Research Training Newsletter

Research Training and Career Development Newsletter, February 2020

Are you interested in advancing your career in tobacco regulatory science? Good news! The Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP) has just reissued their mentored K01 and K99 career development award funding opportunity announcements (FOAs). These opportunities have only one receipt date this year – July 8, 2020, so get cracking on those applications (see the Funding Opportunities section below).

Not sure what the TRSP program is? The Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP) is an interagency partnership between the NIH and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products to foster tobacco regulatory research. With the passage of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act), the FDA acquired the authority to regulate the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect public health. The NIH and FDA formed this partnership to establish a comprehensive research agenda in tobacco regulatory science which utilizes the NIH infrastructure to solicit, review, and manage research projects while leveraging the FDA expertise, authority, and resources to support research that can inform the regulation of the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to reduce the public health toll from tobacco product use in the United States. NIDA, as well as the National Cancer Institute (NCI); National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) participate in this program.

IMPORTANT – these funding opportunities were issued as Requests for Applications (RFAs) which means that applicants must ensure that they propose projects that align with the specific research objectives described in the FOAs – applications that are incomplete or not responsive to the scientific interest areas will not be reviewed. If you have any questions about these opportunities, be sure to reach out the agency contacts listed – we are happy to help!

Science Program graphic identifierNIH Office of Disease Prevention

Did You Know?

  • “All About Grants” Podcast on using RePORT Web Tools for grant writing - You probably know the NIH RePORT suite of tools as a useful hub of information where you can find reports, data, and analyses of NIH-funded research and answers to the most commonly asked questions on the NIH budget and extramural research programs, but did you know RePORT can help you develop your grant application? Dr. Brian Haugen and Dr. Cindy Danielson from the NIH Office of Extramural Research describe how to use these tools to figure out who to contact at NIH to discuss your research ideas, learn what NIH has already funded, and other ways to use these tools to strengthen your application (MP3 / Transcript).
  • REMINDER: If you haven’t already, the time is now to register for an ORCID account and link it to your eRA Commons personal profile. ORCID IDs are required for PD/PIs on individual fellowship and career development applications submitted for due dates on or after January 25, 2020. The eRA systems will check the PD/PI eRA Commons IDs on all submitted fellowship and career development applications. If there isn’t a linked ORCID ID, an error will be generated preventing the application from moving forward to NIH for consideration. For more details, see the full Guide Notice (NOT-OD-19-109) or the Open Mike blog on this topic.

Policy and Program Updates

  • The NIH Notice published on February 7, 2020 (NOT-OD-20-070) details the new National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend and tuition/fees levels for fiscal year 2020. Undergraduate, predoctoral, and postdoctoral stipends increased by 2% and postdoctoral institutional allowances increased by $1000.
  • NIH realizes that being able to balance work and family life is important to everyone, including biomedical and behavioral researchers. Through its Family-Friendly Initiatives, NIH helps grantee institutions foster family-friendly environments for the NIH-supported workforce through the publication of two companion Notices of Special Interest (NOSIs):
    • Notice of Special Interest (NOT-OD-20-054) for Administrative Supplements to Promote Research Continuity and Retention of NIH Mentored Career Development (K) Award Recipients and Scholars 
      The goal of this program is to support transition and retention of investigators from mentored career development (K awards) to research independence and to minimize departures from the biomedical research workforce. The administrative supplement provides temporary research support to help sustain the investigator’s research during critical life events. For the purposes of this program, childbirth & primary caregiving responsibilities of young children or ailing relatives are circumstances that would qualify for consideration.  K awardees who are late stage postdoctorates, instructors, early stage tenure-track or non-tenure track faculty are encouraged to apply. 

      The notice provides additional details. Applications in response to this NOSI must be submitted using PA-18-591. Specific NIDA inquiries should be sent to NIDA_Training@nida.nih.gov. See FAQs.
    • Notice of Special Interest (NOT-OD-20-055) for Administrative Supplements for Continuity of Biomedical and Behavioral Research Among First-Time Recipients of NIH Research Project Grant Awards 
      The goal of this program is to enhance the retention of investigators who are transitioning to the first renewal of their first independent research award and to provide additional support during critical life events to maintain/enhance continuity of research, productivity, and competitiveness for first renewal or 2nd independent research award. Examples of critical life events include childbirth, adoption, or primary caregiving responsibilities. This program’s budget allows for flexible use of supplemental funds within the scope of the parent project, including supported effort of additional scientific staff. 

      The notice provides additional details. Applications in response to this NOSI must be submitted using PA-18-591. Specific NIDA inquiries should be sent to NIDA_Training@nida.nih.gov. See FAQs.
  • In Notice (NOT-NS-20-037), NINDS corrects the Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) for RFA-NS-19-043 BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) to January 9, 2020.
  • REMINDER: Applicants should continue to use the application form packages and instructions (FORMS-E), which are posted with NIH FOAs through May 24, 2020, despite the expiration dates noted on each form. For applications with due dates on or after May 25, 2020, NIH is transitioning to using FORMS-F. This involves several changes affecting research training grants, fellowships, and career development award applications.  A detailed list of all changes can be found in NOT-OD-20-033.
  • NIDA recently published a Notice (NOT-DA-20-029 ) announcing its participation in Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PAR-19-343. The MOSAIC program supports postdoctoral scientists from diverse backgrounds conducting research in areas within the mission areas of NIDA and several other participating ICs by providing up to 5 years of support in two phases:
    • The initial (K99) phase provides support for up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research training and career development.
    • The second (R00) phase provides up to 3 years of independent research support, which is contingent on satisfactory progress during the K99 phase and an approved, independent, tenure-track (or equivalent faculty position).

Scholars will be part of organized scientific cohorts and will be expected to participate in mentoring, networking, and professional development activities coordinated by MOSAIC Institutionally-Focused Research Education Award to Promote Diversity (UE5) grantees. The first application due date is February 12, 2020. Visit PAR-19-343 or https://bit.ly/nihmosaic for more information.

NIGMSNIGMS

Funding Opportunities

For a full list of training, fellowship, career development, and research education funding opportunities, including parent announcements, please see the NIH Research Training and Career Development webpage.

Predoctoral Training

  • Jointly Sponsored Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Predoctoral Training Program in the Neurosciences (T32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PAR-20-076
  • Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (F31-Diversity) PA-19-196
  • NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award (F99/K00) RFA-NS-19-011
  • Drug Abuse Dissertation Research (R36) PA-16-443

Postdoctoral Training

  • Notice of NIDA Participation in PAR-19-343, Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)  NOT-DA-20-029
  • BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Required) RFA-19-044
  • BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) RFA-19-043
  • Pathway to Independence Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K99/R00  - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) RFA-OD-20-009
  • Pathway to Independence Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K99/R00  - Independent Clinical Trial  Required) RFA-OD-20-010
  • BRAIN Initiative Fellows: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32) RFA-MH-18-510

Career Development

  • Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) RFA-OD-20-008
  • Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K01 -  Independent Clinical Trial Required) RFA-OD-20-011
  • Notice of NIDA Participation in PAR-20-039, Support of Competitive Research (SCORE) Research Advancement Award (SC1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) NOT-DA-20-025
  • Notice of NIDA Participation in PAR-20-040, Support of Competitive Research (SCORE) Pilot Project Award (SC2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) NOT-DA-20-026
  • Notice of Special Interest: Administrative Supplements for Research on Sex/Gender Influences (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional) https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-049.html
  • Notice of Special Interest for Administrative Supplements for Research on Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional) NOT-OD-20-032.html Applications in response to this NOSI must be submitted using PA-18-591
  • Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) for Administrative and Revision Supplements to Expand Vaping Research and Understand NOT-HL-19-724  Applications in response to this NOSI must be submitted using PA-18-591 or PA-18-935
  • Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) for Administrative Supplements to Support Research on Bioethical Issues NOT-OD-20-038 Applications in response to this NOSI must be submitted using  PA-19-217 or PA-18-591
  • Short-term Mentored Career Enhancement Awards in Mobile and Wireless Health Technology and Data Analytics: Cross-Training at the intersection of Behavioral and Social Sciences and STEM Disciplines (K18 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PAR-18-881
  • Short-term Mentored Career Enhancement Awards in Mobile and Wireless Health Technology and Data Analytics: Cross-Training at the intersection of Behavioral and Social Sciences and STEM Disciplines (K18 Independent Clinical Trial Required) PAR-18-882
  • NIDA Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder Research (K12 Clinical Trial Optional) PAR-18-746

Research Education

  • NIH Blueprint Program for Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences (BP-ENDURE) (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) RFA-NS-20-015
  • NIDA Research Education Program for Clinical Researchers and Clinicians (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PAR-19-258
  • Providing Research Education Experiences to Enhance Diversity in the Next Generation of Substance Abuse and Addiction Scientists (R25 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) PAR-19-246
  • Alcohol and Other Substance Use Research Education Programs for Health Professionals (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PAR-19-207
  • Summer Research Education Experience Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PAR-19-197

Upcoming Events

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 
    February 13-16, 2020 
    Seattle, WA 

    The AAAS Annual Meeting offers a unique interdisciplinary blend of more than 120 scientific sessions, plenary and topical lectures, flash talk sessions, e-poster presentations, and an international exhibit hall. Each year, a community of scientists, educators, policymakers, and journalists gathers to discuss cutting-edge developments in science, technology, and policy. Registration and meeting details can be found at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

    AAAS Meeting GraphicAAAS Meeting Graphic
  • Fostering Rigorous Research: Lessons Learned from NHP Models and Charting the Path Forward  
    February 18-19, 2020 
    Bethesda, MD 

    Rigor and reproducibility in research are essential and NIH is committed to ensuring its research investment supports the most rigorous science regardless of species. Because working with nonhuman primate (NHP) models poses unique challenges, NIH is convening a workshop to identify emergent challenges facing the conduct, reproducibility, and translation of rigorous research when working with NHP models and to discuss strategies for addressing these challenges. Watch the videocast: https://videocast.nih.gov/summary.asp?live=35537&bhcp=1.

  • NIMHD’s 10th Anniversary Scientific Symposium: Innovations to Promote Health Equity 
    March 3, 2020 
    Bethesda, MD 

    This symposium will showcase the latest discoveries in minority health and health disparities research. Leading researchers investigating maternal mortality, medication ineffectiveness, diet-related cancers, and other salient topics will explore current knowledge about the determinants of health and their impact on minority health and health disparities. This will be a symposium of new insights, dynamic discussions and a look toward the future. Watch the NIH Videocast.

    NIMHD 10 year logoNIMHD
  • Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) 
    March 11-14, 2020 
    New Orleans, LA 

    SRNT’s Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for attendees of all experience levels to participate in a professional program devoted to research and practice in the field of nicotine and tobacco research. The Annual Meeting includes an education-based scientific program which ensures attendees stay current with the latest breaking research in areas including Preclinical Clinical, Public Health/Epidemiology, Policy, Regulatory Science, Health Disparities and Global Health. The SRNT Annual Meeting consists of topical network meetings, keynote and plenary addresses, paper sessions, symposia, scientific poster sessions, receptions and satellite meetings. Registration and meeting details can be found at https://www.srnt.org/page/meeting.
  • American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT) 
    March 18-21, 2020 
    Houston, TX 

    ASCPT convenes professionals whose primary interest is to advance the science and practice of clinical pharmacology and translational medicine for the therapeutic benefit of patients and society. The meeting serves a platform to discuss efforts including research, exchange of scientific information, and awareness of legislative requirements that affect drug development and regulation. Registration and meeting details can be found at https://www.ascpt.org/Meetings/Annual-Meeting.
  • Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) 
    April 1-4, 2020 
    San Francisco, CA 

    SBM's annual meeting and scientific sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to participate in a professional program devoted to research and practice in the field of behavioral medicine. Students, researchers, clinicians, and professionals in any career seeking to improve the health and well-being of others can find educational sessions and networking opportunities that fit their needs.
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 
    April 2-5, 2020 
    Denver, CO 

    Healthcare professionals dedicated to increasing access and improving the quality of addiction treatment and care are invited to explore new topics and discover new ideas at this annual conference on addiction medicine. Participants can learn of the latest science, research, and innovations in addiction medicine.
  • Translational Science Meeting 
    April 14-17, 2020 
    Washington, DC 

    This meeting features sessions focused on clinical and translational research across academic, industry, community, and federal environments. The Translational Science Meeting is attended by a wide array of clinical and translational researchers, including junior clinician-scientists, who are given an opportunity to collaborate with federal training partners (NIH, FDA, AHRG, VA and PCORI), academic leaders and special interest groups (SIGs) at unique networking events. Additionally, participants are given an opportunity to discuss increased funding for medical research during visits with state representatives and senators.
  • ​NIH Regional Seminar 
    April 20-22, 2020 
    Baltimore, MD 

    The NIH Regional Seminar is intended to demystify the grant application and review process, clarify federal regulations and policies, and highlight current areas of special interest or concern by providing an opportunity for participants to meet directly with NIH policy officials, grants management, program and review staff, representatives from the HHS Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and others. The seminar is appropriate for those who are new to the NIH grants process including administrators, early stage investigators, researchers, graduate students, and others and provides updates to NIH programs and policies that are valuable for experienced applicants and administrators. The NIH Regional Seminar provides an ideal Registration and meeting details can be found at https://regionalseminars.od.nih.gov/baltimore2020/welcome/
  • American Psychiatric Association (APA) 
    April 25-29, 2020 
    Philadelphia, PA 

    APA's Annual Meeting is educationally driven and designed for all mental health professionals and advocates, including practicing, administrative, and consultative psychiatrists; researchers and educators of psychiatry; residents; and students who work in a private hospital, state mental health facility, correctional setting, or private practice. The theme for this year's Annual Meeting, "Advancing Quality: Challenges and Opportunities," focuses on the importance and timeliness of quality in medical care. Registration and meeting details can be found at https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/meetings/annual-meeting/about.
  • 6th Annual BRAIN Initiative Investigators Meeting 
    June 1-3, 2020 
    Arlington, VA 

    The BRAIN Initiative Meeting will convene awardees, staff, and leadership from the contributing federal agencies (NIH, NSF, DARPA, IARPA, and FDA), plus representatives and investigators from participating non-federal organizations and members of the media, public, and Congress. The purpose of this open meeting is to provide a forum for discussing exciting scientific developments and to identify areas for collaboration and research coordination.
  • The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) 81st Annual Meeting 
    June 20-24, 2020 
    Hollywood, FL 

    CPDD provides a national and international forum for scientists of diverse backgrounds to advance the understanding of molecular-neurobiological aspects of addictive disorders and, by the application of new scientific knowledge, to improve and develop treatments utilizing novel behavioral and pharmacological therapies. Registration and meeting details can be found at cpdd.org/
  • Grant Writing and Career Development Workshop at CPDD 
    June 20, 2020, 1:00 – 5:00 PM 
    Hollywood, FL 

    The 2020 Grant Writing and Career Development Workshop will be held in the Regency Ballroom at The Diplomat during the annual CPDD Meeting. The workshop is designed to orient new research investigators to NIDA, the grant writing process and career development tools. During the workshop, there is emphasis on NIDA fellowships, career development awards, and new investigator research grants.  An array of exciting topics are being planned for this year's workshop, which include funding opportunities, research priorities, principles of grantsmanship, understanding peer review and career development tips. Registration information is forthcoming.