Ages – April 16, 2009 This informational meeting, funded by BSR and held at DHHS, was designed to inform senior HHS staff of current issues in aging research. Dr. Eileen Crimmins, University of Southern California, Andrus Gerontology Center, presented Trends in Mortality and Health: Putting the U.S. in an International Context, comparing the U.S. to other advanced countries. Dr. Samuel Preston, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Sociology, presented Some Factors Responsible for Trends in American Mortality: Past and Future, showing evidence that cohort smoking histories explain a great deal of the difference in trends across nations, especially the recent poor longevity trends for American women. An implication of his work is that longevity improvements can be expected much faster in coming decades than official forecasts of the Social Security Administration project. (For more information, contact Dr. John Haaga, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3131.)
Division of Aging Biology New Investigators Forum – May 5-7, 2009The Third Annual Division of Aging Biology New Investigators Forum was held at the Residence Inn Bethesda on May 5-7, 2009. The purpose of the forum was to bring together new awardees of grants from DAB in the spring of the year following their award, to encourage their continued success in this field by allowing them to get acquainted with NIA program staff as well as network with each other. The new investigators were asked to make short presentations describing their planned work (or results to date) with an emphasis on how it relates to the area of aging research. As for previous meetings, the invitation letter included the following language: “Since you are being funded by the National Institute on Aging, we presume that your talk will clearly and explicitly demonstrate to us (and to the other forum participants) how your research is related to the area of aging.” (For more information, contact: Dr. David Finkelstein, DAB, 301/496-6402.)
2009 Women Scientist Advisors (WSA) Achievement AwardsThe 2009 WSA Achievement Awards Program was held on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, in Baltimore. Two NIA awardees presented their research at the program, in honor of Women’s History Month:
2008 Professor Enrico Greppi Award Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, Senior Investigator, Clinical Research Branch, NIA, was selected by the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (S.I.G.G.) as a recipient of the 2008 Professor Enrico Greppi Award in recognition of his substantial contributions to the fields of geriatric and gerontological research. Dr. Ferrucci received this award in November 2008 at the Society’s annual meeting in Florence, Italy.
2009 Jordi Folch-Pi Award Dr. Francesca Bosetti, Investigator, Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, NIA, received the 2009 Jordi Folch-Pi Award at the American Society of Neurochemistry (ASN) Annual Meeting in Charleston, SC. The Jordi Folch-Pi Award is given to an outstanding young investigator who has demonstrated a high level of research competence and originality, who has significantly advanced the knowledge of neurochemistry and who shows a high degree of potential and future accomplishments.
The following new publications were completed:
The following publications were updated and/or reprinted:
(For more information about NIA’s publications, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, Director, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752.)
The following news releases were distributed to audiences in print and on the internet:
NIA staffed, exhibited, and/or disseminated materials at the following meetings and conferences:
NIA coordinated meetings with the following groups:
(For more information about NIA exhibits, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752. For more information about meetings with professional organizations or associations, contact Dr. Tamara Jones, Legislative Officer, Ph: 301-451-8835.)
NIA Created a series of new grants opportunities pages related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), including separate pages offering guidance on:
Collaboration with HBO
Excerpts from the NIH GUIDE- December 11, 2008 – April 12, 2009 Includes Notices and Initiatives: Requests for Applications (RFAs) and Program Announcements (PAs), published since the January 2009 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
Announcement Number
Issuing Organization
Release Date
Opening Date (SF424 Only)
Expiration Date
Activity Code(s)
Title
RFA-AG-10-001
NIA
02/20/2009
n/a
05/06/2009
P30
Alzheimers Disease Core Centers (P30)
Purpose – This initiative invites applications from qualified institutions for support of the Alzheimer's Disease Core Centers (ADCCs). These centers are designed to support and conduct research on Alzheimer's disease (AD), to serve as shared research resources that will facilitate research in AD and related disorders. Centers are expected to provide an environment and core resources which will enhance cutting-edge research by bringing together biomedical, behavioral, and clinical investigators to study the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AD, and to improve health care delivery.
Scientific/Research Contact: Nina B. Silverberg, Ph.D. Alzheimer’s Disease Centers Program Dementias of Aging Branch Division of Neuroscience National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 350 Bethesda, MD, 20892-9205 (20814 for express shipping) Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX :(301) 496-1494 Email: silverbergn@mail.nih.gov or Creighton H. Phelps, Ph.D. Alzheimer’s Disease Centers Program Dementias of Aging Branch Division of Neuroscience National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 350 Bethesda, MD, 20892-9205 (20814 for express shipping) Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX :(301) 496-1494 Email: phelpsc@nia.nih.gov
RFA-AG-10-002
P50
Alzheimers Disease Research Centers (P50)
Purpose – This initiative invites applications from qualified institutions for support of Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). These centers are designed to support and conduct research on Alzheimer's disease (AD), to serve as shared research resources that will facilitate research in AD and related disorders, distinguish them from the processes of normal brain aging and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), provide a platform for training, develop novel techniques and methodologies, and translate these research findings into better diagnostic, prevention and treatment strategies.
Scientific/Research Contact: Creighton Phelps, Ph.D. Alzheimer’s Disease Centers Program Dementias of Aging Branch Division of Neuroscience National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 350 Bethesda, MD, 20892-9205 (20814 for express shipping) Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX :(301) 496-1494 Email: phelpsc@mail.nih.gov
RFA-AG-10-003
01/16/2009
03/25/2009
Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs)(P30)
Purpose – This initiative invites applications for the Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Centers (OAIC) program which was established in honor of the late Representative to establish “centers of excellence” in geriatrics research and training. The goal of the OAIC program is to increase scientific knowledge that will lead to better ways to maintain or restore independence in older persons. The OAIC awards are designed to develop or strengthen each awardee institution's programs that focus and sustain progress on a key area in aging research. Each area of focus is one in which progress could contribute to greater independence for older persons and offer opportunities for training and career development in aging research for young scientists.
Scientific/Research Contact: Susan G. Nayfield, M.D., M.Sc Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Gateway Building, Suite 3C-307 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-6761 FAX: (301) 402-1784 Email: nayfiels@mail.nih.gov
RFA-OD-09-005
NIH
03/30/2009
05/30/2009
Recovery Act Limited Competition: Supporting New Faculty Recruitment to Enhance Research Resources through Biomedical Research Core Centers (P30)
Purpose – This initiative invites applications that will be supported by funds provided to the NIH under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“Recovery Act” or “ARRA”), Public Law 111-5. This FOA invites applications from U.S academic institutions/organizations to support the hiring of newly-recruited faculty to develop research projects within the context of Biomedical Core Centers. For this announcement, a Biomedical Core Center is defined as a community of multidisciplinary researchers focusing on areas of biomedical research relevant to NIH, such as centers, departments, programs, and/or trans-departmental collaborations or consortia.
Scientific/Research Contact: Dr. Chyren Hunter Phone: 301-496-9322 FAX: 301-402-2945 Email: HunterC@mail.nih.gov
RFA-OD-09-004
03/23/2009
04/27/2009
05/28/2009
RC2
Recovery Act Limited Competition for NIH Grants: Research and Research Infrastructure Grand Opportunities (RC2)
Purpose – This initiative invites applications that will be supported by funds provided to the NIH under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“Recovery Act” or “ARRA”), Public Law 111-5. The purpose of the “GO” grants program is to support high impact ideas that lend themselves to short-term funding, and may lay the foundation for new fields of investigation. The “GO” grants program will support large-scale research projects that accelerate critical breakthroughs, early and applied research on cutting-edge technologies, and new approaches to improve the synergy and interactions among multi and interdisciplinary research teams.
Scientific/Research Contact: For applications in the biology of aging Dr. Ronald A. Kohanski Division of Aging Biology National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 2C231 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Tel.: 301-496-6402 Fax: 301-402-0010 E-mail: kohanskir@mail.nih.gov
For applications in geriatrics and clinical gerontology Ms. Alicia Lawson Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 3C07 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Tel: 301-496-6913 Fax: 301-402-1784 Email: LawsonA@mail.nih.gov
For applications in behavioral and social research on aging Dr. John Haaga Division of Behavioral and Social Research National Institute on Aging Gateway Bldg. Suite 533 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda Maryland 20892-9205 Tel.: 301-496-3131 Fax: 301-402-0051 E-mail: HaagaJ@mail.nih.gov
For applications in the neuroscience of aging Dr. Steve Snyder Division of Neuroscience National Institute on Aging Gateway Bldg. Suite 350 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda Maryland 20892-9205 Tel.: 301-496-9350 Fax: 301-496-1494 E-mail: SnyderD@mail.nih.gov
RFA-OD-09-003
03/04/2009
03/27/2009
04/28/2009
RC1
Recovery Act Limited Competition: NIH Challenge Grants in Health and Science Research (RC1)
Purpose – As part of the Recovery Act, the NIH invites, through this limited competition, NIH Challenge Grant (RC1) applications from domestic (United States) institutions/organizations proposing novel research in areas that address specific knowledge gaps, scientific opportunities, new technologies, data generation, or research methods that would benefit from an influx of funds to quickly advance the area in significant ways.
Scientific/Research Contact: Ms. Kathie Reed Phone: 301-496-3121 E-mail: reedk@mail.nih.gov
PAR-09-136
05/12/2009
05/08/2012
K01
Promoting Careers in Aging and Health Disparities Research (K01)
Purpose – The purpose of this initiative is to provide support and protected time to eligible individuals who have been determined by the grantee institution to be committed to a career in health disparities research related to aging and who are members of or knowledgeable about health disparity population groups. Nationally, health disparity population groups include but are not limited to African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, the medically underserved, low socioeconomic populations and rural populations. NIA recognizes that each group is unique and disparities vary within and between groups such that not all experience excess deaths or high prevalence of the same diseases. Additionally, the NIA recognizes the importance of a diverse research workforce committed to research aimed at redressing health disparities where they exist and assisting in the breakdown of racial, cultural and ethnic barriers and stereotypes.
Scientific/Research Contact:
PA-09-061
12/19/2008
01/05/2009
01/08/2012
R01
Vulnerable Dendrites and Synapses in Aging and Alzheimers Disease (R01)
Purpose – This initiative invites applications for the study of factors regulating neuroplasticity with a particular emphasis on the age-dependent changes in the functions of dendrites, spines and synapses of key cell types in regions of brain especially vulnerable in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and in models (in vitro and in vivo) of aging and of AD. Neuroplasticity refers to the changes in both structure and function of the brain that occur in response to experiential stimuli. This ability of the brain to reorganize itself is critical both in normal development and learning, and it is no less important in aging and neurodegenerative disorders
Scientific/Research Contact: D. Stephen Snyder, Ph.D. Division of Neuroscience National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Room 350 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9350 Fax: (301) 496-1494 Email: ss82f@nih.gov
PA-09-113
PA-09-114
02/26/2009
03/05/2009
R43,R44 (SBIR)
R41,R42 (STTR)
Manufacturing Processes of Medical, Dental, and Biological Technologies
Purpose – On February 26, 2004, Executive Order 13329 was signed by President George Bush to give high priority within the SBIR and STTR programs to manufacturing-related research and development (R&D). In response to this Executive Order, NIH is expanding its focus by encouraging eligible United States small business concerns to submit SBIR Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track grant applications and also to submit STTR Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track grant applications whose biomedical research is related to advanced processing, manufacturing processes, equipment and systems, and manufacturing workforce skills and protection.
Scientific/Research Contact: Dr. Michael-David A.R.R. Kerns National Institute on Aging, NIH Gateway Building, Suite 2C218 7201 Wisconsin Ave., MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Phone: 301-496-9322 Fax: 301-402-2945 Email: mk417e@nih.gov
PA-09-100
PA-09-101
02/12/2009
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy System Technology Research and Development Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy System Technology Research and Development
Purpose –On December 19, 2007, President George W. Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Act), P.L. 110-140. This Act requires SBIR/STTR agencies, whenever possible and appropriate, to give high priority within the SBIR and STTR programs to energy efficiency or renewable energy system research and development projects (R&D). As part of the implementation of this Act, this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) whose biomedical research is related to energy efficiency or renewable energy systems, to submit SBIR Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track grant applications and to submit STTR Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track grant applications for R&D projects in those areas.
PA-09-080
PA-09-081
01/22/2009
01/08/2010
PHS 2009-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, FDA and ACF for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44])
PHS 2009-02 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 Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications and 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, CDC, FDA and ACF awarding components identified in this FOA are encouraged to submit SBIR grant applications and STTR grant applications in response to identified topics (see PHS 2009-2 SBIR/STTR Program Descriptions and Research Topics for NIH, CDC, FDA and ACF.)
PA-09-036
12/12/2008
01/12/2009
K99/R00
NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)
Purpose – The primary purpose of the Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented NIH-supported independent investigators. The program is designed to facilitate a timely transition from a mentored postdoctoral research position to a stable independent research position with independent NIH or other independent research support at an earlier stage than is currently the norm. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant Institute or Center (IC) staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
Scientific/Research Contact: Chyren Hunter, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Activities Gateway Building, Room 2C218 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Phone (301) 496-9322 E-mail: Hunterc@nia.nih.gov
PA-09-037
K24
Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24)
Purpose –The purpose of the NIH Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) is to provide support to mid-career health-professional doctorates or equivalent who are typically at the Associate Professor level or the equivalent for protected time to devote to patient-oriented research (POR) and to act as research mentors primarily for clinical residents, clinical fellows and/or junior clinical faculty. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant Institute or Center (IC) staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
PA-09-038
K02
Independent Scientist Award (K02)
Purpose – The purpose of the NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) is to foster the development of outstanding scientists and enable them to expand their potential to make significant contributions to their field of research. The K02 award provides three, four, or five years of salary support and “protected time” for newly independent (see IC provisions) scientists who can demonstrate the need for a period of intensive research focus as a means of enhancing their research careers. Each independent scientist career award program must be tailored to meet the individual needs of the candidate. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant Institute or Center (IC) staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
PA-09-039
K25
Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25)
Purpose – The purpose of the Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award (K25) is to attract to NIH-relevant research those investigators whose quantitative science and engineering research has thus far not been focused primarily on questions of health and disease. The K25 award will provide support and protected time for a period of supervised study and research for productive professionals with quantitative (e.g., mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, imaging science, informatics, physics, chemistry) and engineering backgrounds to integrate their expertise with NIH-relevant research. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant NIH staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
PA-09-040
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
Purpose – The purpose of the NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) is to provide support and protected time (three, four, or five years) for an intensive, supervised career development experience in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences leading to research independence. Although all of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) use this support mechanism to support career development experiences that lead to research independence, some ICs use the K01 award for individuals who propose to train in a new field or for individuals who have had a hiatus in their research career because of illness or pressing family circumstances. Other ICs utilize the K01 award to increase research workforce diversity by providing enhanced research career development opportunities. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant NIH staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
PA-09-041
K07
Academic Career Award (K07)
Purpose – The purpose of the NIH Academic Career Award (K07) is to provide support to increase the pool of individuals with academic and research expertise to become academic researchers and to enhance the educational or research capacity at the grantee sponsoring grantee institution. The Academic Career Award supports K07 Development awards for more junior level candidates and K07 Leadership awards for more senior individuals with acknowledged scientific expertise and leadership skills. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant NIH staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
PA-09-042
K08
Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08)
Purpose – The primary purpose of the NIH Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Awards (K08) program is to prepare qualified individuals for careers that have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation. This program represents the continuation of a long-standing NIH program that provides support and protected time to individuals with a clinical doctoral degree for an intensive, supervised research career development experience in the fields of biomedical and behavioral research, including translational research. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant Institute or Center (IC) staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
PA-09-043
K23
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Purpose – The purpose of the NIH Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is to support the career development of investigators who have made a commitment to focus their research endeavors on patient-oriented research. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant Institute or Center (IC) staff for IC-specific programmatic and budgetary information.
PA-09-137
NIMH
05/05/2009
Basic and Translational Research in Emotion (R01)
Purpose –The purpose of this FOA is to advance the study of emotion at a variety of levels, using a broad range of techniques. Measurements of emotional correlates can be made at the behavioral, neural, and/or physiological levels. Proposals which seek to combine these levels of analysis are especially encouraged. Applications are encouraged at both basic and translational levels. Basic topics of interest include the interface between emotion and cognition, the development of emotions and emotion regulation over the lifespan, and the neurobiological systems involved in emotional function. Translational topics of interest include understanding mechanisms involved in emotional function in mental disorders, the mechanisms by which alcohol/drug dependence and/or withdrawal affects emotions, and the ways individual differences in emotional function impact health behaviors, health-related decision-making, and health outcomes.
Scientific/Research Contact: Lis Nielsen, Ph.D. Division of Behavioral and Social Research National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 533, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MDÂ 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 402-4156 FAX: (301) 402-0051 Email: nielsenli@nia.nih.gov
PAR-09-120
NIAMS
03/17/2009
08/30/2009
10/01/2011
UH2/UH3
Biomedical Research on the International Space Station (BioMed-ISS) (UH2/UH3)
Purpose – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are cooperating to facilitate biomedical research in space for better understanding of human physiology and human health on Earth. The NIH uses this FOA to publicize the availability of the International Space Station (ISS) as a National Laboratory, and to announce the NIH BioMed-ISS program encouraging investigator-initiated applications for biomedical research that will use the unique microgravity and radiation environment and resources of the ISS to test innovative hypotheses for the potential benefit of human health on Earth. Applications to this FOA should propose innovative biomedical research on the molecular or cellular level that is directly relevant to the NIH mission and can be carried out on the ISS.
Scientific/Research Contact: Bradley Wise, Ph.D. National Institute on Aging NIH, DHHS Gateway Building, Suite 350 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892 Tel: 301-496-9350 Email: wiseb@nia.nih.gov
PA-09-062
R43,R44
Probes for Microimaging The Nervous System (SBIR [R43/R44])
Purpose – This initiative invites Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications that propose research and development of probes useful in imaging the structure and function of the brain and other parts of the nervous system, with award duration and amounts greater than those routinely allowed under the SBIR programs. Specifically this FOA invites SBIR applications that propose research and development of probes that generate signals detectable by one or more imaging modality. Such probes should indicate the structure or function of molecules or subcellular elements of neurons or other cells of the nervous system. Of special interest are applications that propose research and development of novel probes, although significant enhancements of already existing probes are also invited. Grant applications may propose projects that will result in probes solely intended for use in research or probes that might have clinical utility. It is expected that this initiative will require expertise from a variety of disciplines, including neuroscience, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, biotechnology, and bioengineering. Moreover, it is anticipated that these types of expertise will be brought together in various combinations in individual proposed projects.
Scientific/Research Contact: D. Stephen Snyder, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 350, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9350 Email: ss82f@nih.gov
PAR-09-053
NCRR
12/18/2008
K26
Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology Research (K26)
Purpose – The goal of this FOA is to support established, outstanding pathobiologists by providing protected time for mouse pathobiology research and mentoring of beginning investigators, thus relieving them from time-consuming institutional service obligations and administration responsibilities. The target candidates are scientists engaged in mouse pathobiology research who are within 15 years of their specialty training, and can demonstrate the need for a period of intensive research focus as a means of enhancing their research careers, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of mouse pathobiologists.
Scientific/Research Contact: Nancy L. Nadon, Ph.D. Chief, Biological Resources Branch Division of Aging Biology National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Ave., GW 2C231 Bethesda MD 20892 Phone: 301-402-7744 FAX: 301-402-5997 Email: nadonn@nia.nih.gov
NOT-AG-09-004
Notice of Correction to Table of Contents on RFA-AG-10-001 and RFA-AG-10-002
NOT-AG-09-003
03/09/2009
NIA Announces Changes in the Eligibility Criteria for use of the NIA Aged Rodent Colony
NOT-OD-09-083
04/10/2009
Notice Regarding Competitive Revisions Using Recovery Act Funds for Applications Still Requiring Paper Submission
NOT-OD-09-081
04/06/2009
SCAW IACUC-Advanced Workshop: June 15, 2009 in Research Triangle Park, NC
NOT-OD-09-078
04/03/2009
Recovery Act Notice: NIH ARRA Funding Considerations for Applications with Meritorious Scores that Fall Beyond the Pay-line
NOT-OD-09-079
ARRA Administrative Supplements and Competitive Revisions: Clarifications on Programmatic Limitations and use of Modular Budgets
NOT-OD-09-080
Recovery Act of 2009: NIH Award Terms and Additional Information for Recipients Receiving Recovery Act Grant Funding
NOT-OD-09-072
NIH Requires Mandatory Use of the eRA Commons Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) Module beginning July 1, 2009 for NIH-funded Grants and/or Cooperative Agreements
NOT-OD-09-074
Enhancing Peer Review: The NIH Announces Consolidation of Review Criteria for Institutional Research Training Grant Applications (T32) Submitted for FY 2010 Funding
NOT-OD-09-075
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipend and Other Budgetary Levels Effective for Fiscal Year 2009
NOT-OD-09-076
Notice Regarding RFA-OD-09-005, "Recovery Act Limited Competition: Biomedical Research Core Centers to Enhance Research Resources (P30)"
NOT-OD-09-068
03/19/2009
Announcing the FY 2009 NIH Directors Bridge Awards
NOT-OD-09-069
Salary Limitation on Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts
NOT-OD-09-070
Notice of Legislative Mandates in Effect for FY2009
NOT-OD-09-071
The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 Makes the NIH Public Access Policy Permanent
NOT-OD-09-056
03/18/2009
NIH Announces the Availability of Recovery Act Funds for Administrative Supplements
NOT-OD-09-058
NIH Announces the Availability of Recovery Act Funds for Competitive Revision Applications
NOT-OD-09-060
NIH Announces the Availability of Recovery Act Funds for Administrative Supplements Providing Summer Research Experiences for Students and Science Educators
NOT-OD-09-066
NIH Fiscal Policy for Grant Awards FY 2009
NOT-OD-09-062
Extension of Expiration Date for PA-07-277, PA-06-367, and PA-06-368 Research on Ethical Issues in Human Subjects Research
NOT-OD-09-063
03/10/2009
NIH Announces its 2009 SBIR/STTR Conference (June 30 July 1, 2009)
NOT-OD-09-059
Clarification on Required Budget Forms for Grant Applicants Submitting in Response to PA-07-318
NOT-OD-09-061
03/06/2009
Clarification to RFA-OD-09-003-Recovery Act Limited Competition: NIH Challenge Grants in Health and Science Research (RC1)
NOT-OD-09-054
Recovery Act of 2009: NIH Review Criteria, Scoring System, and Suspension of Appeals Process
NOT-OD-09-049
02/10/2009
Revision: Notice of Re-issuance of Kirschstein-NRSA T32 (PA-08-226) and T35 (PA-08-227) Funding Opportunity Announcements
NOT-OD-09-047
02/04/2009
NIH Encourages Applicants to Take Advantage of Subscription-based Electronic Mailing Lists for Updates on Electronic Applications and the eRA Commons
NOT-OD-09-039
01/30/2009
Expiration of Several Research Career Development Award (K Award) Funding Opportunity Announcements
NOT-OD-09-046
2009 NIH Regional Seminar on Program Funding & Grants Administration: Register now for Atlanta, Ga
NOT-OD-09-043
01/28/2009
Adobe-Based Grant Application Forms Now Available for All NIH Funding Opportunity Announcements Requiring Electronic Submission
NOT-OD-09-044
Announcing a Delay in Transition to Electronic Submission of Applications for Individual National Research Service Awards (Fs) and Confirming Plans to Transition Individual Research Career Development Awards (Ks)
NOT-OD-09-036
01/21/2009
NIH Policy Concerning Career Development (K) Awards: Leave, Temporary Adjustments to Percent Effort, and Part-Time Institutional Appointments
NOT-OD-09-038
NIH Policy Change on Threshold for Negotiation of Facilities and Administrative (F&A)/Indirect Costs for Phase II SBIR/STTR Grants
NOT-OD-09-037
Salary Limitation on Grants, Cooperative Agreements and Contracts Under the Current Continuing Resolution
NOT-OD-09-035
01/08/2009
Guidance to IACUCs Regarding Use of Designated Member Review (DMR) for Animal Study Proposal Review Subsequent to Full Committee Review (FCR)
NOT-OD-09-033
The NIH Implements New Registration Process for Reviewer Reimbursement for Participation in NIH Peer Review Meetings
NOT-OD-09-034
12/31/2008
Early Stage Investigator Policies: Requesting an Extension of the ESI Period
NOT-OD-09-029
Transition of Individual Career Development (K) Applications to Electronic Submission (Grants.gov)-New Business Processes and Other Information
NOT-OD-09-030
12/11/2008
Clarification of NOT-OD-08-014 and NOT-OD-08-023 Regarding Registration in ClinicalTrials.gov
RFA-RM-09-006
Roadmap
04/01/2009
08/16/2009
09/17/2009
Novel statistical methods for human gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis (R01)
Purpose – This FOA solicits applications to develop innovative statistical methods to detect the influence of genetic variation on tissue-specific gene expression and regulation. The goal of the FOA is to seek proposals to develop statistical methods to appropriately analyze the forthcoming complex data sets generated by the NIH Roadmap initiative entitled “Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project”. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of existing tissue-specific gene expression datasets and/or simulated datasets, but will also be strongly encouraged to utilize GTEx-generated data, if and when it is available.
Scientific/Research Contact: Winifred K. Rossi, MA Deputy Director Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology National Institute on Aging, NIH, DHHS 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3C307 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 (Express: 20814) Telephone: 301-496-3836 Fax: 301-402-1784 Email: winnie_rossi@nih.gov
RFA-RM-09-004
01/07/2009
10/15/2009
U54
Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award (U54)
Purpose – The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) initiative assists institutions to create an integrated academic home for Clinical and Translational Science that has the resources to train and advance multi- and inter-disciplinary investigators and research teams with access to innovative research tools and information technologies that apply new knowledge and techniques to patient care. Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) attract basic, translational, and clinical investigators, community clinicians, clinical practices, networks, professional societies, and industry to develop new professional interactions, programs, and research projects. Through innovative advanced degree programs, CTSAs foster the discipline of Clinical and Translational Science that is broader and deeper than their separate components (definitions of Clinical and Translational Science are provided in Section I.1 of this document).
Scientific/Research Contact: Dr. Anthony Hayward Division for Clinical Research Resources, NCRR 6701 Democracy Blvd Room 906, MCS 4874 Bethesda , MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 435 0790 FAX: (301) 480-3661 Email: haywarda@mail.nih.gov
PAR-09-129
03/12/2009
04/13/2009
01/05/2012
R03
Solicitation of Assays for High Throughput Screening (HTS) in the Molecular Libraries Probe Production Centers Network (MLPCN) (R03)
Purpose –. The NIH Molecular Libraries Roadmap Initiative wishes to encourage HTS assay applications from investigators who have the interest and capability to work with the Molecular Libraries Probe Production Centers Network (MLPCN) for chemical probe development. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) promotes discovery and development of new chemical probes as research tools for use by scientists in both the public and private sectors to advance the understanding of biological functions and disease mechanisms. This initiative is one of the integrated components of the NIH Molecular Libraries Roadmap initiative that offers biomedical researchers access to large-scale automated high throughput screening (HTS) centers in the MLPCN, diverse compound libraries in the Small Molecule Repository (MLSMR) and information on biological activities of small molecules in the PubChem BioAssay public database.
Scientific/Research Contact: Dr. Yong Yao NIH Roadmap Molecular Libraries and Imaging Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science National Institute of Mental Health 6001 Executive Blvd, Rm 7175, MSC 9641 Bethesda, MD 20892-9641 Phone: 301-443-6102 Email: yyao@mail.nih.gov
NOT-RM-09-010
NIH-RAID Administrative Supplements for Preclinical Efficacy Testing of Candidate Therapeutics
NOT-RM-09-009
01/23/2009
Clarification of submission instructions for RFA-RM-08-029 Roadmap Transformative R01 Program (R01)
NOT-RM-09-008
01/02/2009
Guidance on Submitting Applications to the Roadmap Molecular Libraries Assay Development for High-Throughput Screening Program: PAR-08-024
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