Part I Overview Information


Department of Health and Human Services

Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)

Components of Participating Organizations
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), (http://www.ninr.nih.gov)

Title: NINR Career Transition Award (K22)

Announcement Type
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is a reissue of PAR-04-143.

Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:

Looking ahead: As part of the Department of Health and Human Services' implementation of e-Government the NIH will gradually transition each grant mechanism to electronic submission through Grants.gov and the use of the SF 424 Research and Related (R&R) forms. For more information and an initial timeline, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-06-035.html. NIH will announce each grant mechanism change in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html).

Program Announcement (PA) Number: PAR-08-148

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.961

Key Dates
Release Date: April 15, 2008
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s):30 days before due date
Application Submission Date(s): Standard dates apply; please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
AIDS Application Submission Dates(s): Standard dates apply; please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#AIDS
Peer Review Date(s): Standard dates apply; please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Council Review Date(s): Standard dates apply; please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: Standard dates apply; please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Url Activation Date): Not Applicable
Expiration Date: New Date January 8, 2009 (per issuance of PAR-09-067) Original Date: May 8, 2010

Due Dates for E.O. 12372

Not Applicable

Additional Overview Content

Executive Summary

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) invites applications for the career transition program from recently graduated doctorally-prepared scientists. The overall goals of this program are to support outstanding individuals to obtain a research training experience at the NIH in the intramural research laboratories and to facilitate their successful transition to an extramural environment as independent researchers.

Table of Contents


Part I Overview Information

Part II Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Career Objectives

Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
2. Funds Available
3. Transition From Intramural Phase to Extramural Phase

Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria

Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Receipt and Review and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Sending an Application to the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting
4. Transition to the Extramural Phase of the NINR K22 Career Transition Award

Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)

Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal Citations

Part II - Full Text of Announcement


Section I. Funding Opportunity Description


1. Research Career Objectives

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) invites applications for the Career Transition program from recently graduated doctorally prepared scientists. The overall goals of this program are to support outstanding individuals to obtain a research training experience at the NIH in the intramural research laboratories and to facilitate their successful transition to an extramural environment as independent researchers.

Intramural scientists and facilities at the NIH provide an infrastructure for the research training and career development of promising new scientists who will subsequently enter the extramural community in biobehavioral and interdisciplinary health care research and have the potential to become leaders in their fields of investigation. The goal of the NINR Career Transition Award program is to provide highly qualified developing scientists with an opportunity to receive research career development experience in an NIH intramural research laboratory or clinical research department. Transition funding will be provided upon completion of the fellowship and successful review for the continuation of their program of research in an extramural institution.

The NINR Career Transition Award consists of an Intramural Support Phase and an Extramural Support Phase. The total period of combined intramural and extramural support will be five years. Initially, two years of the research training program will be provided in the Intramural Support Phase in which the salary of the awardee will be commensurate with his/her level of experience. The final three years of the program, the Extramural Support Phase, will provide salary and funds for supplies, equipment and technical support thorough the NIH Career Transition Award.

Nature of the career/research transition opportunity

Intramural Research at the NIH

The NIH intramural research program is located in or near Bethesda, MD. Research opportunities exist within the NINR Intramural Research Laboratories as well as other intramural institute laboratories. The proposed research must be consistent with the mission of NINR. The NINR Mission and Strategic Plan can be accessed through the following website: http://www.ninr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/A897E03D-5EB7-42B5-A8AD-FAC32CFA80F1/0/NINR_StrategicPlan.pdf.

To assist the applicant in finding a sponsor for this research career development experience, a listing of NIH intramural research opportunities can be accessed through the following website - http://www1.od.nih.gov/oir/sourcebook/sci-prgms/sci-prgms-toc.htm.

The website identifies individual Institutes and Centers, describes intramural laboratories and clinical research services, and the topic areas of interest within the institutes and centers. Names and phone numbers of scientists are listed on the websites, and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the scientists directly and discuss with them the potential for a mutually beneficial laboratory and/or clinical postdoctoral research training experience. It is strongly recommended that potential candidates receive guidance regarding research and mentoring opportunities with NINR and with other NIH intramural research programs by contacting staff identified in the Inquiries section below.

Extramural Support Phase

Transition from the intramural phase of support to the extramural phase is NOT AUTOMATIC. An application from the extramural institution on behalf of the candidate will be required for the NINR to process the second phase of the K22.

(See Section VI.4 for details on transitioning from the intramural to the extramural phases of this award.)The extramural institution must demonstrate a commitment to the candidate by providing protected research time, space needed to perform the proposed research and a plan for career development. Awardees approved to proceed with the second phase of support will receive notification of approval in writing from the NINR.

See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.

Section II. Award Information


1. Mechanism of Support

This PAR will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Career Transition K22 award mechanism. As an applicant, you will be responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project in consultation with your mentor. The total period of combined support is five years (two years intramural, and three years extramural). There is no grant award associated with the intramural phase. Awards are not renewable.

This funding opportunity uses the just-in-time budget concepts. It also uses the non-modular budget format described in the PHS 398 application instructions. The applicant should follow the instructions for budget information described in the PHS 398, Section III, providing only the total direct costs requested for each year and the entire proposed period of support and budget justification information.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will use the K22 award mechanism. The applicant will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.

This FOA uses Just-in-Time information concepts. It also uses non-modular budget formats described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html).

2. Funds Available

The Career Transition Award has two phases: an intramural phase of 2 years at an NIH intramural laboratory followed by an extramural phase of 3 years sponsored by an extramural institution/organization to which the individual has been recruited. The number of applications funded will be dependent upon the number of meritorious applications received, funds available, and the particular resource needs for the proposed project. Individuals who receive intramural phase support and are subsequently recruited to positions at NIH intramural laboratories will not receive the extramural scientist phase of the award.

Intramural Phase of the Career Transition Award

The budget for the Intramural Support Phase includes the candidate's salary and research expenses determined by the NINR Division of Intramural Research. There is no grant award associated with the intramural phase. Total costs for the intramural phase are based on the candidate's experience and research expenses, and are not to exceed $50,000 per year. The salary must be commensurate with the level of training and experience specified by the intramural salary structure and will be negotiated with NINR at the time of an award. During the NIH intramural phase of the award, the candidate is expected to devote 12 person months (100% effort) on research training for up to three years.

Extramural Phase of the Career Transition Award

Salary: The NIH will provide salary for the award recipient up to $50,000, plus fringe benefits for a minimum of 9 person months (75% effort). Although a greater effort may be proposed, the maximum allowable salary is $50,000. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month faculty or staff appointment. It must be consistent with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other faculty or staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. There should be no less than 9 person months (75% effort )devoted by the candidate specifically to the proposed program of research.

The institution may supplement the NIH 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. In no case may Public Health Service funds be used for salary supplementation. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of the Career Transition Award.

Under expanded authorities, institutions may re-budget funds within the total costs awarded, but may not re-budget funds involving the salary component of the budget.

Research Support: The NINR will provide up to $75,000 per year for (a) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, consultants, patient care costs, and technical personnel; (b) travel to research meetings or training; and (c) statistical service, including personnel and computer time.

Ancillary Personnel Support: Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed.

Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs: F&A costs will be reimbursed at eight% of modified total direct costs.

Applicable to both Intramural and Extramural Phases

For information regarding NIH policy on determining full-time professional effort for career awards see NOT-OD-04-056. The requested salary must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members with equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. If full-time, 12-month salaries are not currently paid to comparable staff members, the salary proposed must be related appropriately to the existing salary structure. Confirmation of salary is required prior to the issuance of an award. Fringe benefits based on the sponsoring institution s rate and the number of person-months devoted to the project (percent of effort) are provided in addition to the salary.

Candidates who have VA appointments may not consider part of the VA effort toward satisfying the full time requirement at the applicant institution (see: NOT-OD-04-056). Candidates with VA appointments should contact the staff person in the relevant NIH Institute or Center prior to preparing an application to discuss their eligibility.

NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.

3. Transition from Intramural Phase to the Extramural Phase Award

Transition from the intramural NIH phase to the extramural scientist phase is NOT automatic and is subject to review of the awardee’s research training/career development accomplishments and an evaluation of the materials submitted in support of the extramural phase application. The candidate must be accepted by an extramural institution in a tenure-track, full-time assistant professor (or equivalent) position in order to activate the extramural support phase. Information on materials to be submitted is located in Section VI.4 Activating the Extramural Investigator Phase of the Career Development Award.

Acceptance into the Career Transition Award Program does not imply a commitment on the part of the NIH to consider the awardee for a tenure-track position at an NIH intramural laboratory. The primary intent of this program is to develop outstanding researchers who will pursue extramural research careers related to the mission of the NINR. However, awardees may wish to apply for available tenure-track positions at the NIH. The award will be terminated if the candidate is offered and accepts such a position.

Section III. Eligibility Information


1. Eligible Applicants

1.A. Eligible Institutions

Intramural Support Phase:

Intramural phase applications may be submitted by postdoctoral scientists for research within any intramural program at the NIH.

Extramural Support Phase:

Applications for transition to the extramural phase require that the extramural institution afford the applicant a tenure-track Assistant Professor position and falls within one or more of the following categories:

Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

1.B. Eligible Individuals

Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research career development is invited to work with his/her institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

Outstanding postdoctoral candidates who have research doctorates and who have no more than 5 years of postdoctoral research training at the time of initial application, or subsequent resubmission(s) are eligible. Parental leave or other well justified leave from postdoctoral research training for pressing personal or family situations of generally less than 12 months duration is not included in the 5-year eligibility limit. In addition, clinical training time with no research involvement (e.g., residency training) is also not counted against the 5 year limit.

Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

At time of submission (or any resubmissions), applicants must:

Individuals are NOT eligible if they:

Ph.D. applicants in positions other than postdoctoral fellow positions: It is recognized that some institutions appoint postdoctoral fellows in positions with other titles although they are still in non-independent training positions. Applicants in such positions are encouraged to obtain confirmation of their eligibility before they begin to prepare their applications. It is incumbent upon the applicant to provide evidence that the position he/she is in complies with the intent of this eligibility requirement. Evidence for non-independence may include:

Conversely, evidence for independence, and therefore lack of eligibility, includes:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the scientific/research contact person listed in Section VII of this announcement prior to the submission of an application to discuss eligibility and program requirements.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH Grants Policy Statement.

3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria

The initial application for the intramural phase may be submitted on behalf of the candidate (principal investigator) by any domestic for-profit or non-profit institution/organization such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories, and eligible agencies of the Federal government, including NIH intramural laboratories. The submitting organization is the one where the applicant is located at the time of application. The applicant is expected to relocate from the applicant institution to the NIH for the initial intramural phase.

The subsequent application for the extramural phase may be submitted on behalf of the awardee (principal investigator) by any domestic for-profit or non-profit institution/organization such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories at which the awardee has been recruited, offered and has accepted a tenure-track, full-time assistant professor position (or equivalent). Agencies of the Federal Government that are ineligible to apply for NIH research grants (including NIH intramural laboratories) and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply for the extramural phase of the Career Transition award.

During the NIH intramural phase of the award, the candidate is expected to devote 12 person months (100% effort ) on research training for up to two years. During the extramural phase, the candidate must spend a minimum of 9 person months (75% effort) conducting research and engaging in research career development activities for the three years of the award.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and possess an Alien Registration Card (I-151 or I-552) or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent U.S. resident by the time of the initiation of the intramural phase of the award. Non-citizen nationals, although not U.S. citizens, owe permanent allegiance to the U.S. They are usually born in lands that are not states, but are under U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

A candidate for the Career Transition award may not simultaneously submit or have an application pending for any other NIH fellowship, career award or research award. Ineligible individuals include current and former principal investigators on NIH research grants (e.g. R01, R03, R21), comparable individual NIH career development awards (e.g., K01, K07, K08, K23, K25), equivalent non-PHS peer-reviewed career development awards, or non-PHS peer-reviewed research grants over $100,000 direct costs per year, or project leaders on sub-projects of program project (P01) or center (P50) grants.

A candidate for the NINR Career Transition Award may not concurrently apply for any other PHS award that duplicates the provisions of this award nor have another application pending award.

Applicants may submit a resubmission application, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous peer review critique (Summary Statement).

Applicants may not submit a renewal application.

Applicants may submit only one K award application.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information


1. Address to Request Application Information

The PHS 398 application instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. Applicants must use the currently approved version of the PHS 398. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.

Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-5936.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications must be prepared using the most current PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms. Applications must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/. The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form.

The title and number of this funding opportunity must be typed in item (box) 2 only of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.

3. Submission Dates and Times

See Section IV.3.A. for details.

3.A. Receipt, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
Letter of Intent Receipt Date(s): 30 days before due date
Application Receipt Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
AIDS Application Submission Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
Peer Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
Council Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm

3.A.1. Letter of Intent

Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.

The letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed in Section IV.3.A.

Karen Huss, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAAAAI
Program Director, Cardiopulmonary & Critical Care Science; NINR Training Coordinator
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Nursing Research
6701 Democracy Blvd, Room 710
1 Democracy Plaza
Bethesda, MD 20892-4870
Telephone: (301) 594-5970
FAX: (301) 451-5649
Email: hussk@mail.nih.gov

3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH

Applications must be prepared using the research grant application forms found in the PHS 398 instructions for preparing a research grant application. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application and any appendix materials (NOT-OD-07-018), including the checklist, and three signed photocopies in one package to:

Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)

Personal deliveries of applications are no longer permitted (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-040.html).

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and all copies of the appendix materials must be sent to:

Yujing Liu, Ph.D.
Chief, Office of Review
National Institute of Nursing Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 710
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-451-5152
FAX: 301-480-8260
E-Mail:yujing_liu@nih.gov

3.C. Application Processing

Applications must be received on or before the application receipt/ date(s) described above (Section IV.3.A.). If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review.

Upon receipt applications will be evaluated for completeness by CSR. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The NIH will not accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial merit review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. However, the NIH will accept a resubmission application, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the critique from the previous review.

Information on the status of an application should be checked by the Principal Investigator in the eRA Commons at: https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons/.

4. Intergovernmental Review

This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.

5. Funding Restrictions

All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Pre-award costs are allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new award if such costs: 1) are necessary to conduct the project, and 2) would be allowable under the grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures would otherwise require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval before incurring the cost. NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new award.

The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation of a competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIH either to make the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to cover the pre-award costs incurred. NIH expects the grantee to be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the conduct of the project (see NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part6.htm.)

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) recipients that are selected for Career Transition award funding must terminate their NRSA support prior to receiving support from the Career Transition award.

6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Applicants should follow the instructions in the PHS 398 application for Individual Research Career Development Awards (Section III) and complete all the required sections with the following modifications:

Section D. Basic Administrative Data

Complete ALL sections with the following modifications:

Section F. Career Development Plan

Complete ALL the sections with the following modifications:

In addition to the Supplementary Instructions in the PHS 398 for Research Career Awards, and the modifications stated above, applicants should consider the following when preparing the application.

Prospective applicants should contact the scientific/research contact at the NINR (see Section VII below) to discuss eligibility and determine actions necessary to initiate the process. For the NIH intramural phase, a mentor will need to be selected with whom the candidate can consult in preparing and submitting the application. Individuals working at an NIH laboratory at the time of application may work with their current mentor, or with another intramural investigator, provided the research experience proposed in this application will enhance the candidate’s scientific career. Both the candidate and the mentor must collaborate closely in preparing the application and follow the appropriate instructions.

7. Application Contents

Candidate

Career Development Plan

Research Plan

Mentor(s)

Environment and Institutional Commitment to the Candidate

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

Applications must include a description of a program to receive formal or informal instruction in scientific integrity and the responsible conduct of research. Applications without plans for instructions in the responsible conduct of research will be considered incomplete and may be returned to the applicant without review. Although the NIH does not establish specific curricula or formal requirements, all programs are encouraged to consider instruction in the following areas: conflict of interest, responsible authorship, policies for handling misconduct, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects, and data management. Applicants must follow the application instructions found on page 49 of the PHS-398 application package and refer to the NIH's Bioethics Resources on the Web for additional guidance.

Document prior instruction in or proposed plans to obtain instruction in the responsible conduct of research in terms of subject matter and duration of instruction. An award cannot be made if an application lacks this component.

Letters of Reference

Include with the application three or more sealed independent letters of reference from well-established scientists, other than the mentor(s) or any others involved in the application, which address the application content areas and any other evidence that the candidate has a high potential for becoming a successful candidate for this transition award program. The mentor(s) may also submit letters of reference, but these letters will be considered independently of the three required reference letters. All sealed letters of reference should be attached to the face page of the application.

Appendix Materials

All paper PHS 398 applications submitted for May 25, 2008 and subsequent due dates must provide appendix material on CD only, and include five identical CDs in the same package with the application. Paper applications submitted for due dates prior to May 25, 2008 may voluntarily provide the appendix on five identical CDs; if submitting CDs it is not necessary to include a paper appendix. (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-031.html.)

Do not use the Appendix to circumvent the page limitations of the Research Plan component. An application that does not observe the required page limitations may be delayed in the review process.

Resource Sharing Plan(s)

NIH considers the sharing of unique research resources developed through NIH-sponsored research an important means to enhance the value of, and advance, research. When resources have been developed with NIH funds and the associated research findings published or provided to NIH, it is important that they be made readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community. If the final data/resources are not amenable to sharing, this must be explained in Resource Sharing section of the application. See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/data_sharing_faqs.htm.

(a) Data Sharing Plan: Not applicable.

(b) Sharing Model Organisms: Regardless of the amount requested, all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated are expected to include a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organisms and related resources, or state appropriate reasons why such sharing is restricted or not possible. See Sharing Model Organisms Policy, and NIH Guide NOT-OD-04-042.

(c) Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Regardless of the amount requested, applicants seeking funding for a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. A genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight) or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. For further information see Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088, and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.

Section V. Application Review Information


1. Criteria (Update: Enhanced review criteria have been issued for the evaluation of research applications received for potential FY2010 funding and thereafter - see NOT-OD-09-025).

Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.

2. Review and Selection Process

Applications that are complete and responsive to the FOA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NINR and in accordance with NIH peer review procedures (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/peer/), using the review criteria stated below.

As part of the scientific peer review, all applications will:

Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?

Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?

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, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?

Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Does the investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project (if applicable)?

Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?

In addition to the above review criteria, the following criteria will be addressed and considered in the determination of scientific merit and the rating. Applications submitted in response to this funding opportunity will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

The goals of the NINR Career Transition award Is to facilitate a new investigator s transition from a postdoctoral status to an independent scientist with the ability to successfully compete for an R01 Award. In their written critiques, reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following criteria in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research and career development plans will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals:

Candidate

Career Development Plan

Research Plan

Mentor

Environment and Institutional Commitment to the Candidate

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

2.A. Additional Review Criteria:

In addition to the above criteria, the following items will continue to be considered in the determination of scientific merit and the rating:

Resubmission Applications (formerly revised/amended applications): Are the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group adequate? Are the improvements in the resubmission application appropriate?

Protection of Human Subjects from Research Risk: The involvement of human subjects and protections from research risk relating to their participation in the proposed research will be assessed (see the Research Plan section on Human Subjects in the PHS 398 instructions).

Inclusion of Women, Minorities and Children in Research: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated (see the Research Plan section on Human Subjects in the PHS 398 instructions).

Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to be used in the project, the five points described in the Vertebrate Animals section of the Research Plan will be assessed.

Biohazards: If materials or procedures are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, determine if the proposed protection is adequate.

2.B. Additional Review Considerations

Budget: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed research. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.

2.C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)

When relevant, reviewers will be instructed to comment on the reasonableness of the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed resource sharing plan(s) into the determination of scientific merit or priority score, unless noted otherwise in the FOA. Program staff within the IC will be responsible for monitoring the resource sharing.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Applicants can check the status of their application at each stage and receive the written critique through the eRA Commons.

Section VI. Award Administration Information


1. Award Notices

After the peer review of the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique) via the eRA Commons.

If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant. For details, applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General.

There will not be a formal Notice of Award (NoA) associated with the mentored phase of the Career Transition Award conducted in the NIH intramural program. The awarding Institute will transmit to the successful applicant an approval letter which will include the terms and conditions of the NIH intramural K22 award, as well as expectations for the transition to the extramural phase of the award.

Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Also Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the Notice of Award. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part4.htm) and Part II Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part9.htm).

Evaluation

In carrying out its stewardship of human resource-related program, the NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of this program. Accordingly, recipients are hereby notified that they may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program.

Changes in Research Program

A change in the specified scientific area of the research component requires prior approval of the NINR. A scientific rationale must be provided for any proposed changes in the aims of the original peer-reviewed research plan. The new research plan will be evaluated by staff of NINR to ensure that the plan remains within the overall scope of the original peer-reviewed research program. If the new plan does not satisfy this requirement, staff could recommend that the award be terminated.

Change of program or sponsoring mentor

A change of sponsoring intramural program will be permitted only when all of the terms and benefits attributable to the original award can be assured. Consultation with the NINR scientific/research staff responsible for the programmatic management of the award is strongly encouraged when a change of intramural component and/or mentor is being considered. A change may be made without peer review, provided the awardee plans no significant change in research and career development objectives and the facilities and resources at the new intramural program will allow for successful performance of the project. If these conditions or other programmatic or administrative requirements are not met, the NIH awarding office may disapprove the request and, if appropriate, terminate the award.

3. Reporting

NINR K22 Career Transition Awardees will be required to submit the PHS Non-Competing Grant Progress Report, Form PHS 2590 annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

The intramural phase progress report must also include Sections a through f as described in the general PHS 2590 instructions, as well as sections g through j as described in Section IV of the 2590 instructions. Evaluation of the awardee’s progress will depend on the following:

A final progress report, invention statement, and Financial Status Report are required upon the conclusion or termination of an award.

4. Transition to the Extramural Phase of the NINR K22 Career Transition Award

Transition from the intramural phase to the extramural phase is intended to be continuous in time. To activate the extramural phase of the grant, individuals must have been offered and accepted a tenure-track, full time assistant professor position (or equivalent) at an eligible institution with appropriate infrastructure to support the proposed research program and a history of external research funding. Applicants are free to apply for positions within the NIH intramural research program (IRP). However, should the individual accept such a position in the IRP, the second phase of the award will not be activated. This is because NIH intramural scientists are supported directly by NIH intramural funds and are not eligible for NIH extramural grant awards. Such outcomes are not inconsistent with the goals of the Career Transition award initiative.

The extramural institution must demonstrate, in writing, a commitment to the applicant by providing protected research time and sufficient space and resources needed to perform the research. Matching funds from the institution for equipment, supplies, and salary are encouraged.

The K22 Career Transition award is intended to facilitate the successful transition to status as an extramural scientist. Applicants are encouraged (but not required) to apply for independent positions at departments and institutions different from where they received prior predoctoral and postdoctoral training. Awardees are also encouraged to include a plan and timeline for submitting an independent research grant application in a research area relevant to the mission of an NIH awarding component.

The application for the extramural phase of the award must be submitted 3 months before the end of the second year; i.e., no later than 3 months prior to the proposed activation date of the extramural phase. To avoid potential problems in activation, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NINR program officials as soon as plans to assume an independent position develop. This is especially important if the applicant has any question about the acceptability of a specific position for the extramural phase of the award.

The extramural phase institution will submit an application on behalf of the candidate using the PHS 398. The extramural phase application must include a new Face Page signed by the extramural phase institutional representatives, new project description page (Form page 2), budget pages (Form pages 3 and 4), biographical sketches, a new resources page, an updated research plan, and a new checklist. The abstract and specific aims should be updated to reflect current plans for the extramural phase and the updated research plans should be briefly described in 2-3 pages. A letter from the Department or Division Chairman describing the institution’s commitment to the candidate and plans for his/her career development should be submitted, including a final evaluation statement by the intramural phase mentor. These materials should be sent to the Grants Management Office of the NINR. The extramural phase application will be evaluated by extramural program staff of the awarding component for completeness and responsiveness to the program.

Once the application is found to be complete, the NINR Office of Review will convene a Special Emphasis Panel (SEP) consisting of experts in the K22 candidate’s research program. The reviewers will develop a written evaluation based on the criteria detailed in section V.2, but with a focus on (1) progress in the intramural program, and (2) likelihood of successful transition to status as an independent extramural scientist. The results of this formal review will be presented in writing to the applicant. Approval will result in eligibility for the extramural Faculty Transition Phase of the Career Transition Award (K22). Disapproval will result in a terminal year of intramural support with no transition funding.

An institutional commitment agreement will be required at the time of activation of the independent phase of the award. This agreement should satisfy the criteria described in the CDA Section III (Part F.3.) of the PHS 398 application. In addition to space, facilities, resources, and other support needed to conduct the proposed research, the sponsoring institution must provide protected research time (minimum of 75% effort, or 9 person months) at least for the duration of the extramural phase award. The start-up package and other institutional support should be comparable to that given to other recently hired faculty into tenure-track or equivalent positions. Moreover, institutions may not require the use of K22 funds to offset a typical startup package. The sponsoring institution should describe the candidate s academic appointment, bearing in mind that it must be tenure-track or equivalent, and confirm that the appointment is not contingent on the transfer of the award to the institution. The independent phase institution must foster and support the awardee’s ability to apply for and secure independent research grant (e.g., R01) support.

Candidates may engage in limited teaching, administrative and clinical duties as part of the 3 person months (25% effort) not required by this grant award, as long as such non-research duties are minimal. In cases where salary commensurate with the required 9 person months (75% effort) cannot reasonably be covered by the $249,000 maximum total cost K 22 extramural phase award, grantee institutions may need to supplement the candidate’s salary so that the salary is consistent with salaries of individuals in comparable positions at the institution. However, such supplements may not require applicants to engage in additional responsibilities that would interfere with the required 9 person months (75% effort) on the PI Award is not permitted. NIH staff may review start-up packages and other commitments between the institution and candidate prior to activating the independent phase of the award. NIH will not activate the independent phase if the institutional commitment is deemed inadequate Applicants that are approved to transition will receive a Notice of Grant Award reflecting activation of the K22 extramural phase, the dollar amount, and the new recipient organization.

Candidates who are not approved to transition will receive written notification from the awarding component communicating the rationale for the disapproval. This letter typically will be sent within 60 days of receipt of the extramural phase application.

Although the financial plans of the NINR provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Section VII. Agency Contacts


Information about the NINR K22 Career Transition Award Program can be found in the NINR website (http://www.ninr.nih.gov) or the NIH Career Development K Kiosk (http://grants.nih.gov/training/careerdevelopmentawards.htm). We encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management issues:

1. Scientific/Research Contacts:

Direct your scientific questions about the intramural support phase to:

Raymond Dionne, DDS, PhD
Scientific Director
Division of Intramural Research
Telephone: (301) 496-0294

FAX: (301) 480-1413
dionner@mail.nih.gov

Direct your program questions about the extramural support phase to:

Karen Huss, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAAAAI
Program Director, Cardiopulmonary & Critical Care Science; NINR Training Coordinator
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Nursing Research
6701 Democracy Blvd, Room 710
1 Democracy Plaza
Bethesda, MD 20892-4870
Telephone: (301) 594-5970
FAX: (301) 451-5649
Email: hussk@mail.nih.gov

2. Peer Review Contacts:

Yujing Liu, Ph.D.
Chief, Office of Review
National Institute of Nursing Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 710
One Democracy Plaza
Bethesda, MD 20892 -4870
Phone: 301-451-5152
FAX: 301-480-8260
EMail: yujing_liu@nih.gov

3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:

Ms. Kelli Oster
Grants Management Specialist
National Institute of Nursing Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Democracy Blvd, Suite 710
One Democracy Plaza
Bethesda, MD, 20892-4870
Telephone: (301)594-2177
FAX: (301) 402-4502
Email: Kelli.oster@mail.nih.gov

Section VIII. Other Information


Required Federal Citations

Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf) as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm), and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm) as applicable.

Human Subjects Protection:
Federal regulations (45CFR46) require that applications and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained (http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).

Data and Safety Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety monitoring is required for all types of clinical trials, including physiologic toxicity and dose-finding studies (phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II); efficacy, effectiveness and comparative trials (Phase III). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The establishment of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks to the participants (NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).

Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include a plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).

Investigators should seek guidance from their institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local IRB rules, as well as local, State and Federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.

Policy for Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS):
NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health and disease through a centralized GWAS data repository. For the purposes of this policy, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire human genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight), or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. All applications, regardless of the amount requested, proposing a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. Data repository management (submission and access) is governed by the Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088. For additional information, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.

Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model organisms for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm). At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding pursuant to the Bayh Dole Act (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm). All investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal, beginning with the October 1, 2004 receipt date, are expected to include in the application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated.

Access to Research Data through the Freedom of Information Act:
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this funding opportunity in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award.

Inclusion of Women And Minorities in Clinical Research:
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.

Inclusion of Children as Participants in Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).

Required Education on the Protection of Human Subject Participants:
NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH applications for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key personnel. The policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.

Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC):
Criteria for federal funding of research on hESCs can be found at http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (http://escr.nih.gov/). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide in the project description and elsewhere in the application as appropriate, the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC line(s) to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without review.

NIH Public Access Policy Requirement:
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html), investigators must submit or have submitted for them their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts that arise from NIH funds and are accepted for publication as of April 7, 2008 to PubMed Central (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after publication. As of May 27, 2008, investigators must include the PubMed Central reference number when citing an article in NIH applications, proposals, and progress reports that fall under the policy, and was authored or co-authored by the investigator or arose from the investigator’s NIH award. For more information, see the Public Access webpage at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/.

Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued final modification to the "Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information", the "Privacy Rule", on August 14, 2002. The Privacy Rule is a federal regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that governs the protection of individually identifiable health information, and is administered and enforced by the DHHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Decisions about applicability and implementation of the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution. The OCR website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/) provides information on the Privacy Rule, including a complete Regulation Text and a set of decision tools on "Am I a covered entity?" Information on the impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH processes involving the review, funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and research contracts can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html

URLs in NIH Grant Applications or Appendices:
All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. For publications listed in the appendix and/or Progress report, internet addresses (URLs) must be used for publicly accessible on-line journal articles. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide any other information necessary for the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site.

Healthy People 2010:
The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This FOA is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.

Authority and Regulations:
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The NIH Grants Policy Statement can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.

Loan Repayment Programs:
NIH encourages applications for educational loan repayment from qualified health professionals who have made a commitment to pursue a research career involving clinical, pediatric, contraception, infertility, and health disparities related areas. The LRP is an important component of NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of researchers by providing the means for developing a research career unfettered by the burden of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is not required for eligibility and concurrent career award and LRP applications are encouraged. The periods of career award and LRP award may overlap providing the LRP recipient with the required commitment of time and effort, as LRP awardees must commit at least 50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week based on a 40 hour week) for two years to the research. For further information, please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov/.


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