PAR-99-076: SCIENCE EDUCATION DRUG ABUSE PARTNERSHIP AWARD

Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)

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SCIENCE EDUCATION DRUG ABUSE PARTNERSHIP AWARD Release Date: March 23, 1999 PA NUMBER: PAR-99-076 P.T. National Institute on Drug Abuse This program announcement replaces PAR-94-008, Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award (SEDAPA), published in the NIH Guide, Vol. 22, No. 39, October 29, 1993. PURPOSE The purpose of the SEDAPA Program is to fund the development and evaluation of innovative model programs and materials for enhancing knowledge and understanding of neuroscience and the biology of drug abuse and addiction among K-12 students, the general public, health care practitioners, and other groups. The award provides support for the formation of partnerships between scientists and educators, media experts, community leaders, and other interested organizations for the development and evaluation of programs and materials that will enhance knowledge and understanding of science related to drug abuse. The intended focus is on topics not well addressed in existing efforts by educational, community, or media activities. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA, Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award, is related to the priority areas of alcohol and other drugs. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Domestic organizations with a scientific and/or educational mission are eligible to submit applications. Such entities include colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, professional societies, museums, research laboratories, media producers, private foundations and industries, and other public and private education-related organizations, for-profit or non-profit. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT Awards under this PA will use the education projects (R25) grant mechanism. Because of the wide range of programs that may be proposed, it is anticipated that the duration and size of awards may vary. However, annual direct costs may not exceed $250,000. Indirect costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of total allowable direct costs. Conditions of Award All publications, audiovisual materials and other products resulting from SEDAPA activities supported entirely or in substantial part by NIH/NIDA should include the following or comparable acknowledgement of support: "This project was supported by a Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health." An annual progress report must be filed with the Grants Management Office, NIDA, and a final report is due within 90 days of the end of the project period. Reports should summarize the goals, methods, and results of the activity undertaken. It should be accompanied by at least two copies of any materials intended for dissemination that were developed through the SEDAPA Program. Any products derived from the project activity must be publicized and must be freely available in the public domain. Products may be distributed under a cost recovery system. Any project funded under the SEDAPA Program may not be used to endorse or publicize any profit-making activities. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES In recent years there has been increasing awareness of the need to improve efforts in science education in order to maintain U.S. competitiveness and meet future demands in the international technology marketplace. Furthermore, in order for NIH to fulfill its mission, there is a need to ensure that adequate numbers of students are entering science education tracks and eventually pursuing careers in biomedical sciences. It is also important to the mission of NIH that other groups, such as the general public, health care workers, etc. are scientifically literate. This science literacy should not only include basic science knowledge, but also an understanding of the process of biomedical research and an ability to evaluate the quality of research studies that are reported in the media. It is particularly important to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) that all members of society understand the role of science, biology, and technology as they relate to neuroscience and drug abuse and addiction research. There is a lack of public understanding of behaviors that increase the risk for drug abuse, the use of animals in drug abuse related behavioral and biomedical research, and the necessity for basic research to make progress toward improving health. Furthermore, there is a substantial misunderstanding about the nature of addiction as a biologically based brain disorder. To address all of these issues, it is imperative that efforts be made to educate our nation"s school children, the general public, health care workers, members of the judicial system, the media, and other groups about the science of addiction. Description of the Program. To address the above issues, NIDA is continuing the SEDAPA Program. To address the goals of the SEDAPA Program, proposed science education projects should be developed for one or more of the following groups: 1) students and teachers at the kindergarten through 12th grade levels, 2) the general public, 3) health care practitioners, 4) members of the judicial system, 5) members of the media, and 6) other groups that have a need to be scientifically literate. Programs aimed at school children should convey the scientific process in a way which makes learning science fun and interesting for the students and which captures their enthusiasm for science. Programs aimed at other groups should be directed to increasing their knowledge of scientific terms, concepts, reasoning, and their ability to understand scientific public policy issues. Regardless of the intended audience, all projects must involve a partnership between scientists and educators, media experts, community leaders, or other interested organizations. To gain maximum benefit from the program, priority will be given to projects that are innovative, that do not duplicate existing programs, that have the potential to be replicated for widespread use and that build on existing science education programs whenever possible. Funding will not be provided to maintain ongoing programs. Programs which support science education for the special needs of underrepresented groups are encouraged. Programmatic activities must propose to increase science literacy and understanding among one or more of the groups listed above. These activities must focus on topics not well addressed through existing efforts by educational, community, or media activities in the geographic area(s) which the program will reach. Wherever relevant and possible, activities must focus on conveying the importance of the responsible use of animals in research. Activities may include, but are not limited to, the following types: Provision of training, resources, and support for scientists to speak to students, the general public, teachers, parents, health care practitioners, the media or other audiences, such as at PTAs, in classrooms, at workshops for teachers, the media, parents or students, etc. Preparation and/or presentation of media programs on the science of drug abuse and addiction. These may include television, radio, motion pictures (including videotape and videodisc), newspaper articles, magazine articles, books, experiments, computer software, CD-ROMs, Internet sites, or other written, electronic, or audiovisual presentations designed to educate about the biology of drug abuse and addiction. Preparation of programs in settings designed to educate the public about the biology of drug abuse and addiction. These may be in museums, shopping centers, public buildings, schools, science fairs, or any other suitable place, which is open to all or to a segment of the public. Development of programs to provide innovative mentorships for students wishing to learn more about science. This activity may be in formal school settings or may be in community settings. The activity may provide for qualified persons who serve as teachers, as resource persons, or as consultants. Such activities might include working with gifted and talented programs or setting university-based programs for high school students with local school systems. The description of the program must contain the following elements: Specific goals to be achieved. Activities to be completed, with discussion of how these activities can accomplish the stated goals. Why this is a model program or innovative project. For those projects that focus on K-12 science education, how the project incorporates the National Science Education Standards and how the project will be incorporated into the classroom. A copy of the National Science Education Standards is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/. A clear demonstration of an education and scientific partnership(s) with a description of the nature and extent of partnerships and collaborations to be developed (or, for those already established, plans for expansion or modification), and the roles of key participants in the planning and conduct of the project. Documentation of the interest and commitment of partnership members to the project must be provided. The administrative plan to organize and manage the overall project, and the timetable for the various tasks and activities for the entire project period requested. How materials will be disseminated to a broad audience or how model programs may be replicated, including to underrepresented groups in science, such as minorities and women. Plans for continuation of the project after the grant period has ended. Assessments/evaluations for determining if the project is successful in achieving its objectives. The applicant institution"s commitment to the SEDAPA Program, including a discussion of 1) the incentives that would be offered to individuals who elect to participate, and 2) institutional resources that would be devoted to the program. Such incentives might include the awarding of sabbaticals, time released from other duties, or special recognition to individuals to permit them to participate in the program. Institutional resources might include office and workshop space, computer facilities, and administrative and technical services. A statement of the applicant institution"s capabilities and experiences which are relevant to the stated goals. Include names and qualifications of all relevant personnel, with biosketch forms completed. Identification of scientists and educational experts who would participate in the development or delivery of the program of how suitable people for these tasks will be located and recruited for the program. Biosketches for identified persons should be provided. Types of scientists might include neuroscientists, pharmacologists, physiologists, psychologists, chemists, biologists, clinicians, and epidemiologists. Letters stating their commitment to the project from agencies, groups, or persons whose cooperation is important to the achievement of the stated purpose, such as school officials, museum boards, television station directors, newspaper or magazine editors, or community groups. These should be in the appendix. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) and will be accepted at the standard application deadlines as indicated in the application kit. Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov. Application kits also are available on the internet at: http://www.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm The title and number of the program announcement must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and five 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 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NIDA in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score. Those applications that receive a priority score may subsequently receive a second level review by the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse. Review Criteria As stated above, the purpose of the SEDAPA Program is to fund the development of innovative model programs and materials for enhancing knowledge and understanding of neuroscience and the biology of drug abuse and addiction among K-12 students, the general public, health care practitioners, and other groups. In the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following aspects of the application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed project will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of the program"s goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Significance: Does the project meet relevant science education goals? Does the project address currently unmet needs? How will the proposed project advance science and drug abuse education and literacy? Does the project have the potential for widespread dissemination or impact? Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Is the evaluation well developed and able to measure the impact of the project? Is the project feasible? Does the project address the goals of the SEDAPA Program? Are the National Science Education Standards addressed for those projects that focus on K-12 education? Is the program likely to be continued after the grant funding ends? How well developed and feasible are the dissemination plans? Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches, or methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project focus on topics not well addressed through existing efforts by educational, community, or media activities in the geographic area(s) which the program will reach? Personnel: Are the personnel appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this project? Is the proposed project appropriate to the experience level of the key personnel and other participants (if any)? Environment: Does the environment in which the project will be done contribute to the probability of success? Have appropriate scientific-educational partnerships been formed? Is there adequate institutional commitment from partnership members? Does the proposed project take advantage of unique features of the educational or scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? Are resources adequate to conduct and complete the project? In addition to the above criteria all applications will also be reviewed with respect to the following: The adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities, and their subgroups as appropriate for the goals of the project. The reasonableness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed project. The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals, or the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project proposed in the application. The adequacy of plans for including children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the project. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for available funds with all other approved applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review, availability of funds, and program priority. Because of their under-representation among scientists and the special needs of many minority group members, NIDA will give priority to programs which seek to reach female and minority populations. Also, the inclusion of children, where appropriate, will be considered. INQUIRIES Inquiries are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify issues or questions for potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquires regarding programmatic issues to: Cathrine A. Sasek, Ph.D. Office of Science Policy and Communications National Institute on Drug Abuse 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5226, MSC 9591 Bethesda, MD 20892-9591 Telephone: (301) 443-6071 FAX: (301) 443-6277 Email: csasek@nih.gov Direct inquires regarding fiscal matters to: Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A. Grants Management Branch National Institute on Drug Abuse 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3131, MSC 9541 Bethesda, MD 20892-9541 FAX: (301) 594-6847 Email: gf6s@nih.gov Direct inquires regarding review issues to: Teresa Levitin, Ph.D. Office of Extramural Program Review 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 3158, MSC 9547 Bethesda, MD 20892-9547 Telephone: (301) 443-2755 FAX: (301) 443-0538 Email: tl25u@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.279. Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and are administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR part 74. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-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 the facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, healthcare 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.

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