Title: Exploratory Centers (P20) for Interdisciplinary Research

Release Date: September 30, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-RR-04-002

CFDA Number: 93.389

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-04-002.html

This RFA is developed as a roadmap initiative. All NIH Institutes and Centers participate in roadmap initiatives.

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: January 30, 2004

Application Receipt Date: February 24, 2004

Purpose: In addition to the biological sciences, biomedical research encompasses a large number of scientific disciplines, including the behavioral, quantitative, engineering and computer sciences. Distinct disciplinary perspectives represent significant sources of strength to the overall research enterprise because each discipline has its own intellectual history, experimental and analytic approaches, and theoretical context that produce a unique way of thinking about a problem. Nevertheless, as scientific capabilities move forward, increasingly complex questions arise, and these often require the convergence of perspectives from multiple disciplines. Over the years, the Institutes and Centers (ICs) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed many initiatives, mechanisms and programs to support multidisciplinary research--that is, research that brings together researchers from different disciplines to focus on a circumscribed problem.

It is becoming apparent that, in some cases, the collaborative nature of disciplines that characterizes multidisciplinary research is not sufficiently sustained to address, in a comprehensive and effective way, challenging problems in biomedical and behavioral research. Rather, interdisciplinary research, which integrates several disciplinary approaches in a more sustained and systematic fashion, may be required to tackle these more complex problems. Integrating different disciplines in this way holds the promise of opening up currently unimagined scientific avenues of inquiry, and in the process, may form whole new disciplines. Historical examples include the development of genomics, which was formed from genetics, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and informatics. Another example in which multiple disciplines have, in a less directed way, blended and evolved into a new discipline is neuroscience. Thirty years ago, students of the brain might have identified themselves as anatomists, physiologists, or psychobiologists, but today they would consider themselves neuroscientists.

Combining particular aspects of different disciplines to develop entirely new ways to approach biomedical and behavioral research problems is daunting in many ways. In recognition of the difficulty of establishing interdisciplinary research efforts, this Request for Applications (RFA) solicits applications for P20 planning grants that will support planning activities for groups of researchers to develop interdisciplinary research strategies to solve significant biomedical and/or behavioral research problems. Activities supported will include study design and, perhaps, pilot research to demonstrate the approach to be pursued. Whatever the approach, it must integrate aspects of multiple disciplines, which will be specified by the applicants. Planning activities are intended to lay the foundation and prepare investigators for submitting a subsequent application for more substantial and longer duration support through an Interdisciplinary Research Consortium. In recognition of the need to bring several disciplines together as equal partners, this RFA allows the research team to submit separate, but related applications that will be reviewed as a unit.

Title: National Technology Centers for Networks and Pathways

Release Date: September 30, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-RR-04-003

CFDA Number: 93.389

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-04-003.html
This RFA is developed as a roadmap initiative. All NIH Institutes and Centers participate in roadmap initiatives.

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 15, 2004

Application Receipt Date: March 16, 2004

Purpose: Participating Institutes and Centers (ICs) of the National Institutes of Health invite applications for NIH National Technology Centers for Networks and Pathways (TCNP). These centers will cooperate in a networked national effort to develop highly novel, integrated, and broadly applicable proteomics technologies, to include instrumentation, biophysical methods, reagents, and infrastructure. These technologies will be specifically directed at the fundamental technological challenges inherent in acquiring quantitative information at the high anatomic resolution (subcellular) and biologically relevant timescales necessary for temporal and spatial characterization of complex biochemical pathways and molecular interactions. Beyond cataloging of proteins and their binary interactions, these methods will be directed toward quantitatively defining the dynamics of complex systems. The establishment of the TCNPs was called for in the NIH Roadmapping Initiative in 2003. TCNPs will be supported by U54 awards. The U54 awards will principally support technological innovation. However, in addition it is expected that the TCNPs will commit substantial resources to collaboration with and education of biomedical researchers, as well as the transfer of technologies to other laboratories. It is anticipated that there will be strong, vibrant interactions between the centers themselves and related individual investigator projects focused on a broad range of significant biomedical research questions. The centers should foster original and creative contributions to scientific understanding over and above that which would be obtained if each component of the center existed independently.

Title: NIAMS Small Grant Program for New Investigators

Release Date: October 2, 2003

PA Number: PAR-04-002

CFDA Number: 93.846

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-04-002.html

Expiration Date: October 24, 2005

Application Receipt Dates: February 24, 2004, June 24, 2004, October 22, 2004

Purpose: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is seeking small grant (R03) applications to stimulate and facilitate the entry of promising new investigators into areas of research of interest to the NIAMS. This solicitation will provide support for pilot research that is likely to lead to a subsequent individual research project grant (R01).

Research Objectives: The NIAMS Small Grant program is designed to facilitate the entry of promising new investigators into research on arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases and injuries. Brief summaries of the focuses of the NIAMS' Extramural Program branches are listed below. For more detailed information about scientific areas of interest to the NIAMS, applicants are encouraged to refer to the NIAMS website at http://www.niams.nih.gov .

Summary

Rheumatic Diseases: The mission of the Rheumatic Diseases Branch is to promote and support research leading to prevention, diagnosis and cure of rheumatic and related diseases. The Branch supports basic, epidemiologic, and clinical research on etiology, pathogenesis, course, interventions, and outcomes in rheumatic and related diseases.

Muscle Biology: The Muscle Biology Branch encourages and supports research on skeletal muscle, its diseases and disorders, and its central role in human physiology and exercise. Topics include the molecular structure of muscle and the molecular mechanisms that produce force and motion. One focus of this program is understanding the alterations in muscle resulting from increased exercise regimens and, conversely, the atrophy that follows immobilization during injury or illness.

Musculoskeletal Diseases: This Branch supports studies of the skeleton including bones, joints and associated connective tissues. Broad areas of interest include skeletal development, metabolism, mechanical properties, and responses to injury. Clinical and basic research in the areas of osteoporosis and orthopaedic sciences are of particular interest under this program. Other musculoskeletal disorders of interest include osteoarthritis, osteogenesis imperfecta, and Paget's disease. The Program supports research in the area of acute and chronic injuries of the musculoskeletal system including work related and repetitive stress injuries. Research proposals related to the development of new technologies with the potential to improve treatment and/or diagnosis of skeletal disorders and to facilitate the repair of trauma in the normal skeleton are of great interest. In addition, bioengineering, sports medicine and musculoskeletal fitness are areas of special research emphasis.

Skin Diseases: This Branch supports basic and clinical studies of the skin in normal and disease states. The wide range of skin diseases under study with NIAMS support includes keratinizing disorders such as psoriasis and ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis and other chronic inflammatory skin disorders, the vesiculobullous diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa and pemphigus, acne, and vitiligo.

Title:Collaborative Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Science Award (CAMSSA)

Release Date: October 2, 2003

PA Number: PAR-04-003

CFDA Number: 93.846

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-04-003.html

Expiration Date: October 1, 2006, unless reissued.

PURPOSE: The objective of the Collaborative Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Science Award (CAMSSA) program is to develop and promote competitive scientific research programs in areas within the mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at institutions with substantial minority enrollment. The CAMSSA program is designed to encourage collaborative investigations among scientists at institutions with substantial minority enrollment with grantees from research-intensive institutions who have grant support to conduct research in arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases or skin diseases. The nature of the collaborations will include joint research efforts, specialized training in research techniques, and participation in research seminars. The CAMSSA program should develop and expand scientific opportunities among the participating institutions for research in arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases or skin diseases.

Research Objectives: Characteristics of the CAMSSA Program: The CAMSSA will support an investigator-initiated research project in which the applicant and a collaborating scientist will work in a clearly defined area of mutual research interest related to arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases or skin diseases. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant and the collaborator. Since the intent of the award is to develop competitive research programs at institutions with substantial minority enrollment, the applicant and collaborating investigators must document the potential for developing scientific approaches to accomplish the objectives of the proposed research project. The project must consist of a scientifically meritorious research plan that involves an efficacious collaborative effort among the participating investigators, each of whom will be conducting a portion of the total research project in his/her own laboratory. Examples of the collaborative interactions include the sharing of ideas, data, and exchanging of research techniques and expertise. It is anticipated that collaboration between the institutions will provide training opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral fellows at both institutions.

Consortium arrangement between the applicant institution with substantial minority enrollment and the collaborating research-intensive institution: Each of these institutions must provide the appropriate facilities and resources for the applicant and collaborating investigators to accomplish the goals of the proposed research program. The CAMSSA requires effective research collaboration among these investigators, who must be full-time employees of their respective institutions. These investigators must provide a detailed description of the nature and the extent of the research collaboration such that the necessary administrative and fiscal considerations are fully explained in the application. There must be letters from the applicant and collaborating institutions that signify their intent to participate and to provide the necessary resources proposed in the application. The minority-serving institution must allow the applicant a minimum 50% reserved time to devote to the specific aims of the proposed research during the academic year. The collaborator must indicate in the application the percent effort that will be contributed to the proposed research project.

Before developing the application, the applicants should obtain a copy of the latest published policy governing consortia in the NIH Grants Policy Statement (3/01).

Title: Proteomics in Aging and Age-Related Disorders

Release Date: October 07, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-AG-04-006

CFDA Number: 93.866

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-04-006.html

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: January 23, 2004

Application Receipt Date: February 23, 2004

Purpose: The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is soliciting applications that use proteomic approaches to study age-related changes in protein structure and function. Proteomics research is expected to provide significant insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging and age-associated disease processes. This Request for Applications (RFA) encourages projects that advance research to identify and quantitate protein expression patterns, post-translational modification of proteins, and protein-protein interactions which may change in cells or tissues as a direct result of the aging process or age-related pathology. Research projects that take advantage of various animal models of aging and of age-related human disease, and that focus on cells or tissues of aging physiological systems, such as the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, endocrine and nervous systems, are encouraged.

Title: High Risk Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research

Release Date: October 16, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-AR-04-002

CFDA Number: 93.486

URL: http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AR-04-002.html

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 17, 2003

Application Receipt Date:December 16, 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this initiative is to broaden the base of inquiry in fundamental biomedical, biobehavioral, and biomedical technology research by encouraging applications for research projects that involve an especially high degree of innovation and novelty and, therefore, require a preliminary test of feasibility. The goal is to solicit research applications with the potential for developing groundbreaking technology or methodology that may lead to significant expansion of biomedical research horizons, precipitate a paradigm shift in research, or lead to substantial improvements in human health. Research projects proposed under this Request for Applications (RFA) may involve substantial experimental risks such that their potential for highly significant outcomes may be difficult to judge by the standard criteria used in evaluating investigator initiated (R01) proposals. Preliminary data are not required. The work proposed may not overlap with the aims of currently supported projects or those in which the Principal Investigator has participated during the past five years. Proposed projects must support the mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Two kinds of experienced and established investigators are sought. First, experienced and established investigators in rheumatic or musculoskeletal or skin diseases are encouraged to present a proposal for testing the feasibility of a novel idea, resource or technology. The project should represent a clear and distinctly different approach from the investigator's current and previous (past 5 years) research. Second, experienced and established investigators with no previous work in rheumatic or musculoskeletal or skin diseases are encouraged to apply their expertise to research that is relevant to rheumatic or musculoskeletal or skin diseases. This request for applications should not be considered for new investigators without previous grant experience.

Naval Research Laboratory
Broad Agency Announcement

Title: Research in Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering

BAA Number: BAA 69-03-01

URL: http://heron.nrl.navy.mil/contracts/baa.htm

The Center for Bio-Molecular Science and Engineering (Code 6900) of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) conducts multidisciplinary research in biotechnology using the techniques of modern molecular biology, biophysics, chemistry, microelectronics, and engineering to fabricate biosensors, biomaterials, and advanced systems.Current research areas include:

(1) Biophysical chemistry of membranes.
(2) Research into biosensors including construction of novel devices, accessories for automated reagent delivery, production of biomolecular recognition elements or configuration of bioassays for integration into the sensor. Targets of detection include explosives, pollutants, pathogens, toxic agents, and hazardous chemicals.
(3) Genetic and tissue engineering of biomaterials.
(4) Self assembled films and patterns for advanced material development.
(5) Liposomal delivery of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
(6) Physical characterization of thin films and surfaces.
(7) Microwave devices, ultramicroelectrodes and electron emitters based on metallized composites. Microwave materials based on nanodimension powders and metallized composites.
(8) Self-assembly of microstructures for advanced materials, including tubules, advanced ceramics and ceramic solgels, and the assessment of potential applications including: controlled release, advanced composites for electronic, structural, and thermal applications, and environmental applications.
(9) Selective patterning of biological materials (proteins, cells, nucleic acids) on solid substrates.
(10) research item deleted
(11) research item deleted
(12) Development of novel lithographic, patterning, and/or metallization processes for high resolution imaging, fabrication of advanced microelectronic or nanoelectronic devices, displays, biosensors, multilayers, or three dimensionally structured materials.
(13) Advanced materials using liquid crystals and ordered polymers, relation between molecular structure and material properties, assessment of their properties for potential applications in the areas of real time holography, ferroelectric phenomena, high resolution display, pryoelectric sensors, and piezoelectric materials, electro-optic materials, non-linear optics, and optical wave guiding.
(14) Self-assembly of nano-scale structures such as bicontinuous cubic phase and assessment of their use for technological applications in the areas of controlled release, encapsulation, and nanocomposites.
(15) Remediation of oily and contaminated water using physical or phase- separation processes. The NRL is inviting Initial Proposals for applied and basic research in areas closely related to and supportive of these programs. It is expected that multiple projects may result with each targeted to a particular technology or application area.

Address Initial Proposals to Code 6902, e-mail <mailto:mas@cbmse.nrl.navy.mil> , telephone (202) 404-6015. Allow one month before requesting confirmation of receipt of Initial Proposal, if confirmation is desired. Substantive contact should not take place prior to evaluation of an Initial Proposal by NRL. If necessary, NRL will initiate substantive contact.

Title: NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarships (CSEMS)

Date Posted: October 14, 2003

Program Solicitation Number: NSF 04-506     Replaces Document NSF 03-501

CFDA Number: 47.076--- Education and Human Resources

URL: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/nsf04506/nsf04506.htm

Letter of Intent Due Date (optional): December 03, 2003

Full Proposal Deadline (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): January 28, 2004

Synopsis of Program: This program supports scholarships for academically talented, financially needy students, enabling them to enter the high technology workforce following completion of an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate level degree in computer science, computer technology, engineering, engineering technology, or mathematics. Academic institutions apply for awards to support scholarship activities, and are responsible for selecting scholarship recipients, reporting demographic information about student scholars, and managing the CSEMS project at the institution. 

Organization Limit: Institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 (a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965) in the United States and its territories that grant associate, baccalaureate or graduate degrees in computer science, computer technology, engineering, engineering technology, or mathematics are invited to submit proposals. 

PI Eligibility Limit: The Principal Investigator must be a faculty member currently teaching within one of the CSEMS disciplines who can provide the leadership required to ensure the success of the project. Projects involving more than one department within an institution are eligible, but a single Principal Investigator must accept overall management responsibility. Other members of the CSEMS project management team may be listed as Co-Principal Investigators. 

Title: Centers for Learning and Teaching (CLT)

DatePosted: Posted October 03, 2003

Program Solicitation Number: NSF 04-501     Replaces Document NSF 02-522

CFDA Number: 47.076--- Education and Human Resources

URL: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/nsf04501/nsf04501.htm

Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required): December 02, 2003 (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time), November 10th, annually, thereafter.

Full Proposal Deadline(s)(due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): February 20, 2004 and February 20th, annually, thereafter.

Synopsis of Program: The Centers for Learning and Teaching (CLT) program focuses on the advanced preparation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators, as well as the establishment of meaningful partnerships among education stakeholders, especially Ph.D.-granting institutions, school systems, and informal education performers.  Its goals are to renew and diversify the cadre of leaders in STEM education; to increase the number of K-16 educators capable of delivering high-quality STEM instruction and assessment; and to conduct research into STEM education issues of national import (e.g., the nature of learning, teaching strategies, and reform policies and outcomes).