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October 15 , 2007

Did You Know . . .
About the New IHOP Policy for GLP Studies? UTMB’s Institutional Handbook of Policies and Procedures now includes a policy requiring pre-approval of studies that will require compliance with the 21 CFR Part 58 Good Laboratory Practice Regulations. MORE.....

This Issue:

Dave Konkel's Research Coordinator's Corner - August 2007

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Contributing Editor: L. Crumpler
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In the Calendar of Events section:
 Final Oral Examinations - Dissertation Defenses;
in this, and future issues.



Research Coordinator's Corner,
Dr. David Konkel, PhD.

October 2007

NIH again operating under a continuing resolution – As was also the policy last year, non-competing grant awards should be made as scheduled, but generally at only 80% of the funding level for the previous year shown on the most recent Notice of Grant Award. Though the announcement's language may sound ominous ("NIH will consider upward adjustments to these levels after the final appropriation is enacted, but expects institutions to monitor their expenditures carefully during this period"), they used the same or similar language in discussing continuing resolutions for the last two years, and the bulk of the withheld funds were eventually restored (typically with a 2.7% year-over-year cut). However, the situation this time remains murky – as aptly summarized in a recent e-mail from the FASEB/ASCB Joint Steering Committee for Public Policy, "For the NIH, the Senate bill provides $29.9 billion, $250 million more than the House-passed L-HHS bill and $1.2 billion more than the President’s FY08 request. President Bush has threatened to veto the L-HHS bill because the House and Senate bills are $12 billion and $10 billion, respectively, more than the President proposed in his FY08 budget."

 

NSF's "Transformative" emphasis parallels NIH focus on "innovation" – as discussed in detail in an excellent article in the October 1st issue of the Yellow Sheet, the National Science Foundation has revamped its "Intellectual Merit" review criterion to emphasize the importance of "transformative research." The new addition to these criteria, "To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts?" is clearly very close to the NIH review criterion for Innovation: "Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches or methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?" All NSF applications received after January 5, 2008 will be reviewed against this newly revised criterion; it has already been incorporated into the Proposal Guide. Though the Proposal Guide site has a link to the previous version, it certainly wouldn't hurt the funding chances of those submitting before January to describe their project's transformative potential!

  

Another name change for the NIH's SRAs – Apparently the NIH is concerned that their titles mean they "don't get no respect." More than 15 years after their title was changed from "Executive Secretary" to "Scientific Review Administrator," their titles are changing again – this time to "Scientific Review Officer," or SRO. For details, see the latest issue of Peer Review Notes. Rumor has it that some Institutes' Program Officers are becoming concerned that they will now have to stand at Study Section meetings.

 

Pilots underway for shortened, really shortened, and extremely shortened NIH applications – As also discussed in the latest issue of Peer Review Notes, "CSR is working with a number of NIH Institutes to pilot shorter grant applications. About seven pilots are being pursued which would assess applications that limit the research plan to 7, 10 or 15 pages. A single questionnaire will be used to assess the different pilots." While there's a little more information on the CSR Initiatives web page, my concern is the statement that "CSR is developing a questionnaire to gather feedback from reviewers and staff." I'd think that all stakeholders (notably applicants to the pilots) would be asked for their suggestions and criticisms, not just the reviewers and staff! In particular, I'd think applicants should be asked whether the reviewers seemed to give adequate consideration to the lower page limits when criticizing the proposal for not adequately discussing or detailing some aspect of the review criteria. As I've indicated before, I'm particularly apprehensive about whether reviewers will appropriately lower their expectations for the amount of preliminary data and experimental detail provided, and discussion of alternative strategies in case there are problems with the primary research plan.

The importance of "Significance" for getting funded by NIH – About a month ago, the Office of Research Education sponsored an outstanding panel discussion on this important topic, featuring four experienced sitting members of NIH Study Sections – Drs. T. Ashizawa, Bill Calhoun, Kathryn Cunningham, and Dave Gorenstein. Since all the slides are available online, as is a video file of roughly half of the set-piece presentations and most of the Q&A session that followed, here I will only briefly summarize a couple of major points and strongly recommend that those who missed the original presentation watch the video and scrutinize the slides, as much can be gleaned to help you write a better (or at least more fundable) grant application.


The basic theme of the discussion was that in trying to differentiate closely bunched, outstanding proposals that would certainly all have been funded when the paylines were over 15%, reviewers are increasingly looking at a project's potential medical relevance as the key discriminating factor in deciding what to fund. To paraphrase Dr. Ashizawa, "These days it's not enough to have direct relevance to a disease – it had better be an important one, not an orphan!" Or, to paraphrase Dr Calhoun, "the important thing is the scientific context of the work – NOT just the scientific quality of the work." To paraphrase Dr. Ashizawa once again, "research on rare disorders requires convincing justification of its significance, though reviewers remain sensitive about the need for research on rare diseases. Reviewers question not only a project's scientific impact, but also its translational relevance and impact on human health." For my part, I'm concerned about the long-term effect if this major emphasis on applied research continues for too long. While I agree with Dr. Zerhouni's statement that "a grant proposal which isn't significant is not outstanding," it's also true that most recent public health advances were grounded in basic research that initially addressed important questions without a specific end in mind, or in some cases made important contributions in another area while pretty much failing to achieve their original goal. The best example of such serendipity is the ironic outcome of Richard Nixon's War on Cancer, which was based on the then-prevailing assumption that cancer was primarily caused by one or more viruses. While that notion turned out to be wrong, without the many mammalian virology studies funded by the War on Cancer, it would have taken much longer to develop effective treatments when the AIDS epidemic reared its ugly head. Though in the pre-Zerhouni era NIH may have placed a bit too much emphasis on basic research, I fear that the pendulum has now swung too far in the other direction, and that once we've applied what we now know, biomedical progress will be stalled for want of the necessary conceptual breakthroughs.

 

That's it for this month – Happy Halloween!

   -- Dave Konkel x24074; E-mail: dkonkel@utmb.edu (copyright 2007)

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GRANTWATCH

UTMB Research Services announces notification of funding for the following:
(For a complete list of awards published in the Yellow Sheet see: http://research.utmb.edu/funding/grantwatch.shtm.)
  • Altenberg, Guillermo. Internal Medicine. Student Trainee: Sung Chang Lee: Mutant Cochlear Connexins Associated With Deafness. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicable Diseases R21 Subcontract. $35,072.00/1yr.
  • Baillargeon, Jacques G. Preventive Medicine & Community Health. Psychiatric Barriers to Outpatient Care in Released HIV-Infected Offenders. National Institute on Drug Abuse R03. $163,542.00/2yrs.
  • Braun, Werner. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Bioinformatics Tools for Prediction of Food Allergencicty. Food and Drug Administration. $75,000.00/1yr.
  • Cardenas Jr., Victor J. Internal Medicine. A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase-2b Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy Effects of ART-123 on Subjects with Sepsis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. Artisan Pharma.
  • Cornforth, Michael. Radiation Oncology. NRA/Ground-Based Studies in Space Radiation. NASA-Johnson Space Center. $974,595.00/3yrs.
  • Davey, Robert A. Microbiology & Immunology. Approach to Controlling HSV Latency Without Causing Destruction of Neurons. Gillson-Longenbaugh Foundation. $95,000.00/1yr.
  • Erlinger, Thomas P. Clinical Research Development.Inflammation, Kidney Disease Progression and Incident Cardiovascular Disease. National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases R01. $408,366.00/2yrs.
  • Fernandez-Funez, Pedro. Neurology. New Genetic Suppressors of Amyloid-Beta Neurotoxicity. Alzheimer's Association. $100,000.00/2yrs.
  • Goharkhay, Nima. Ob-Gyn. Fetal Programming of Atherosclerosis: Cross-fostering and Vascular Studies. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development R03. $151,000.00/2yrs.
  • Goodwin, James S. Internal Medicine. UTMB Geriatric Education Centers. Bureau of Health Professions D31. $647,268.00/3yrs.
  • Herndon, David N. Surgery. Patient Burn Injury Rehabilitation Model System. Department of Education. $1,812,500.00/5yrs.
  • Hilser, Vincent J. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Houston Area Molecular Biophysics Program. Baylor College of Medicine/National Institute of General Medical Sciences T32 Subcontract. $26,327.00/1yr.
  • Holbrook, Michael R. Pathology. Small Molecule Inhibitors of Nipah and Hendra Virus Infection. University of California/National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Subcontract U01. $244,347.00/1yr.
  • Mason, Peter W. Pathology. Dendritic Cell Targeting Enhances Flavivirus Vaccine Efficacy. National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases R21. $425,611.00/2yrs.
  • McBride, Jere W. Pathology. Ehrlichia Glycoprotien Modulation of Macrophage Gene Expression. National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases R21. $415,250.00/2yrs.
  • Motamedi, Massoud. Center for Biomedical Engineering. High-Resolution Optical Imaging Assessment of Microbicide Toxicity. National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases R21. $405,250.00/1yr.
  • Navarro, Javier V. Neuroscience & Cell Biology. Structural Biology of G Protein-Coupled Receptors. National Institute of General Medical Sciences R01. $572,148.00/3yrs.
  • Niesel, David W. Microbiology & Immunology. Bridging Masters Students to the Ph.D. National Institute of General Medical Sciences R25. $1,026,130.00/5yrs.
  • Okorodudu, Anthony O. Pathology. Validation of the CENTAUR SHBG Assay Using the ADVIA Centaur System. Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics. $10,000.00/2yrs.
  • Ottenbacher, Kenneth John. Rehabilitation Sciences. Rehabilitation Research Career Development Program. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development K12. $4,975,438.00/5yrs.
  • Paessler, Slobodan. Pathology. In Vivo Studies of Influenza Antivirals. Influmedix Incorporated.
  • Peterson, Johnny W. Microbiology & Immunology. Novel Therapy for Pulmonary Anthrax. Planet Biotechnology Incorporated.
  • Pikuleva, Irina A. Pharmacology. Significance of CYP46A1 and Other P450s in Retinal Function. National Eye Institute R01. $1,208,000.00/4yrs.
  • Shattuck, Karen E. Pediatric Administration. The Effect of Early Increased Dietary Protein in Low Birth Weight Premature Infants. Baylor College of Medicine. $72,318.00/5yrs.
  • Smith, Eric M. Psychiatry. Corticotropin Releasing Factor: Impact on Inflammation. National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases R21. $415,250.00/2yrs.
  • Sutton, Roger B. Neuroscience & Cell Biology. Houston Area Molecular Biophysics Program. Baylor College of Medicine/National Institute of General Medical Sciences T32 Subcontract. $26,327.00/1yr.
  • Tseng, Chien-Te K. Microbiology & Immunology. Inflammatory Response and SARS Pathogenesis: An in vitro Model. National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases R21. $415,250.00/2yrs.
  • Weinman, Steven A. Neuroscience & Cell Biology. Mechanisms of Liver Injury by Hepatitis C and Alchohol. Cardax Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Xie, Jingwu. Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology. Molecular Basis of Hedgehog Signaling in Carcinogenesis. National Cancer Institute R01. $1,338,450.00/5yrs.
  • Zhou, Binhua P. Sealy Center of Cancer Cell Biology. Regulation of Snail in Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis. National Cancer Institute R01. $1,434,500.00/5yrs.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

IRB UPDATE Increase in Number of Copies Required for Full Board Submissions and New Form Posted

Due to an increase in IRB Board members, the IRB is now requiring 30 copies (in addition to the original copy) of protocols requiring full board review. We apologize for the increase.

Also, we have posted a new IRB form on the IRB website entitled "Translator's Declaration." This form will be required with all translated versions of documents (i.e., consent/permission/assent forms, recruitment and study materials for non-English speaking subjects) submitted to the IRB. Download the new form at http://research.utmb.edu/irb/forms.shtm. Look for it under "Additional Forms."

If you have any questions, please contact the IRB office at x69475.

Thank you,
IRB Office

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Seventh McLaughlin Symposium in Infection and Immunity: The Microcirculation in Acute Viral and Bacterial Infections

November 15-17

Hotel Galvez, Galveston, Texas

 

Get your posters ready!

 

The symposium will emphasize highly active areas of research, including cell trafficking, angiogenesis, coagulation, permeability regulation, vascular tone, oxidative stress, endothelial activation, antigen presentation, inflammation, animal models of infectious diseases, and pathogenesis of infections that affect the microcirculation.

 

We are accepting Abstract submissions (deadline extended to October 19). The theme of the abstract DOES NOT need to overlap the areas of microcirculation and infection and immunity; it may be limited to either one as long as there is a potential connection. Awards will be presented to the best posters.

 

The Seventh McLaughlin Symposium will be a great opportunity to foster interactions among scientists whose research is focused on various aspects of microcirculation or vascular permeability and scientists whose research is focused on the pathogenesis of acute viral and bacterial diseases known to significantly affect the microcirculation or vascular permeability. A specific objective of the symposium is to identify the technical challenges to cutting-edge research on acute infectious diseases that target or otherwise significantly affect the microcirculation or microvasculature.

 

We expect that many collaborations and new scientific projects will emerge from the symposium.

 

Seating is limited; please register early. See the symposium web site for more information: http://www.utmb.edu/circulation-infection/.

Dr. Gustavo Valbuena
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NIH Funding Under Continuing Resolution - October 5, 2007

The National Institutes of Health published a notice detailing how non-competing grants will be treated under the current continuing resolution. Congress has yet to clear any of the fiscal year 2008 appropriation bills and agencies have been working under a continuing resolution (CR) since the start of the fiscal year on October 1. The current continuing resolution is set to expire on November 16th. As it did in FY 2006 and 2007, NIH announced it will fund most non-competing awards at 80 percent of previously committed levels while it operates under the CR. When NIH receives its appropriation for fiscal year 2008, these awards will be adjusted.

Inquiries:
Questions regarding adjustments applied to individual grant awards may be directed to the Grants Management Specialist identified on the Notice of Award.

NIH Guide Notice: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-001.html

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NIH UPDATE: Division Of Bioengineering And Physical Science Transferred To The National Institute Of Biomedical Imaging And Bioengineering

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) last week announced the integration of the Division of Bioengineering and Physical Science (DBEPS), formerly part of the NIH Office of Research Services, into the NIBIB Intramural Research Program. The expertise of the DBEPS staff supports the mission of the NIBIB to integrate bioengineering with the life and physical sciences, and spans cutting-edge technologies operating at scales ranging from near-atomic resolution to intact organisms.

 

The Laboratory of Bioengineering and Physical Science specializes in the development and application of new technologies, based on engineering, mathematics, and the physical sciences, for the solution of problems in biology and medicine. The 26 staff members formerly associated with DBEPS have been transferred to NIBIB, along with equipment and over 14,000 square feet of laboratory space. The current laboratory structure will be maintained, and staff will perform their same functions.

 

Consultations and collaborative research with other NIH intramural scientists will continue to be the main focus of this group's work. Research areas currently include new approaches to determine three-dimensional cellular structure, measuring interactions between macromolecules, modeling drug delivery, and performing nanoscale diagnostics.

 

"Incorporation of DBEPS into NIBIB will also provide an ideal setting for the new trans-NIH initiative in "Imaging Molecules to Cells", which we will be helping to lead," said NIBIB Scientific Director Richard D. Leapman, Ph.D.

 

MORE:

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NIH Launches Extensive Open-Access Dataset Of Genetic And Clinical Data Landmark Framingham Heart Study Forms Foundation

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is launching an extensive collections of genetic and clinical data, called SHARe (SNP Health Association Resource). The Web-based dataset enables qualified researchers to access a wealth of data from large population-based studies, starting with the landmark Framingham Heart Study.

 

The Framingham Heart Study is a prospective, community-based, family study that began in 1948 among residents of Framingham, Mass. Framingham SHARe, includes data on more than 9,300 participants spanning three generations, including over 900 families, who had their DNA tested for 550,000 genetic variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs). In addition, the participants' clinical data gathered during the study, such as test results or weight, are included. SHARe will enable researchers to relate study participants' genetic variations with their clinical and laboratory test results.

 

SHARe is accessed through dbGaP, or the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes, a Web-based resource for archiving and distributing data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

 

Researchers interested in applying for access to individual-level Framingham SHARe data should follow the directions at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/gap/cgi-bin/study.cgi?id=phs000007.

 

CONTACT: NHLBI Communications Office, 301-496-4236, email: nhlbi_news@nhlbi.nih.gov; NLM Communications Office, 301-496-6308, email: publicinfo@nlm.nih.gov .

 

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IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION To Users of BD CellQuest Pro Software v4.0.2, 5.0.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.2.1

BD Biosciences (Becton-Dickinson), the manufacturer of this product, has noted a defect in its software when using the Undo function. The problem should be addressed in the next version. This defect is found in BD CellQuest Pro software v4.0.2 with the OS 9 operating system, and versions 5.0.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.1, 5.2, and 5.2.1 with the OS X operating systems. If you are using these versions of the software, you are notified to contact the company, BD Biosciences, Customer Support Center at 877-232-8995 for further information.

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HRSA Revises Title VII Guidance to Include Research Fellowships

HRSA revised its FY 2008 Program Guidance for Title VII Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry grants this week to include competition for Primary Care Clinician Research Fellowships for faculty development. The original guidance had discontinued competition for the research fellowships.

Information: Tannaz Rasouli, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.

More: http://www.aamc.org/advocacy/library/washhigh/2007/100507/start.htm#7

From: Washington_Headlines October 5, 2007

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NASA Extends National Space Biomedical Research Institute

NASA Oct. 1 announced that it was extending for another 5 years its cooperative agreement with the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI), a 12-member consortium of medical schools and other research organizations led by Baylor College of Medicine. The space agency reported that the extension, valued at $120 million, will continue biomedical research in support of long-term human presence in space.

Information: Stephen Heinig, AMC Division for Biomedical and Health Sciences Research, 202-828-0488.

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From: Washington_Headlines: October 5, 2007

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

EDITOR'S NOTE: Descriptions of local and invited Funding Opportunities in the Yellow Sheet are available
24-hours a day. Simply click on the fund code number. LOI = Letter of Intent DD = Application Deadline date(s)

**********See this week's NIH Guide Opportunities at: *******
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/WeeklyIndex.cfm?WeekEnding=10-12-2007
SPECIALNOTICE: Some RFA's are ROADMAP INITIATIVES, special funding initiatives developed by the National Institutes of Health in 2003 which chart a “roadmap” for medical research in the 21st century. If a new RFA is issued under a ROADMAP initiative it will have the designator (RM). All NIH Institutes and Centers participate in ROADMAP INITIATIVES. For more information about the NIH ROADMAP, and a list of all current ROADMAP RFA's, go to the website: http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/.


Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Announces Two New Grant Competitions

CLINICAL SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Internal Deadline to DOM: October 24, 2007

This program is specifically intended to help physician-scientists make the critical transition from training to independence as clinical investigators. DDCF will award at least 15 grants in this funding cycle. Awardees will receive a total of $135,000 per year for three years: $125,000 per year for direct costs plus 8% ($10,000) for indirect costs.

 Applicants must:

If you are interested in applying for this award, please submit the following information to the Office of the Associate Deans for Research, Veronica Herndon’s attention, via email (in PDF format) at: veherndo@utmb.edu or Route 0130, by Wednesday, October 24 (the external deadline is November 14, 2007): a letter of nomination from your Department Chair or Director, your curriculum vitae, and a summary of the proposed research.

 

Full details and instructions are available at: www.ddcf.org/mrp-csda

 

Application Deadlines:

 

Internal Deadline to DOM: October 24, 2007

Nominations Due:    November 14, 2007

Proposals Due:    January 8, 2008

Award Start Date:    August 1, 2008

 

---------------------------------------------

 

DISTINGUISHED CLINICAL SCIENTIST AWARD

Internal Deadline: November 28, 2007

 

The purpose of the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist Award Program is to recognize and support outstanding mid-career physician-scientists who are engaged in applying biomedical advances to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disease. The award provides funds to conduct translational clinical research as well as support and mentor junior clinical researchers working in the awardee's laboratory. In 2008, up to five awards of $1.5 million to be used over 5 years will be granted to physician-scientists conducting translational clinical research in any disease area. 

Nominees must:

If you are interested in applying for this award, please submit the following information to the Office of the Associate Deans for Research, Veronica Herndon’s attention, via email (in PDF format) at: veherndo@utmb.edu or Route 0130, by Wednesday, November 28 (the external deadline is December 19, 2007): a letter of nomination from your Department Chair or Director, your curriculum vitae, and a summary of the proposed research and proposed plans to mentor young clinical investigators.

 

Full details and instructions are available at:

www.ddcf.org/mrp-dcsa

 

Application Deadlines:

 

Internal Deadline: November 28, 2007

Nominations Due: December 19, 2007

Proposals Due:    January 23, 2008

Award Start Date:   January 1, 2009

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CDC RFA: Improving Health and Educational Outcomes of Young People

CDC-RFA-DP08-801

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Letter of Intent: 10/23/07 Application: 11/21/07.

$ AVAILABLE: $32,025,000 for up to 85 awards.

ELIGIBILITY: State education agencies; state health agencies; local education agencies -- Dallas Independent School District (Dallas, TX), Fort Worth Independent School District (Fort Worth, TX), and Houston Independent School District (Houston, TX metropolitan area); and tribal governments -- federally recognized or state recognized American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments, American Indian/Alaska Native tribal designated organizations, urban Indian health organizations, and tribal government epidemiology centers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this program announcement is to improve the health and well-being of young people and prepare them to be healthy adults.

CFDA: 93.938

CONTACT: Elizabeth Haller, (770) 488-6203, fax: (770) 488-6163, e-mail: ehaller@cdc.gov.

For more information see: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/DP08-801.htm.

From CDC Web site, accessed 10/4/07icon
Subject(s) children's health, adolescent health, health promotion/wellness

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Competition Opens for Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships

Deadlines

Predoctoral Diversity Fellowships Deadline: November 15, 2007

Dissertation Fellowships for Minorities Deadline: November 29, 2007

Postdoctoral Fellowships Deadline: November 29, 2007

 

Administered by the National Research Council (http://www.nationalacademies.org/nrc/), the Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships seek to increase the diversity of U.S. college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

 

To facilitate these goals, NRC awards fellowships at the pre-doctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral levels to students who demonstrate excellence, a commitment to diversity and a desire to enter the professoriate.

 

The program makes the following annual awards: approximately sixty pre-doctoral awards of $20,000 per year for up to three years (Deadline: November 15, 2007); approximately thirty-five dissertation awards of $21,000 for one year (Deadline: November 29, 2007); and approximately twenty postdoctoral awards of $40,000 each for one year (Deadline: November 29, 2007).

 

All citizens or nationals of the United States regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation are eligible to apply. Applicants should have evidence of superior academic achievement; be committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level; be enrolled in or planning to enroll in an eligible research-based program leading to a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree at a U.S. educational institution; and have not earned a doctoral degree at any time, in any field.

 

For complete program information and application procedures, visit the Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships Home Page.

 

MORE: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10009139/national

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NIH Announces RFA for Chronic Pain Syndromes, Including CFS

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced a new, innovative funding announcement aimed at understanding the relationship between chronic pain syndromes—focusing on interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Multi-disciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network will be funded for a total of $7.5 million per year for each of five years. This will include several Discovery Sites to be funded at $1,000,000 per year each, as well as a separately funded shared Data Coordinating Center and a separately funded shared Tissue Analysis and Technology Center.

Studies conducted by the MAPP Network will be carried out by basic, translational and clinical investigators who possess diverse but complementary expertise. Substantive collaboration among all investigators will be required. Experienced investigators, investigators new to the field and investigators with a broad range of expertise who may contribute substantially to the goals of this program are strongly encouraged to apply.

This Request for Applications (RFA) is a joint announcement of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH). Information about MAPP was presented at the September 17, 2007 Grantsmanship Workshop on CFS and was formally released by NIH on September 19, 2007. The complete RFA can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-07-003.html.

There will be an in-person information session at the NIH on November 5th, 2007.  Letters of intent are due on December 17, 2007. The receipt date for complete applications is January 9, 2008.  E-mail inquiries should be sent to either Chris Mullins (MullinsC@mail.nih.gov) or Lee Nyberg (NybergL@mail.nih.gov). 

For more information, see http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/100310.asp.

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The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) is pleased to announce the 2008 AFAR Grant Programs. AFAR will offer nine grant programs in 2008, providing funding opportunities for medical students, postdoctoral fellows, junior faculty, and mid-career faculty.

This includes the new Ellison Medical Foundation/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellows In Aging Research Program. Up to fifteen one-year fellowships ranging from $44,850 to $58,850 will be available for postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) who conduct research in the fundamental mechanisms of aging.

For more information go to http://afar.org/grants.html or contact the Grant Divas at grants@afar.org.

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The Medical Foundation: Research Programs in Eating Disorders, Brain Tumors, and Lymphatic Diseases

The Medical Foundation's (TMF)Research Grants Division administers nine programs for clients who support innovative research in the biomedical sciences, clinical investigation, community health and aging policy. The following programs have issued Requests for Applications. For more information on the award programs administered by the TMF, go to http://www.tmfnet.org/grantmake.html.

Klarman Family Foundation Grants Program in Eating Disorders Research
Program Officer: Gay Lockwood 617-279-2240 ext. 702

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Klarman Family Foundation Grants Program in Eating Disorders Research. The Program’s goal is to expand the number of outstanding scientists whose research explores the basic biology of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and/or binge eating disorder. The long term goal is to accelerate progress in developing effective treatments for these disorders. Examples of funding areas include but are not limited to molecular genetic analysis of relevant neural circuit assembly and function; animal models created by genetically altering neural circuits; testing of new chemical entities that might be used in animal models as exploratory treatments; and brain imaging approaches that identify neurochemical pathways in patients with these disorders. Clinical psychotherapeutic studies, medication trials and research in the medical complications of eating disorders are currently outside the scope of this Program.

Two-year grants of $400,000 ($200,000 per year inclusive of 10% indirect costs) will be awarded to investigators with a faculty appointment at a U.S. not-for-profit institution. Eligibility is not limited to those investigators currently working in eating disorders research.

The submission deadline for the LOI is January 10, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Funding begins on June 1, 2008.

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Goldhirsh Foundation
Brain Tumor Research Awards Program
Program Officer: Linda Lam 617-279-2254

The Goldhirsh Foundation provides strategic investment in brain tumor research to accelerate progress toward more effective treatment for malignant diffuse glioma tumors. The Foundation supports investigators working in the continuum between basic research and clinical application, integrating and translating knowledge in various disciplines into meaningful progress for patients. Examples of funding areas include but are not limited to oncogenomics and proteomics, genetically engineered models, the discovery and testing of small molecule therapies, unusual drug delivery systems, or improved brain imaging techniques. Research projects at the interface of developmental biology and cancer along the stem cell to glial axis are eligible.

Three-year grants of $600,000 (inclusive of 10% indirect costs) and one-year grants of $100,000 (inclusive of 10% indirect costs) are awarded to investigators with a faculty appointment at a not-for-profit academic or research institution in the United States or Canada.

The next application deadline is January 16, 2008 for awards beginning on July 1, 2008.

Application Guidelines and instruction for online submission are now available at http://www.goldhirshfoundation.org/ .

The Lymphatic Research Foundation Additional Support for NIH-funded F32 Postdoctoral Fellows Awards Program

The Lymphatic Research Foundation (LRF) is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and supporting basic and translational research and to fostering an interdisciplinary field of research that will result in improved understanding and/or advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lymphatic diseases, lymphedema and related disorders. LRF is offering additional support to help foster the careers of outstanding NIH-funded F32 Postdoctoral Fellows who are currently working in the field of lymphatic research.

The LRF Additional Support for NIH-funded F32 Postdoctoral Fellows Awards Program is open to NIH-funded F32 postdoctoral scientists in not-for-profit academic, medical or research institutions in the United States whose research may advance the field of lymphatic research.

Two-year awards in the amount of $20,000 ($10,000 per year) are made by the Program. Applicants must have F32 funding on or before July 1, 2008 and be working under the supervision of an established investigator who is the designated Mentor.

The next application deadline is Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST) for awards beginning on July 1, 2008.

Please print, read, and save all documents before beginning the Online Application Process.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 NIEHS Center / Environmental Health Sciences Seminar. The Association of NEIL2 Polymorphisms with Gene Expression and Chromosome Aberrations. Speaker(s): Carla Kinslow, M.S., Graduate Assistant, Department of Neuroscience & Cell biology, UTMB. 3.324 Levin Hall Classroom. (Info: 25610) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Pathology Grand Rounds. "CGH Microarrays in Clinical Diagnosis Advantages and Disadvantages".
Speaker(s): Gopalrao V. Velagaleti, Ph.D., Co-Director, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Division of Laboratory Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Shriners Burns Hospital, 7th Floor Auditorium. (Info: 23197) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Neuroscience & Cell Biology Seminar. "How do Neurons do their Math? Regulation of Sensory Neuron Populations by Multiple TGF-beta Superfamily Members". Speaker(s): Julie (Hsiao-Huei) Wu, Ph.D., Research Instructor, Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN. Basic Science Auditorium, Rm. 2.212, BSB. (Info: 25442) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
5:15 PM-6:15 PM
 General Clinical Research Center / Clinical Research Education Office. Course Session. Registration always open; may register in advance or on-site. Clinical Research: Tools and Techniques - AN OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH ETHICS. Speaker(s): Harold Y. Vanderpool, PhD. Children's Hospital, 2.312. (Info: 409.772.1484) Faculty, fellows, residents, research coordinators/administrators and members of research teams welcome. More information: http://intranet.utmb.edu/gcrc/education/Ed_EthicsModule.htm.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Comprehensive Cancer Center Research in Progress Distinguished Guest Lecture Series. "ARHI (DIRAS3), an Imprinted Tumor Suppressor Gene that Induces Autophagy and Tumor Dormancy in Ovarian Cancer".
Speaker(s): Robert C. Bast, Jr., M.D., Vice President of Translational Research; Professor in Department of Experimental Therapeutics; Harry Carothers Wiess Distinguished University Chair for Cancer Research - M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Clinical Science Auditorium, Rm. 362. (Info: ext. 71935) 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
1:30 PM-3:30 PM
 Research Education Workshop. IACUC Animal Handling and Techniques Training: Basic Mouse Handling and Restraint. Speaker(s): Lori E. Weaver, Training Specialist II, Animal Resource Center-UTMB Galveston. Building 18 (Enter the offices on first floor).  (Info: ext 69474) Please RSVP at https://my.utmb.edu/PStraining/. For schedule of all research education and training activities, visit the Research Education web site at https://research.utmb.edu/ore/activity.shtm.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
 Research Education Workshop. Navigating the IRB and Investigator Responsibilities - Session #1: Overview of the UTMB Institutional Review Board. Speaker(s): Wayne Patterson, Senior Asst. Vice President for Research, Research Services. Rebecca Sealy East 4.302/304. (Info: ext 69474) Please bring your lunch and join us. Please RSVP at https://my.utmb.edu/PStraining/.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Pharmacology and Toxicology Seminar. "Biochemical and Crystallographic Studies of Cytochrome P450 46A1, the Principal Cholesterol Hydroxylase in the Brain" . Speaker(s): Irina Pikuleva, Ph.D., Associate Professor, U.T.M.B., Galveston, TX. 1.200 Pharmacology Conference Room. (Info: 409-772-9645) Located in the Pharmacology Building.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
12:30 PM-1:30 PM
 Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Dissertation Defense. The Final Oral Examination of Lena Louise Rippstein: If Walls Could Talk; The Lived Experience of Witnessing Verbal Abuse Toward Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities. Supervisory Committee: Diane Heliker, Ph.D., RN, Professor, Doctoral Nursing Graduate Program, UTMB; Michele Carter, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Medical Humanities Graduate Program, UTMB; Carmel Dyer, M.D., Professor, The University of Texas School of Medicine, Houston, TX.; Linda Rounds, Ph.D., RN, F.N.P., Professor, UTMB; Darlene Martin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Doctoral Nursing Graduate Program, UTMB. SAHS/SON 1.202.  (Info: ext 22665) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Neuroscience & Cell Biology Seminar. Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity. Speaker(s): Shao-Jun Tang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA. Basic Science Aud., Rm. 2.212, BSB. (Info: x22751) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Pathology Grand Rounds. "Recent Advances in Understanding Myotonic Dystrophies". Speaker(s): Tetsuo Ashizawa, M.D., John Sealy Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch. Shriners Burns Hospital, 7th Floor Auditorium. (Info: 23197) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 NIEHS Center Environmental Health Sciences Seminar. Consequences of Polymorphisms in the DNA Repair Gene MGMT. Speaker(s): Courtney Hill, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UTMB. 3.324 Levin Hall Classroom. (Info: 25610) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22
5:15 PM-6:15 PM
 General Clinical Research Center / Clinical Research Education Office. Course Session. Registration always open; may register in advance or on-site. Clinical Research: Tools and Techniques - MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL. Speaker(s): Wayne Patterson, PhD. Children's Hospital, 2.312. (Info: 409.772.1484) Faculty, fellows, residents, research coordinators/administrators and members of research teams welcome. More information: http://intranet.utmb.edu/gcrc/education/Ed_EthicsModule.htm.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Aerospace Medicine Residency Grand Rounds. "Acceleration Tolerance: What Helps and What Hurts". Speaker(s): Ulf Balldin, M.D., Ph.D., Dr.h.c., FAsMA Senior Scientist, Aerospace Medicine, Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Life Sciences Systems and Services and USAF, Brooks City Base, Texas. (USRA) 3600 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX. (Info: ext 76131) Simulcast to UTMB in the Televideo Conferencing Room, 5.521 Levin Hall. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Aerospace Medicine Residency Symposium. Patty H. Robertson Aerobatic and Aviation Medicine. Speaker(s): Ulf Balldin, Sen. Scientist, Wyle Laboratories, Brooks City Base, Texas; Bill G. Gregory, Former Astronaut, Gilbert, AZ; Allen Silver, Silver Parachute, Hayward, CA; Nicholas Webster, FAA, Oklahoma City, OK; Jack Morrision, FAA, Universities Space Research Assoc, Houston, TX. (USRA) 3600 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX. (Info: ext 76131) This activity has been approved for 1 Wings Credit, FAA.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Comprehensive Cancer Center Research in Progress Seminar Series. "Role of CCL2 chemokine signaling In mammary carcinoma progression enhanced by Tgfbr2 deficient fibroblasts" . Speaker(s): Nikki Cheng, Ph.D., Faculty Candidate, Research Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN. SON/SAHS, 1.102.  (Info: ext. 71935) 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24
1:00 PM-2:00 PM
 Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Dissertation Defense. The Final Oral Examination of Nikolaos Vasilakis. Sylvatic Dengue: Evolution, Emergence, And Impact On Human Health . Supervisory Committee: Scott Weaver, Ph.D., Prof, UTMB; Stanley Watowich, Ph.D., Associate Prof, UTMB; Kathryn Hanley, Ph.D., Assistant Prof, Las Cruces, NM; Peter Mason, PH.D., Prof, UTMB; D. Mark Estes, Ph.D., Prof, UTMB; Robert Tesh, M.D., Prof, UTMB. Levin Hall North Auditorium.  (Info: ext 22665) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Pathology Grand Rounds. "Newborn Screening". Speaker(s): Reuben Matalon, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, Department of Pediatrics. Shriners Burns Hospital, 7th Floor Auditorium. (Info: 23197) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 NIEHS Center Environmental Health Sciences Seminar. Ah Receptor Regulated Mechanisms in Hepatocyte Cell Cycle Control. Speaker(s): Cornelis Elferink, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX. 3.324 Levin Hall Classroom. (Info: 25610) 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
5:15 PM-6:15 PM
 General Clinical Research Center / Clinical Research Education Office. Course Session. Registration always open; may register in advance or on-site. Clinical Research: Tools and Techniques - MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL. Speaker(s): Wayne Patterson, PhD. Children's Hospital, 2.312. (Info: 409.772.1484) Faculty, fellows, residents, research coordinators/administrators and members of research teams welcome. More information: http://intranet.utmb.edu/gcrc/education/Ed_EthicsModule.htm.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Comprehensive Cancer Center Research in Progress Seminar Series. “Telomere Interactome and Telomere End Protection”. Speaker(s): Zhou(Sunny)Songyang, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Depts of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. SON/SAHS 1.102.  (Info: ext. 71935) 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
 Research Education Workshop. Navigating the IRB and Investigator Responsibilities - Session #2: Getting Started - Initial Submissions and Ongoing Research Review. Speaker(s): April Vanderslice, Manager, Research Subject Protections Jessica Robertson, Coordinator, Research Subject Protections Sandy Windham, Coordinator, Research Subject Protections. Rebecca Sealy East 4.302/304. (Info: ext 69474) Please bring your lunch and join us. Please RSVP at https://my.utmb.edu/PStraining/.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1
9:30 AM-11:30 AM
 Research Education Workshop. IACUC Animal Handling and Techniques Training: Basic Mouse Handling and Restraint. Speaker(s): Lori E. Weaver, Training Specialist II, Animal Resource Center-UTMB Galveston. Building 18 (Enter the offices on first floor).  (Info: ext 69474) Please RSVP at https://my.utmb.edu/PStraining/. For schedule of all research education and training activities, visit the Research Education web site at https://research.utmb.edu/ore/activity.shtm.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 NIEHS Center Environmental Health Sciences Seminar. Lipopolysachharide: Old Wine in New Bottle.
Speaker(s): Tushar Varma, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX. Levin Hall Classroom 3.324. (Info: 25610) 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Comprehensive Cancer Center Research in Progress Distinguished Guest Lecture Series. "Cell-Cell Adhesion and Development of Epithelial Cell Polarity". Speaker(s): W. James Nelson, Ph.D., Professor in Department of Biological Sciences, The James H. Clark Center, The Bio-X Program, Stanford Cancer Center, Stanford, CA. Levin Hall North. (Info: 71935) 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
 Research Education Workshop. GRANTS-FOR-LUNCH: Tales from the Funding Trail - Using Grants.gov, SPIN & GENIUS/SMARTS” . Speaker(s): Linda Crumpler, Librarian, Research Services Development Office. Rebecca Sealy 4.302/4.304 (use East elevators).  (Info: 69474) Please bring your lunch and join us. Please RSVP at https://my.utmb.edu/PStraining/.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8
9:30 AM-11:30 AM
 Research Education Workshop. IACUC Animal Handling and Techniques Training: Basic Rat Handling and Restraint. Speaker(s): Lori E. Weaver, Training Specialist II, Animal Resource Center-UTMB Galveston. Building 18 (Enter the offices on first floor).  (Info: ext 69474) Please RSVP at https://my.utmb.edu/PStraining/. For schedule of all research education and training activities, visit the Research Education web site at https://research.utmb.edu/ore/activity.shtm.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
 Research Education Workshop. Clinical Coordinator Monthly Meeting: UTMB’s Clinical Research Enterprise: Resources to Maximize Success. Speaker(s): Research Services Staff. Rebecca Sealy East, Room 4.302.  (Info: 69474) Please RSVP at https://my.utmb.edu/PStraining/. For a schedule of all research education and training activities, visit the Research Education web site at https://research.utmb.edu/ore/activity.shtm.

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