February 2004 | VOL. 2 | www.McGowan.pitt.edu

In June of 2001, The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded a grant in the amount of $180,000 to the University of Pittsburgh-McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development (a predecessor to the McGowan Institute). The Pittsburgh Foundation's funding supported the initiation of early stage research in the area of biohybrid organ development: a myocardial patch, a biohybrid lung, and a tissue engineered blood vessel. At the time the proposal for this work was submitted, the McGowan Center was seeking to move from a focus exclusively on artificial organs to technologies that supplemented or replaced organ function through the utilization of cellular components. The primary focus in the McGowan Center, at that time, was cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. The grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation allowed McGowan to develop the expertise and acquire the necessary tools to begin experimentation toward tissue-engineered solutions for cardiac, vascular and pulmonary organ failure.

The preliminary project was highly successful, securing expanded and extensive funding through the peer-review process of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for our new work in this area. Dr. William Wagner, Principal Investigator on the Pittsburgh Foundation grant was subsequently awarded $4.9 million from the National Institutes of Health for expansion of the program. This NIH funding was a direct result of the preliminary data developed on the grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation. This funding not only provided the critical “kick-start” to a program that has now achieved large-scale federal funding and international recognition, but also has helped place the McGowan Institute as a world-recognized leader not only in artificial organs, but in the broader field of regenerative medicine.

This is only one great example of the impact that local philanthropy creates in our community, our region and toward improving the future of healthcare. Many other stories have come before and many will follow, and we are fortunate to have philanthropic visionaries who support early stage research and engender greater opportunities for progress.

 

The Institute's Annual Scientific Retreat was held February 23-24, 2004. Over 160 faculty, students, staff and guests attended the Retreat. The program committee was under the leadership of Dr. Cliff Brubaker. The principal speakers were Dr. Tony Atala-Director, Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering Institute, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center who spoke on “T issue Engineering, Stem Cells and Cloning: Applications for Regenerative Medicine”; Dr. Bill Heetderks-Associate Director for Scientific Programs – NIBIB-NIH who sahred his insights on “NIBIB Program and Opportunities for Collaboration and Transfer of New Technologies to Clinical Practice”.

The evening speaker was Dr. Doros Platika-Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG) who shared defined the opportunities for collaboration between the scientific community and the PLSG.

The Institute also welcomed Dr. Michael Weinrich-Director, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research. His vision of the need for, and the opportunities for rehabilitation in conjunction with the advancements in regenerative medicine research were insightful.

A series of 18 specialist sessions has resulted in a firm foundation to update the Institute's strategic plans. Synopsis of these sessions will be distributed to the participants in the near future. The support of the corporate sponsors, A-Cell and Cook Myosite is sincerely appreciated.

 

A new academic exchange agreement, the first in North America for prestigious French National Institute has been implemented. The French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine recently signed an international collaborative research agreement that is the first of its kind for the French institute and an academic medical center in North America. Similar agreements are pending between INSERM, an organization analogous to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and institutions in Canada and Boston.

The international agreement marks a substantive and promising research initiative aimed at sharing technologies and scientific strategies and establishing new models for scientific excellence in France, the United States and the international community. [More]

 

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health has awarded a team from Children's Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh a $14.5 million grant to develop novel approaches that seek to improve the outcomes of pediatric heart transplant recipients. The five-year grant establishes the University of Pittsburgh as a Specialized Center of Clinically Oriented Research in Pediatric Heart Development and Disease. Such a center encourages basic science research findings to be applied more rapidly to address specific clinical problems.

The NHLBI grant funds three projects that will assess different aspects of immunosuppression in pediatric heart recipients. The center grant brings together experts in pediatric cardiology and transplant medicine, transplant surgery, immunology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, molecular genetics and biostatistics from the School of Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, Starzl Transplantation Institute and Children's Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. [More]

 

Through the newly created Severe Emphysema Surgery Program, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has become the only institution in the Pittsburgh region to be certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to receive Medicare reimbursement for lung volume reduction surgery as a treatment for emphysema. UPMC is one of only 44 centers nationwide to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement for this procedure. The certification began Jan. 1.

LVRS, also known as reduction pneumoplasty, lung shaving, or lung contouring, is an invasive surgical procedure to reduce the volume of a hyperinflated lung in order to allow the underlying compressed lung to expand and establish improved respiratory function.

"LVRS provides us with another option in addition to medications and lung transplantation with which to help patients with shortness of breath related to emphysema. With our experience and strengths in lung surgery and lung transplantation, I believe that the University of Pittsburgh is particularly well suited to determine who will benefit from which therapy thus helping individual patients live a better life," said Kenneth R. McCurry, M.D., director of Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation, co-director LVRS, and assistant professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. [More]

 

Representatives from nearly 100 health organizations, government offices, cancer research centers and community organizations across the state have partnered to develop a five-year plan to reduce the burden of cancer throughout Pennsylvania. The plan, developed by the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Consortium (PAC3) and headed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is the first-ever comprehensive plan for cancer control in the state and will be delivered to state lawmakers in Harrisburg today.

“With this comprehensive action plan in place and so many cancer experts across the state working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians,” said Ronald B. Herberman, M.D., PAC3 co-chair and director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. “By effectively harnessing the extensive expertise of Pennsylvania's nationally renowned cancer centers through close collaborations, we can, not only improve the health of Pennsylvanians, but also contribute to the state's economic vitality by increasing success in partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.” [More]

 

Treating pancreatic islet cells with a growth factor can dramatically reduce the number of these cells needed for transplants to reverse Type 1 diabetes, according to a study by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers. In the animal model study, researchers also found that the triple-drug immunosuppression therapy currently used after human islet cell transplants is harmful to transplanted rat pancreatic islets and can actually induce diabetes in rats.

“This study suggests that the current immunosuppression regimen might be further optimized or changed and has potential implications for further improving islet transplant outcomes in humans with Type 1 diabetes,” said senior author Andrew Stewart, M.D., chief of the division of endocrinology and metabolism and professor of medicine at the School of Medicine. [More]

 

Thomas Jefferson High School hosted the 2004 ATN Fitness Challenge kick off on Tuesday, February 10 th. The Challenge, a state-wide health and fitness initiative, is designed to enable students in 7th through 12th grades to design and implement a personal fitness and nutrition plan. Developed by ATN Integrated Media and presented by UPMC Sports Medicine, the program will award scholarships to three finalists who most successfully meet the challenge. “Teaching young adults about physical fitness and how to take care of their bodies for life are important messages for today's youth,” said Freddie Fu, M.D., UPMC's sports medicine pioneer who is professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The ATN Fitness Challenge combines curriculum-based, health and physical education programming with a state of the art computer delivery system installed in school districts. The interactive instructional video is produced by ATN Integrated Media and headlined by premiere presenters in their fields, including representatives from the NFL and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a national leader in sports performance and sports medicine. [More]

 

SHRS professor earns highest award from National Speech- Language-Hearing Association: Malcolm R. McNeil Ph.D., professor and chair of the department of communication science and disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences was honored by the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association for distinguished contributions to student research and clinical mentoring in speech-language pathology and audiology. Dr. McNeil received the Honors of NSSLHA, the highest award bestowed by the association.

Dr. McNeil was recognized for his longstanding history of advocacy for students in communication sciences and disorders. Specifically the NSSLHA recognized his dedication to maintaining clinical opportunities for students on campus; support of the University of Pittsburgh's NSSLHA chapter; and encouragement of students to pursue research as part of their careers.

Dr. McNeil studies neurologic communication disorders including aphasia, cognitive-linguistic impairments and sensorimotor speech disorders.

 

Questions : Contact Jo-Anne Drabik at drabikj@upmc.edu or 412-235-5124.

 

Title: AGA/Miles and Shirley Fiterman Foundation Basic Research Awards

Deadline: January 27, 2004 (See website for other grants and deadlines.)

Amount: $35,000

URL: http://www.fdhn.org/html/awards/elect_app.html

Amount Note: Two awards are available for $35,000 each for one year. Funds may be used to supplement an ongoing project and are intended to support direct, research-related activities. Indirect costs are not allowed.

Support for salary is acceptable if this permits protected research time; however, the award may not be used to supplement salary. Salary support is appropriate only for the recipient or non-faculty laboratory personnel. There is no limit to the recipient's total research support. However, the applicant must clearly state how this award will foster activities beyond those already funded.

Eligibility: An applicant must hold a full-time faculty position at a North American (U.S. or Canadian) university or professional institute and must hold an M.D. or Ph.D., or an equivalent degree. Applicants must be individual members of the AGA.

Additionally, applicants must be at or below the level of assistant professor, and initial appointment to the faculty position must have been within seven years of the time of application. This award is not intended for fellows, but rather for junior faculty who have demonstrated unusual promise, have some record of accomplishment in research, and have established an independent research program at the time of the award.

Applicants for this award may not simultaneously apply for the Research Scholar Award or the Elsevier Research Initiative Award.

Abstract: These awards will provide research or salary support for junior faculty members involved in basic research in gastrointestinal or liver diseases. The objective is to support investigators who have demonstrated a high potential to develop an independent, productive research career.

Candidates must devote at least 70 percent of their effort to research related to the gastrointestinal tract or the liver.

Contact:

Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-222-4005
Fax: 301-222-4010
Email: info@fdhn.org

 

Title: Interdisciplinary Program in Bioethics

Deadline: February 01, 2004 and August 02, 2004

URL: http://www.greenwall.org/exguide.html

Deadline Note: Applicants are encouraged to contact foundation staff regarding their proposals well in advance of the application deadlines.

Proposals must be received at the foundation's office by 5:00 P.M. on the deadline date.

Amount Note: The award amount is unspecified. The foundation has not normally provided indirect costs for grants through its program in bioethics.

Eligibility: Organizations are eligible that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The foundation provides funding for physicians, lawyers, philosophers, economists, theologians, and other professionals.

Abstract: Through its Interdisciplinary Program in Bioethics, the foundation provides funding for physicians, lawyers, philosophers, economists, theologians, and other professionals to address micro and macro issues in bioethics, providing guidance for those engaged in decision making at the bedside as well as those responsible for shaping insitutional and public policy.

The foundation is especially interested in supporting pilot projects and the work of junior investigators, and it is prepared to address issues regarded by some as sensitive or potentially controversial.

Contact:

Greenwall Foundation
Two Park Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-679-7266
Fax: 212-679-7269
Email: admin@greenwall.org

 

Title: Grants-in-Aid

Deadline: January 15, 2004, April 15, 2004 and October 01, 2004

Deadline Note: Letter of intent deadlines are January 15, April 15, and October 1.

Upper Amount: $30,000

Amount Note: Grants-in-Aid are awarded for a one-year period and do not exceed $30,000.

URL: http://www.whitehall.org/grants/

Eligibility: The foundation emphasizes the support of young scientists at the beginning of their careers and productive senior scientists who wish to move into new fields of interest. Consideration is given, however, to applicants of all ages.

The principal investigator must hold no less than the position of assistant professor, or the equivalent, in order to make application.

The foundation does not award funds to investigators who have substantial existing or potential support. The foundation currently defines "substantial" as approximately $200,000 per year (including both direct and indirect expense but excluding the Principal Investigators salary).

Abstract: The Whitehall Foundation, through its program of grants and grants-in-aid, assists scholarly research in the life sciences. It is the foundation's policy to assist those dynamic areas of basic biological research that are not heavily supported by federal agencies or other foundations with specialized missions. In order to respond to the changing environment, the Whitehall Foundation periodically reassesses the need for financial support by the various fields of biological research.

The foundation is currently interested in basic research in neurobiology, defined as follows: Invertebrate and vertebrate (excluding clinical) neurobiology, specifically investigations of neural mechanisms involved in sensory, motor, and other complex functions of the whole organism as these relate to behavior. The overall goal should be to better understand behavioral output or brain mechanisms of behavior.

The Grants-in-Aid program is designed for researchers at the assistant professor level who experience difficulty in competing for research funds because they have not yet become firmly established. Grants-in-Aid will also be made to senior scientists. All applications will be judged on the scientific merit and innovative aspects of the proposal, as well as on past performance and evidence of the applicant's continued productivity.

Contact:

Program Director
Whitehall Foundation, Inc.
Post Office Box 3423
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Phone: 561-655-4474
Fax: 561-659-4978
Email: email@whitehall.org

 

Title: Research Awards

Deadline: January 15, 2004 and July 15, 2004

Deadline Note: Deadlines are January 15 for July 1 funding and July 15 for January 1 funding.

Amount: $20,000

Upper Amount: $300,000

Amount Note: Applications for up to three years of support for amounts from $20,000 to $100,000 per year will be considered. Up to $20,000 of the funds may be used to support the principal investigator's salary and fringe benefits.

URL: http://www.diabetes.org/professional/research/opportunities.jsp

Abstract: Research Awards provide grant support to new and established investigators. Investigators who have not previously worked in the field of diabetes and who have an imaginative proposal related to any aspect of diabetes research are encouraged to apply for this award.

Contact:

Maricela Arias-Cantu, Manager of Research Programs
American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 703-549-1500, ext. 2362
Email: macantu@diabetes.org

 

Title: Graduate Fellowships for Study in Belgium

Deadline: January 31, 2004

Amount: $17,000

Amount Note: The BAEF will award up to eight fellowships each carrying a stipend of $17,000 for one year. If the fellow chooses to remain less than the full 12 months, the stipend will be prorated accordingly. The fellowship period must be at least six months. The foundation will cover health insurance for the fellow.

URL: http://www.baef.be/content/fellow_us_to_bel.html

Eligibility: Preference is given to applicants under the age of 30 with a reading and speaking knowledge of Dutch, French, or German. The candidate is required to have a masters or equivalent degree, or be working towards a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

Abstract: The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) encourages applications for fellowships for advanced study or research at a Belgian university or institution of higher learning.

Contact:

Professor Boulpaep, President
Belgian American Educational Foundation, Inc.
195 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: 203-777-5765
Fax: 203-785-4951
Email: emile.boulpaep@yale.edu

 

Title: Visiting Professorship in Cardiovascular Medicine

Deadline: January 16, 2004

Amount: $7,500

Amount Note: Funding is intended to cover the professor's honorarium, travel expenses, and other direct expenses incurred by the medical center in conducting the program activities. Amounts allotted for each item are at the discretion of the host institution.

Eligibility: The competition is open to all U.S. medical schools and affiliated teaching hospitals with departments or divisions engaged in the study of hypertension, adult or pediatric cardiology, preventive cardiology, or other therapeutic areas involving cardiovascular medicine. Institutions with new, emerging programs are encouraged to apply.

Abstract: The objective of the Pfizer Visiting Professorship Program is to offer the host institution the opportunity for interaction with a distinguished visitor uniquely suited to enhance the research and teaching programs of the department or division. It enables U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals to select and invite prominent scholar-scientists for three days of teaching and professional exchange with the faculty, students, research fellows, and physicians involved in cardiovascular medicine at the medical center. During the visit, the visiting professor may give lectures and participate in rounds, seminars, and conferences.

URL: http://www.promisingminds.com/visiting_professorships/cardiovascular.asp

Contact:

Pfizer MAP Program Coordinator
Psymark Communications
33 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Phone: 800-201-1214

 

Title: Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-00-003

Deadline: February 01, 2004, June 01, 2004 and October 01, 2004

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-003.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases including diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition in health and nutrition-related disorders.

The purpose of the Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) is to support the development of outstanding clinician research scientists. This mechanism provides specialized study for individuals with a health professional doctoral degree committed to a career in laboratory or field-based research. Candidates must have the potential to develop into independent investigators. The K08 supports a three-, four-, or five-year period of supervised research experience that may integrate didactic studies with laboratory or clinically based research. The proposed research must have intrinsic research importance as well as serve as a suitable vehicle for learning the methodology, theories, and conceptualizations necessary for a well-trained independent researcher.

Awards in response to this program announcement will use the K08 mechanism.

Contact:

James F. Hyde, Ph.D.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 603
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Phone: 301-594-7692
Fax: 301-435-6047
Email: jh486z@nih.gov

 

Title: Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) – NHLBI

Deadline: February 1, 2004, June 1, 2004 and October 1, 2004

Amount Note: The NIH will provide salary and fringe benefits for the career award recipient. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff appointment. The institution may supplement the NIH salary contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale; however, supplementation may not be from federal funds unless specifically authorized by the federal program from which such funds are derived. The amount of research development support is not uniform across the NIH and is determined independently by each awarding component of the NIH. These funds may be used for the following expenses: tuition, fees, and books related to career development; research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, and technical personnel; travel to research meetings or training; and statistical and computational services including personnel and computer time.

PA Number: PA-00-003

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-003.html

Abstract: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has identified specific areas of special interest to pursue in the following fields: biology of adhesion molecules, developmental genes, emerging infections, gene transfer and therapy, immunomodulation of tissue transplantation, impact of stress on disease, biology of hematopoiesis, neuromuscular interactions, and tissue injury. The main areas of research that concern NHLBI are sponsored by its Heart and Vascular Diseases Program, Lung Diseases Program, Blood Diseases and Resources Program, Epidemiology and Clinical Applications Program, and National Center on Sleep Disorders Research.
The purpose of the Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) is to support the development of outstanding clinician research scientists. This mechanism provides specialized study for individuals with a health professional doctoral degree committed to a career in laboratory or field-based research. Candidates must have the potential to develop into independent investigators. The K08 supports a three-, four-, or five-year period of supervised research experience that may integrate didactic studies with laboratory or clinically based research. The proposed research must have intrinsic research importance as well as serve as a suitable vehicle for learning the methodology, theories, and conceptualizations necessary for a well-trained independent researcher.

Supplemental information can be found at the following site:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HL-00-002.html .
Awards in response to this program announcement will use the K08 mechanism.

Contact:

Lorraine Silsbee
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 8158
Bethesda, MD 20892-7934
Phone: 301-435-0707
Fax: 301-480-1667
Email: silsbeel@nih.gov

 

Title: Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) – NIAMS

PA Number: PA-00-019

Deadline: June 1, 2003, October 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-019.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has primary responsibility for research on the numerous rheumatic diseases, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and diseases of muscle, bone and skin. The main branches composing NIAMS are Arthritis, Muscle Biology, and Skin Diseases. Some key areas of interest include: rheumatic diseases; bone diseases (osteoporosis, Paget's disease); skin diseases; autoimmune diseases (lupus); connective tissue diseases; musculoskeletal diseases and disorders; muscle diseases (muscular dystrophy); exercise physiology and musculoskeletal fitness; sports injuries; and occupational diseases.

The Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) provides support for an intensive, supervised career development experience in one of the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences leading to research independence. Candidates for this award normally must have a research or health-professional doctorate and postdoctoral research experience at the time of application. In addition, the candidate must be able to demonstrate the need for a three-, four-, or five-year period of additional supervised research as well as the capacity or the potential for highly productive independent research. The proposed career development experience must be in a research area new to the applicant or one in which an additional supervised research experience will substantially add to the research capabilities of the applicant. The candidate must provide a plan for achieving independent research support by the end of the award period.

Awards in response to this program announcement (PA) will use the K01 mechanism.

Contact:

Richard Lymn, Ph.D., Research Training Officer
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Building 45, Room 5AS-49E
45 Center Drive, MSC 6500
Bethesda, MD 20892-6500
Phone: 301-594-5128
Fax: 301-480-4543
Email: richard_w_lymn@nih.gov

 

Title: Research in Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering

Deadline Note: Continuous. This BAA is in effect until December 31, 2004

Amount: $100,000

Upper Amount: $2,000,000

Amount Note: The typical range of funding for contracts under NRL BAAs is $100,000 to $2,000,000. However, circumstances arise in which awards are made for amounts outside of this general range. Funds may not be currently available for topics under this BAA. No contract award will be made for a topic until appropriated funds are available from which payment for contract purposes can be made.

BAA Number: NRL-WIDE BAA 69-03-01

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

Abstract: The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is interested in receiving proposals for long-range projects that offer potential for advancement and improvement of naval operations. The Center for Bio-Molecular Science and Engineering (Code 6900) of the 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 the following:

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
3. Genetic 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 and 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
9. Selective patterning of biological materials (proteins, cells, nucleic acids) on solid substrates
10. Methods for the preservation of blood substitutes and blood cellular components in the dry state; efficacy studies of the preserved material to include in-vitro and in-vivo testing
11. New materials and methods that will accelerate the healing rate of soft or hard tissue injury and demonstration of biocompatibility and efficacy should be demonstrated in both in-vitro and in-vivo models
12. Development of novel lithographic, patterning, 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, and assessment of their properties for potential applications in the areas of real time holography, ferroelectric phenomena, high resolution display, pryoelectric sensors, and piezoelectric material, 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

Contact:

Michelle Nicholl, Deputy for Small Business
Naval Research Laboratory
4555 Overlook Avenue, SW
Code 3204
Washington, DC 20375-5326
Phone: 202-767-6263
Fax: 202-767-0494
Email: nicholl@contracts.nrl.navy.mil

 

Title: Signal Transduction and Cellular Regulation

Deadline: January 12, 2004 and July 12, 2004

URL: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/mcb/mcbcell.htm

Abstract: The Cluster for Cellular Systems supports research on the structure, function, and regulation of plant, animal, and microbial cells and their interactions with the environment and one another. Areas supported include studies of the structure, function, and assembly of cellular elements, such as the cytoskeleton, membranes, organelles, intracellular compartments, intranuclear structures, and extracellular matrix, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell walls and envelopes. In addition, support is provided for the study of intracellular and transmembrane signal transduction mechanisms and functions, and cell-cell signaling processes, including those that occur in biofilms. Research on cellular recognition and self defense mechanisms is included. Research utilizing both traditional and innovative methodologies, multidisciplinary approaches, technique development, computation and modeling, and approaches that exploit genomic information is encouraged. Multidisciplinary approaches to the study of cellular systems, including research carried out at the interfaces of biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics and computer science, and engineering, are also encouraged.

This cluster includes the scientific themes of cellular organization and signal transduction and cellular regulation.

Contact:

Elizabeth E. Hood, Program Director
National Science Foundation
Directorate for Biological Sciences
Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 655 S
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: 703-292-8442
Fax: 703-292-9061
Email: ehood@nsf.gov

 

Title: Biomedical Research and Training

Deadline Note: Continuous. The sponsor does not have deadlines governing the submission of proposals. Letters of inquiry are accepted throughout the year and reviewed on a rolling basis. If a proposal is considered appropriate for board review, it will be slated for the next available opening on a board agenda. The board meets quarterly, usually in March, June, September, and December

Amount Note: The award amount is unspecified. Although grant size varies from program to program, the median size in the past year was $200,000. Generally speaking, smaller grants are made in those programs that work more closely with community-based and direct service organizations. Larger grants are made in programs that work with larger organizations such as research, academic, and health institutions.

URL: http://www.pewtrusts.com/grants/grants_item.cfm?image=img3&page=g3&program_area_id=4#biomed

Eligibility: The sponsor makes grants only to organizations that are classified as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as public charities under section 509(a) of that code. The sponsor does not make grants to individuals or to for-profit organizations.

Abstract: The goal of this initiative is to promote continued excellence in biomedical research in the United States and to develop research in Latin America by supporting outstanding, competitively selected biomedical scientists and fostering interdisciplinary biomedical research. This program strives to fill needs in the biomedical research community that are not sufficiently addressed by other funding sources, particularly by the National Institutes of Health.

The objectives are to provide flexible support to outstanding beginning faculty, helping to establish their research careers and providing them with an opportunity to pursue innovative new lines of work and to promote research excellence in Latin American countries by establishing a critical mass of well trained investigators in those countries.

Contact:

Pew Charitable Trusts
2005 Market Street, Suite 1700
Philadelphia Pennsylvania19103-7077
Phone: 215-575-9050
Fax: 215-575-4939
Email: info@pewtrusts.com

 

Title: Research Grants

Deadline Note: Continuous. Proposals are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Eligibility: Organizations that wish to apply for grants must have tax-exempt status.

URL: http://www.nemahealth.org/organization/grants.htm

Abstract: The National Emergency Medicine Association (NEMA) makes grants with an emphasis on cardiac-related clinical and applied research, wellness education programs, and trauma support services. NEMA works with other nonprofit organizations through its special programs, National Heart Council, and National Stroke Council. Numerous grants have provided essential funding to physicians, health clinics, trauma centers, and hospital heart centers, like St. Agnes' Hospital Coronary Care Unit in Catonsville, Maryland. NEMA programs also support other areas of trauma prevention and emergency medical services for individuals of all ages living in every area of the United States.

Contact:

Howard H. Farrington, President and CEO
National Emergency Medicine Association
306 West Joppa Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Email: info@nemahealth.org

 

Title: Pilot Research Grant Program

Deadline: May 1, 2004 and November 1, 2004

Deadline Note: Anticipated deadline. The record will be updated when new program information becomes available.

Upper Amount: $25,000

Amount Note: Budget expenses can be used for materials and supplies, equipment, service function charges, and publication costs. Travel expenses, faculty salaries, consulting expenses, and institutional indirect costs are not funded.

URL: http://www.cirref.org/grant/grant.htm#Pilot Research Grant Program

Eligibility: Applicant principal investigators must hold M.D.s, Ph.D.s, or equivalent degrees and have full-time faculty appointments or be enrolled or accepted into fellowship programs at educational institutions in the United States and Canada. Applications from non-SCVIR members will be considered. Such grants are required to have significant input and involvement by an SCVIR member.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States or Canada or have permanent resident status as recognized in the country in which they reside. Permanent residents should submit documentation of this status. Grant recipients will not be eligible for concurrent support through other CIRREF research grant programs.

Abstract: The purpose of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Research and Education Foundation (CIRREF) research grant program is to fund research in areas identified as important to the advancement of cardiovascular and interventional radiology and patient care. Awards will be made for pilot or seed grant type projects. These studies address a specific hypotheses or generate preliminary data that could be used to justify or strengthen subsequent comprehensive applications to federal funding agencies. Grants may be used to support the initial research efforts of faculty and those who have limited research experience. Grants may also be used to test new ideas or to help support new areas or directions of research.

Contact:

Director of Research
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
Research and Education Foundation (CIRREF)
10201 Lee Highway, Suite 500
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-691-1805
800-488-7284
Fax: 703-691-1855
Email: info@cirref.org

 

Title: Grants

Deadline Note: Continuous. Each individual request is considered carefully by the board of directors during scheduled meetings throughout the year. Notification of the board's action is mailed shortly after the meeting.

Due to the large number of requests received, a solicitation for a specific organization is reviewed only once during a 12-month period.

URL: http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/company/citizen/foundation/index.shtml

Eligibility: Proposals are considered from civic, research, educational, health, welfare, charitable, and cultural organizations that have been ruled to be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which are not private foundations as defined by the code.

Abstract: The Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation believes that education and the cultural arts are critical building blocks to the quality of life in communities. Established in 1964, the foundation has been an integral creator of and contributor to programs leading to systemic change, engaging many participants and having far-reaching impact. With a particular emphasis on education, TI Foundation has been a leader in early childhood development programs as well as grants in higher education - engineering in particular. The foundation is non-profit and supports civic, educational, research, charitable, health, welfare, and cultural organizations.

Contact: Texas Instruments Foundation
P.O. Box 660199, M/S 8656

Dallas Texas 75266-0199

Phone: 214-480-3221

Fax: 214-480-6820

 

Title: Functional Tissue Engineering of Musculoskeletal Tissues

PA Number: PA-02-014

Deadline: February 1, 2004, June 1, 2004 and October 01, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires on October 5, 2004, unless reissued.

Amount Note: The award amount is unspecified. For R01s, the total requested project period may not exceed five years and applicants should apply for the length of time appropriate for the work proposed, typically three to five years.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-014.html

Abstract: The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to encourage the submission of applications for research to enhance our understanding of functional tissue engineering of musculoskeletal tissues (articular cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone, meniscus, intervertebral disc, and skeletal muscle). Innovative approaches to these scientific areas will be stressed.

The following are examples of research topics that are appropriate for this PA; however, they are not to be considered as all inclusive or limiting:

1. Better understand and define the normal mechanical properties of the musculoskeletal tissues (i.e., the micro-environment) that we are trying to repair or replace
2. Develop new or improved methods for the non-invasive measurement of mechanical function at the cell level or micro-environmental level
3. Better understand the interactions between mechanical force and inflammatory processes with specific reference to musculoskeletal tissue engineered applications
4. Better understand the intrinsic properties of extracellular musculoskeletal matrices (synthesis, characterization, and fabrication; cell responsiveness; adaptation to the environment; and ways to improve marginal, inter-fascial attachments)
5. Better understand how mechanical stress, as well as other physical factors, influence cell activity in musculoskeletal bioartificial matrices and bioreactors
6. Better understand the mechanical events that occur during rehabilitation following musculoskeletal tissue-engineered repair
7. Identify and validate a minimum set of tests (in vitro and in vivo) to functionally validate engineered musculoskeletal tissues
8. Develop and validate constitutive models of scaffold degradation and fatigue for use in musculoskeletal tissue engineering
9. Develop and validate better mathematical (nonlinear, time-dependent) and computational (robust, finite element) models for use in musculoskeletal tissue engineering
10. Better understand mechanical factors and their interaction with construct design parameters in musculoskeletal tissue engineering
11. Develop or validate minimally invasive imaging modalities to assess the progress or success of musculoskeletal tissue-engineered constructs
12. Develop or validate other non-imaging-related, minimally invasive modalities (i.e., biochemical, serologic, ultrasound, etc.) to assess the progress or success of musculoskeletal tissue-engineered constructs

Additional contacts include Louis A. Quatrano, Ph.D., Behavioral Sciences and Rehabilitation Engineering Program, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 2A-03, Bethesda, Maryland, 20852, phone +1 (301) 402-4221, fax +1 (301) 402-0832, lq2n@nih.gov ; and Eleni Kousvelari, D.D.S., D.Sc., Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 45 Center Drive, Room 4AN-18A, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-6500, phone +1 (301) 594-2427, fax +1 (301) 480-8318, kousvelari@de45.nidr.nih.gov .

The research project (R01) grant mechanism will be used to support projects under this PA.

Contact:

James S. Panagis, M.D., M.P.H., Director
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Orthopaedics Program
45 Center Drive, Room 5AS-37K
Bethesda, MD 20892-6500
Phone: 301-594-5055
Fax: 301-480-4543
Email: jp149d@nih.gov

 

Title: Exploratory/Developmental (R21) Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG)

PA Number: PA-03-058

Deadline: February 01, 2004, June 01, 2004 and October 01, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires January 1, 2006, unless reissued.

Upper Amount: $275,000

Amount Note: Under this program announcement, applicants for the EBRG award may request direct costs of up to $275,000 distributed over two years.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-058.html

Abstract: Participating institutes and centers (ICs) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invite applications for Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) to support innovative, high-risk/high-impact bioengineering research in new areas that are lacking preliminary testing or development. This research can explore approaches and concepts new to a particular substantive area; research and development of new technologies, techniques, or methods; or initial research and development of data upon which significant future research may be built.

While this program announcement (PA) is intended to encourage innovation and high-impact research, and while minimal preliminary data are expected to be described in the application, applications should clearly indicate the significance of the proposed work and that the proposed research or development is scientifically sound, that the qualifications of the investigators are appropriate, and that resources available to the investigators are adequate.

Examples of bioengineering research include development of molecular probes for imaging of structure or function; development of new imaging modalities; development of organ culture systems; development of biomaterials or engineered tissues; development or evaluation of prostheses; development of medical implants, biomembranes, or sensors; development of tools for robotic or non-invasive surgery; development of microarrays or other tools for genomics; development of combinatorial or other techniques for high-throughput screening; development of techniques for bioprocessing; research on the biomechanics of tissue injury or repair, and standing or walking; research on the interactions between biomaterials and living systems; research on drug, gene, or cellular therapeutic delivery systems; and research on the interaction of magnetic or other fields with biological systems.

Contacts for this program may be found at http://www.becon.nih.gov/becon_contacts.htm .

This PA will use the NIH R21 award mechanism.

 

Title: Integrative and Collaborative Approaches to Research – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-03-127

Deadline: October 01, 2003, February 01, 2004 and June 01, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement will expire July 5, 2006, unless reissued.

Upper Amount: $1,200,000

Amount Note: The total project period for an R24 award submitted in response to this PA may not exceed four years. A maximum of $300,000 in direct costs per year will be provided.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-127.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The purpose of this initiative is to provide additional support for collaborative and integrative activities to groups of currently funded investigators working on a common problem of fundamental interest to the NIDDK. These activities should significantly enhance the investigators' existing capabilities and introduce new approaches to the research aims of their funded projects. The new support, using the R24 consortium grant mechanism, should allow the participating investigators to attract and coordinate expertise in different disciplines and approaches, and facilitate access to specialized resources and equipment. This mechanism must introduce new collaborative activities that will further the shared research goals of the consortium members' individual funded grants.

This program announcement (PA) will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R24 grant mechanism.
This is a re-announcement of PA-00-099, release date May 23, 2000.

Contact:

Maren R. Laughlin, Ph.D.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 6101, MSC 5460
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Phone: 301-594-8802
Fax: 301-480-3503
Email: laughlinm@extra.niddk.nih.gov

 

Title: Concept Proposals

Deadline Note: Continuous. Concept proposals are accepted throughout the year

URL: http://www.immunetolerance.org/proposals/

Abstract: The Immune Tolerance Network (ITN) accepts applications for novel clinical trials from all interested scientists from academia, industry and government, in the areas of islet transplantation, kidney and liver transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and allergy and asthma.

In addition, the ITN accepts applications for the development of novel tolerance assays, for the purposes of establishing new surrogate markers of immune tolerance and investigating the mechanisms of clinical tolerance.

Contact:

Anita Corman Weinblatt, Ph.D., Director of Scientific Review
Immune Tolerance Network
4800 Montgomery Lane
Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 240-497-0006

 

Title: Alcoholic Hepatitis: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-02-078

Deadline: June 01, 2003, October 01, 2003 and February 01, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires on March 15, 2005, unless reissued.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-078.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The NIDDK seeks grant applications to study the underlying cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which chronic ethanol ingestion leads to the initiation and development of alcoholic hepatitis. Left untreated, this condition could further progress to hepatic cirrhosis, which is a major cause of death in this country. Chronic hepatitis C infection (1.8 percent of the U.S. population) along with the alarming increases in overweight and obesity across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, and both genders (61 percent adults and 13 percent children) are significant causes of liver morbidity. The institutes are also interested in research that elucidates interactions between alcohol and either HCV infection, obesity, or nutritional deficiencies that can potentiate the severity, and accelerate the course of alcoholic hepatitis. Understanding the mechanisms may help to design strategies for the effective prevention and treatment of the disease.

This program announcement (PA) will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant (R01), small grant (R03), and exploratory/developmental grant (R21) award mechanisms.

Contact:

Jose Serrano M.D., Ph.D., Director
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
Liver and Biliary and Pancreas Programs
2 Democracy Plaza, Room 657, MSC 5450
Bethesda, MD 20892-5450
Phone: 301-594-8871
Fax: 301-480-8300
Email: SerranoJ@extra.niddk.nih.gov

 

Title: Novel Approaches to Enhance Animal Stem Cell Research – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-02-147

Deadline: October 1, 2003, February 1, 2004 and June 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires May 31, 2004, unless reissued. Amount Note: Support for R21 grants is limited to two years with a maximum of $100,000 in direct costs requested per year. The award amount for the R01 is unspecified.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-147.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to encourage the submission of applications for research to enhance animal stem cells as model biological systems. Research to isolate, characterize, and identify totipotent and multipotent stem cells from nonhuman biomedical research animal models, as well as to generate reagents and techniques to characterize and separate those stem cells from other cell types is encouraged. Innovative approaches to the problems of making multipotent stem cells available from a variety of nonhuman sources, and to creating reagents that will identify those stem cells across species and allow for separation of multipotent stem cells from differentiated cell types, will be stressed. Studies involving human subjects are not allowed under this PA.

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project (R01) and exploratory/developmental grant (R21) award mechanisms.

This PA supersedes PA-01-076.

David G. Badman, Ph.D.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Hematology Program
2 Democracy Plaza, Room 621
6707 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 5458
Bethesda, MD 20892-5458
Phone: 301-594-7717
Fax: 301-480-3510
Email: db70f@nih.gov

 

Title: Complex Formation in Hormonal Regulation of Gene Expression – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-02-100

Deadline: June 01, 2003, October 01, 2003 and February 01, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires May 1, 2005, unless reissued.

Amount Note: For the R21 there is a limit of two years at $100,000 per year in requested support. The award amount for the R01 is unspecified.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-100.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

This initiative represents a reissue of Coactivators and Corepressors in Gene Expression (PA 99-111). The original program announcement (PA) was based on an NIDDK workshop, "Co-Activators and Co-Repressors in Gene Expression", held December 15 through 16, 1998) and was designed to stimulate research to address the fundamental underlying mechanisms by which nuclear accessory proteins, such as coactivators and corepressors, mediate signaling through hormone receptors at the level of the regulation of gene expression. The reissued PA seeks to exploit and expand upon advances made since then in this, and other related areas, and refine the role of higher order complex formation in effecting hormonal regulation of gene expression.

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 and R21 award mechanisms.

Contact:

Ronald Margolis, Ph.D.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases
2 Democracy, Room 6107
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-594-8819
Fax: 301-435-6047
Email: rm76f@nih.gov

 

Title: Role of Musculoskeletal Microvasculature in Fitness and Disease – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-02-104

Deadline: June 1, 2003, October 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires on July 30, 2005.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-104.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The NIDDK encourages investigator-initiated research grant applications on the role of musculoskeletal microvasculature in fitness and disease. An important area is to characterize changes in skeletal muscle perfusion as a result of disease, injury, or exercise training. Responses to this program announcement (PA) may include studies in appropriate animal models or preclinical or clinical studies.
This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual research project grant (R01) and the program project grant (P01) award mechanisms.

Contact:

Maren R. Laughlin, Ph.D., Director
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Metabolism Program
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 6101, MSC 5460
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Phone: 301-594-8802
Fax: 301-480-3503
Email: Maren.Laughlin@nih.gov

 

Title: Proteomics in Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-03-052

Deadline: February 1, 2004, June 1, 2004 and October 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires after February 1, 2006, unless reissued.

Amount Note: For the R21, there is a limit of two years of support at $100,000 per year. The award amount for the R01 is unspecified.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-052.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

This program announcement (PA) is part of a larger NIDDK proteome initiative and seeks to promote the use of proteomic technologies for studying diabetes and its complications, and other endocrine and metabolic diseases. The development and improvement of innovative proteomic technologies is also encouraged through their application to relevant biological questions related to diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases.

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 and R21 award mechanisms.

Contact:

Salvatore Sechi, Ph.D., Director, Proteomic Program
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 611
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Phone: 301-594-8814
Fax: 301-480-2688
Email: ss24q@nih.gov

 

Title: Mechanisms of Alcoholic Pancreatitis – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-04-005

Deadline: February 1, 2004, June 1, 2004 and October 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This announcement expires on October 15, 2006, unless re-issued.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-005.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The NIDDK is seeking research grant applications that will investigate the underlying molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms by which long-term alcohol ingestion leads to the development of pancreatitis. Research is also encouraged to understand the role of various predisposing factors, including substance abuse, that make the pancreas susceptible to alcoholic injury. Understanding the mechanisms as well as the role of predisposing factors may help in developing strategies for the prevention or treatment of the disease.

This program announcement (PA) will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 and exploratory/developmental research grant (R21) award mechanisms.

Contact:

Jose Serrano, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Liver and Biliary Programs
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
Liver Disease Research Branch
2 Democracy Plaza, Room 657, MSC 5450
Bethesda, MD 20892-5450
Phone: 301-594-8871
Fax: 301-480-8300
Email: js362q@nih.gov

 

Title: Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Development and Disease Research - NIDDK

PA Number: PA-01-095

Deadline: June 1, 2003, October 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires on May 15, 2004, unless reissued.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-01-095.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to solicit applications as part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to increase support of the zebrafish as an animal model for development, organ formation, behavior, aging, and disease research.

The NIH is interested in helping to develop and support tools to improve the ability of model organisms to elucidate the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal biological processes. The zebrafish is one such model that holds tremendous promise to increase our understanding of vertebrate biology. The principle objective of this PA is to continue to promote the zebrafish as an animal model for the study of development, organ formation, behavior, aging, and disease research. Applications for investigator-initiated research projects that will use state-of-the-art methods, and that will develop any necessary new technologies to address well-defined, hypothesis-driven research questions will be appropriate for this PA. The goals of this PA are to encourage new and innovative research and approaches using the zebrafish to identify the genes and elucidate the molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for normal and defective development, organ formation, behavior, aging, and disease.

Each of the participating institutes and centers has specific interests in using the zebrafish as a model system to better understand particular processes, organs, or diseases.

The NIDDK is interested in research on diabetes, particularly studies on pancreatic beta cell function and development, obesity and mechanisms underlying satiety, other endocrine and metabolic diseases, hematologic disorders, and diseases of the digestive system, liver, kidney, and urinary tract.

Studies aiming to clarify the cellular and molecular events that dictate tissue and organ formation in all these systems are considered of relevance. These studies could include, but need not be limited to, studies to develop cell lines from any of the tissues or organs of interest, studies to characterize normal or abnormal function of tissues or organs of interest, methods to screen and identify additional mutations in these systems, and studies to define the molecular mechanisms that dictate cell-specific gene expression in relevant cell types.

This PA will use the NIH individual research project grant (R01) award mechanism.
This PA is a reissuance of PA-98-074, which was published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 5, No. 22 on May 21, 1998.

Contact:

Dr. Sheryl M. Sato
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 6105, MSC 5460
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Phone: 301-594-8811
Fax: 301-402-3503
Email: satos@extra.niddk.nih.gov

 

Title: Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins – NIDDK

PA Number: PA-02-060

Deadline: June 1, 2003, October 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement will expire on March 15, 2005, unless reissued.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-060.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to encourage basic research on the structures of membrane proteins at atomic resolution.

Considerable research is ongoing in the area of membrane protein structure and function, yet relatively few investigators have applied the techniques of x-ray crystallography, electron diffraction, or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study directly the structures of their proteins. During the past decade, approximately 30 membrane protein structures have been solved and each structure has been a major contribution in its area of science. This progress clearly demonstrates that obtaining membrane protein structures is feasible. However, during this same decade the rate of soluble protein structure solution has accelerated greatly and there remains a gap between the understanding of membrane proteins and their soluble protein counterparts.

The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) proposes to accelerate the rate of protein structure solution even more. Some of the PSI centers include efforts to determine membrane protein structures, and the PSI program announcements encourage support of technology development for high-throughput approaches to membrane protein structure determination. Nonetheless, there remains a need for a separate program initiative that focuses primarily on membrane proteins and the development of methods for solving their structures. An increase in the number of known membrane protein structures will contribute to an enhanced understanding of many basic phenomena underlying cellular functions essential to human health.

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 award mechanism.

This PA replaces and updates previous program announcements (PA-99-004 and PA-95-035), which were issued under the same title.

Contact:

Salvatore Sechi, Ph.D., Director
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases
Proteomic Program
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 611
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Phone: 301-594-8814
Fax: 301-480-2688
Email: Salvatore_Sechi@nih.gov

 

Title: Development of Zebrafish Mutagenesis and Screening Tools - NIDDK

PA Number: PA-01-070

Deadline: June 1, 2003, October 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires on March 1, 2004, unless reissued.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-01-070.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to encourage investigator-initiated applications for research designed to exploit the power of mutagenesis screening in zebrafish in order to detect and characterize genes, pathways, and phenotypes of interest in development and aging, organ formation, behavior, and disease processes. Applications that propose to advance the technologies associated with such phenotyping also are welcome.

Objectives to be addressed in applications submitted in response to this PA include, but are not limited to, development or application of novel phenotypic screens for mutants; development or application of novel methods of mutagenesis (e.g., insertional); genetic screens focusing on identifying mutations that affect the structure and function of specific tissue or organ systems; screens focusing on identifying novel developmental genes and pathways, including those mediating sensitivity or resistance to environmental teratogens; screens to analyze the genetic basis of adult phenotypes including behavior, aging, organ disease, cancer, and responses to environmental toxins, alcohol, and drugs; screens to detect altered gene expression patterns, as a tool to identify components of genetic pathways or those altered by environmental agents; and sensitized screens, using strains carrying a known mutation, in order to identify extragenic suppressors or enhancers of that mutation.

The NIDDK is interested in research on diabetes, particularly studies on pancreatic beta cell function and development, obesity and mechanisms underlying satiety, other endocrine and metabolic diseases, hematologic disorders, and diseases of the digestive system, liver, kidney, and urinary tract. Studies aiming to clarify the cellular and molecular events that dictate tissue and organ formation in all these systems are considered of relevance. These studies could include, but need not be limited to, studies to develop cell lines from any of the tissues or organs of interest, studies to characterize normal or abnormal function of tissues or organs of interest, methods to screen and identify additional mutations in these systems, and studies to define the molecular mechanisms that dictate cell-specific gene expression in relevant cell types.

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual research project grant (R01) award mechanism.
This PA is a continuation of the program initiated by request for application (RFA) HD-00-004, "Mutagenesis Screens/Phenotyping Tools for Zebrafish".

Contact:

Dr. Sheryl M. Sato
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
2 Democracy Plaza, Room 6105
6707 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 5460
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Phone: 301-594-8811
Fax: 301-402-3503
Email: satos@extra.niddk.nih.gov

 

Title: NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings – NIDDK

PA Number: PAR-03-176

Deadline: December 15, 2003, April 15, 2004 and August 15, 2004

Deadline Note: The application receipt dates are April 15, August 15, and December 15, annually.

This program announcement expires September 16, 2006, unless reissued.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-176.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research and research training focused on several diseases: diabetes and other inherited errors of metabolism, including cystic fibrosis; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diseases of the liver and gall bladder; endocrine disorders; diseases of the blood and bone; and kidney and urological diseases. The NIDDK also conducts and supports related research in nutrition, health, and nutrition-related disorders.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes the value of supporting high-quality scientific meetings that are relevant to its scientific mission and to the public health. A scientific meeting is defined as a gathering, symposium, seminar, conference, workshop, or any other organized, formal meeting where persons assemble to coordinate, exchange, and disseminate information, or to explore or clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge. Support of such meetings is contingent on the fiscal and programmatic interests and priorities of the individual institutes and centers (ICs).

This program announcement (PA) provides updated guidelines for NIH support of scientific meetings. It replaces the previous guidelines issued in the NIH Guide on October 30, 1998, and is effective with the December 15 receipt date for cycle III applications. An NIH Conference Grant website has been created to centralize information regarding grants for scientific meetings and conferences at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/r13/index.htm . This site includes contact information for the participating NIH institutes and centers and offices and links to detailed information regarding specific interests and funding parameters.

A major revision made in this announcement is the requirement that applications for conference grant support present a letter from the appropriate NIH IC staff documenting advance permission to submit an R13 or U13 application.

This PA will use the NIH conference grant (R13) and conference cooperative agreement (U13) award mechanisms.

Contact:

Dr. Robert Hammond
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-594-8834
Fax: 301-480-4125
Email: Hammondr@extra.niddk.nih.gov

 

Title: Gene-Environment Interactions Influencing Alcohol-related Phenotypes and Diseases - NIAAA

PA Number: PA-03-141

Deadline: October 01, 2003, February 01, 2004 and June 01, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires May, 1, 2006.

Amount Note: Applications using the R21 mechanism may request a project period of up to two years with a combined budget for direct costs of up to $275,000 for the two-year period. For example, the applicant may request $100,000 in the first year and $175,000 in the second year. The request should be tailored to the needs of the project. Normally, no more than $200,000 may be requested in any single year. The award amount for the R01 is unspecified.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-141.html

Abstract: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) supports basic and applied research on the mechanisms of action of alcohol on biobehavioral processes (the effects of alcohol on the mind and body). Support is available for research in the biochemical, physiologic, and behavioral mechanisms leading to pathologic drinking behavior; the clinical, behavioral, and epidemiological studies that will lead to more effective diagnoses, preventions, and treatments of alcoholism; the mediators of tissue injury; the genetics of alcoholism; the benefits or risks of moderate drinking; the children of alcoholics; alcohol-induced organ damage; alcohol metabolism; the relationship between peptide hormones and alcohol intake; neuroscience; preclinical medications development; alcohol-related behavior; special populations; diet and nutrition; family studies and genetic epidemiology; the influence of alcohol use in pregnancy over fetal or infant outcome; economic cost; youth and young adults; alcohol and aging; special populations; unintentional injuries; violence; AIDS; economic and socioeconomic issues; media and advertising issues; community-based studies; reliability and validity assessments; treatment effectiveness; alcohol abuse and nicotine use; pharmacotherapy; and injuries and trauma that are associated with alcoholism.

The NIAAA is seeking research grant applications on the role of gene-environment interactions underlying susceptibility to alcohol-related phenotypes including alcohol dependence, relapse, and withdrawal; alcohol-induced organ damage, including neurodegeneration, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases; pancreatitis; cardiomyopathy; immune disorders; cancers; and alcohol-induced birth defects. This solicitation specifically encourages multidisciplinary approaches to study how environmental conditions, such as chemical, infectious, physical, nutritional, and social behavioral factors, impact genetic predisposition to alcohol-related diseases. Identification and characterization of gene-environment interactions will offer better opportunities to effectively target prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is collaborating on this program announcement (PA) and is seeking research grant applications on interactions between alcohol effects and environmental agents.

Direct questions about genetic animal models and proteomics to Lisa A. Neuhold, Ph.D., program director, Genetics and Proteomics Research Branch, Division of Basic Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 402, MSC 7003, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-7003, phone +1 (301) 594-6228, fax +1 (301) 594-0673, Lneuhold@willco.niaaa.nih.gov .
Direct questions about neuroscience and behavioral studies to Ellen Witt, Ph.D., program director, Neuroscience and Behavior Research Branch, Division of Basic Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Willco Building, Suite 402, 6000 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7003, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-7003, phone +1 (301) 443-6545, fax +1 (301) 594-0673, ewitt@willco.niaaa.nih.gov .
Direct questions regarding epidemiological and statistical studies to Vivian B. Faden, Ph.D., Epidemiology Branch, Division of Biometry and Epidemiology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 402, MSC 7003, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-7003, phone +1 (301) 592-6232, fax +1 (301) 443-8614, vfaden@mail.nih.gov .

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 and exploratory/developmental research grant (R21) award mechanisms.

Contact:

Zhaoxia Ren, M.D., Ph.D., Program Director
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Division of Basic Research
Genetics and Proteomics Research Branch
6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 402, MSC 7003
Bethesda, MD 20892-7003
Phone: 301-443-5733
Fax: 301-594-0673
Email: zren@mail.nih.gov

 

Title: Research Fellowship Award

Deadline: February 13, 2004

Amount: $40,000

Amount Note: Each award is in the amount of $40,000. The funding period is for one year. ISHLT issues up to three Research Fellowship Awards annually.

URL: http://www.ishlt.org/awards/awardResearchApp.asp

Eligibility: The applicant or the applicant's chief of staff or research project director must be a member of the ISHLT in good standing at the time of application and throughout the period of funding.

The applicant must be in a clinical or postdoctoral training program and not yet have attained board certification, accreditation, or faculty level appointment (assistant professor equivalent or above) or salaried senior staff position (or equivalent) during the period of the award.

Abstract: The Research Fellowship Award allows up to three candidates to perform their research projects for one year. The results of funded research must be submitted in one of the following formats within two years of the initial date of funding:

1. As a manuscript to the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation

2. As an abstract for the ISHLT Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions

3. As a report for publication in either the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation or the Society News newsletter

Contact:

International Society For Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT)
14673 Midway Road
Suite 200
Addison, TX 75001
Phone: 972-490-9495
Fax: 972-490-9499
Email: ishlt@ishlt.org

 

Title: Career Development Award

Deadline: February 15, 2004

Deadline Note: Anticipated deadline. The record will be updated when new program information becomes available.

Amount: $40,000

Upper Amount: $80,000

Amount Note: Each award is in the amount of $80,000. The funding period is for two years ($40,000 per year).

URL: http://www.ishlt.org/awards/awardCareerApp.asp

Eligibility: Eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. The applicant must be a member of the ISHLT in good standing at the time of application and throughout the period of funding.

2. The applicant must have completed post-graduate training (post-Ph.D. or, for clinicians, post-board certification, accreditation, or staff appointment), and must have completed such training no more than five years prior to the date of application.

3. The applicant must have an academic appointment at an accredited institution of higher learning.

4. The applicant must not have already received funding for the same period from any other granting agency.

Abstract: The Career Development Award is issued every other year and is available to assist in research during an academic appointment at an accredited institution of higher learning.

Contact:

International Society For Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT)
14673 Midway Road
Suite 200
Addison, TX 75001
Phone: 972-490-9495
Fax: 972-490-9499
Email: ishlt@ishlt.org

 

Title: Animal Models of Organ-Specific Tolerance for Heart and Lung Transplantation - NHLBI

PA Number: PA-02-044

Deadline: February 1, 2004, June 1, 2004 and October 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program will expire on March 1, 2005, unless reissued.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-044.html

Abstract: The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to encourage the submission of applications for the development of organ-specific tolerance protocols using large animal models for heart transplantation, and both large and small animal models for lung transplantation. The long-range goal is to provide animal models that may be used for preclinical studies of immune tolerance induction, specifically in heart or lung studies, and improve the long-term quality of life and survival of recipients of heart and lung transplants.

An additional contact is Dorothy Gail, Ph.D., Program Director, Lung Biology and Diseases Program, Division of Lung Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Rockledge II, Room 10100, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-7952, phone +1 (301) 435-0222, fax +1 (301) 480-3557, GailD@nih.gov .

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant (R01) award mechanism.

Contact:

Judith Massicot-Fisher, Ph.D.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Division of Heart and Vascular Disease
Rockledge II, Room 9184
Bethesda, MD 20892-7940
Phone: 301-435-0528
Fax: 301-480-1454
Email: Massicoj@nih.gov

 

Title: Innovation Grants for Research on Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome – NIDCR

PA Number: PAR-02-097

Deadline: June 1, 2003, October 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004

Deadline Note: This program announcement expires on April 1, 2005, unless reissued.

Upper Amount: $200,000

Amount Note: Up to two years of support and up to $100,000 per annum in direct costs may be requested.

URL: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-02-097.html

Abstract: The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) conducts and fosters research on the causes, diagnoses, and treatments of dental and oral diseases and conditions including bone, muscle, and connective tissues; neurosciences; chronic orofacial pain; temporomandibular disorders; oral aspects of HIV infection and AIDS; systemic diseases and their interactions with oral diseases; development of new biocompatible restorative materials; dental caries; mineralization or remineralization; host response; diagnosis and treatment; fluoride; pulp biology; dental biomaterials; periodontal diseases research; implants, replants, and transplants; craniofacial development; dental facial malrelations; mineralized tissue; oral soft tissues; salivary glands and saliva; health promotion; and disease prevention.

This program announcement (PA) is a new initiative to support research on the mechanistic basis of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). This syndrome has some features typical of normal human aging, and is thus often referred to as a premature aging syndrome. This incurable, terminal syndrome is characterized by short stature, abnormal skeletal and tooth development, scleroderma-like skin changes, and cardiovascular disease. Children usually die of heart attacks or strokes at an average age of 13 years. Very little research has been done on this syndrome because it is extremely rare (about 1 in 10,000,000 births), and there has been limited access to the patient population. Better understanding of the causes of this syndrome could lead to better insights into mechanisms of both development and aging.

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant R21 award mechanism.

Contact:

Dr. Rochelle Small, Director
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Developmental Biology and Mammalian Genetic Program
Building 45, Room 4AN-18D
Bethesda, MD 20892-6402
Phone: 301-594-9898
Fax: 301-480-8318
Email: rochelle.small@nih.gov

 

Title: Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation (CTOT)

RFA Number: RFA-AI-04-003

Deadline: March 15, 2004

Deadline Note: Although not required, prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent by February 16, 2004. Applications are due by March 15, 2004.

Upper Amount: $10,000,000

Amount Note: The participating ICs intend to commit approximately $7.8 million in FY 2004 to fund three to five new grants in response to this RFA. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $2 million per year.

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-04-003.html

Abstract: The Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT) of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), invites applications from consortia of two or more institutions to participate in a clinical studies program of immune-mediated pathologic processes in organ transplantation. The purpose of this program is to support a cooperative, multi-site consortium for interventional or observational clinical studies, accompanied by mechanistic studies, to enhance our understanding of and ultimately reduce the immune-mediated morbidity and mortality of organ transplantation. These studies will be carried out in pediatric and adult candidates for and recipients of organ transplants as multi-center clinical trials that will evaluate new therapeutic regimens to overcome immunologic barriers to graft acceptance or long-term graft and patient survival; evaluate approaches to the treatment or prevention of immune-mediated complications of transplantation; investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of the pathologic processes, agents, or regimens under study; and develop diagnostic tests for or surrogate biomarkers that wil