The Human Connectome Project (U54)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is issued as an initiative of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research. The Neuroscience Blueprint is a collaborative framework through which 16 NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices jointly support neuroscience-related research, with the aim of accelerating discoveries and reducing the burden of nervous system disorders (for further information, see http://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov/). The overall purpose of this five year Human Connectome Project (HCP) is to develop and share knowledge about the structural and functional connectivity of the human brain. This purpose will be pursued through the following specific efforts: Existing, but cutting-edge, non-invasive imaging technologies will be optimized and combined to acquire structural and functional in vivo data about axonal projections and neural connections from brains of hundreds of healthy adults. Demographic data and data regarding sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional, and social function will also be collected for each subject, as will DNA samples and blood (to establish cell lines). Models to better understand and use these data will be developed. Connectivity patterns will be linked to existing architectonic data. Data and models will be made available to the research community immediately via a user-friendly system to include tools to query, organize, visualize and analyze data. Outreach activities will be conducted to engage and educate the research community about the imaging tools, data, models, and informatics tools. After five years, these specific efforts are expected to deliver: 1) A set of integrated, non-invasive imaging tools to obtain connectivity data from humans in vivo; 2) A high quality and well characterized, quantitative set of human connectivity data linked to behavioral and genetic data as well as to general, existing architectonic data, and associated models, from up to hundreds of healthy adult female and male subjects; and 3) Rapid, user-friendly dissemination of connectivity data, models, and tools to the research community via outreach activities and an informatics platform.

Current closing date for applications: November 25, 2009

Taken from this FOA

Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern

Facilitating Stem Cell Research

On March 9th, 2009, “President Barack Obama issued Executive Order (EO)13505 Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells. The EO states that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of NIH, may support and conduct responsible, scientifically worthy human stem cell research, including human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research, to the extent permitted by law.  NIH published draft Guidelines for research involving hESCs in the Federal Register for public comment, 74 Fed. Reg. 18578 on April 23, 2009. The comment period ended on May 26, 2009.  Approximately 49,000 comments on the draft Guidelines were submitted to NIH by patient advocacy groups, scientists and scientific societies, academic institutions, medical organizations, religious organizations, private citizens, and members of Congress.”

This excerpt from the NIH Guilelines for Human Stem Cell Research is significant of the radical changes that have come along after the presidency was handed off to President Obama. Many have us been waiting for the day that this barrier could finally be broken, and now we see that there may soon be an answer to our prayers. Stem cell research hits close to home for me especially, and it had been painful to see the people I hold dear suffer because this type of research was not being supported by the government.  This EO supports the ehtical, responsible and effective use of human embryonic stem cells, so one can rest assured that there will be strict regulation and oversight with the upcoming research. Let’s hope that something good comes out of this.

Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Information

Physician-Scientists supported by HHMI Early Career Award

Since I have been reporting on medical research grants for a bit of time now, I’ve decided that perhaps I may give some personal feedback, commentary and opinions on the issues highlighted in my posts. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded promising new physicians and scientists grants of $375,000 over five years in an effort to help kick-start or further support their research endeavors. The total amount given by the Institute will total $4 million dollars. These funds can be used to set up research labs and work environments that are conducive to new discoveries and advancements in their respective fields. This can include purchasing new lab equipment or hiring a technician in order to more efficiently conduct innovative scientific research. Awardees range from a pediatric rheumatologist who is researching autoimmune responses in children, to a physician-epidemiologist who is studying the risk factors for pancreatic cancer which has a 95% cause specific mortality rate, thus making one of the most formidable obstacles in clinical oncology. For all the recipients of this award, click here. For the full article, you can click here. The aim of this award is to promote research and innovation by young scientists and physicians so that they can translate new research in to better treatments for patients. Because of HHMI’s continued effort to support new medical professionals, they hope to support and promote advances that will influence public health. This type of funding encourages young science professionals, especially physicians to set aside precious time and effort to devote to research, instead of rushing directly in to practice. Most physicians do not have the proper funding to be able to expand on their research ideas, and by offering these awards at an opportune time, HHMI may be able to promote vital, cutting edge research. Please feel free to give me your feedback and opinions!

Research on Teen Dating Violence (R21)

The purpose of this FOA is to foster biomedical and behavioral  research aimed at better understanding the incidence, etiologies and precursors for Teen Dating Violence (TDV). The goal is also to promote studies in the relationships between the parties involved in TDV which includes perpetrators, victims, teens, the criminal justice system, perpetrators and bystanders.

Current closing date for applications : September 8, 2012
To view full announcement, please click here.
Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern

International Research Collaborations on HIV/AIDS and Drug Use (R01)

“This program fosters research related to biomedical and clinical science, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS associated with drug use.  The FOA seeks to foster international research collaborations with a regional geographic focus that take advantage of populations, resources, talent, or environmental/contextual conditions outside the U.S. that offer special opportunities to advance scientific knowledge.”

Taken from this announcement by the NIH.
Closing date for applications: November 18, 2009
Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern

Integrating Translational Neuroscience and Adolescent Drug Abuse Treatment (R21)

This FOA calls for developmental grant applications that foster collaborations that join developmental neuroscience research and adolescent drug abuse research. The main objective of this grant is to promote translational research in neuroscience and brain development so that it can facilitate the creation of developmentally sensitive drug abuse treatments for adolescents. The total amount of funding that the NIDA expects to award through this announcement is $1,500,000 for an anticipated 3-4 awards.

Closing Date for Applications: September 1st, 2009
To view full announcement, please click here.
Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern.

Partnerships for Biodefense Viral Pathogens (R01)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites research applications for projects that support development of new therapeutics, immunotherapeutics or medical diagnostics for NIAID Category A, B, or C viral pathogens. The NIAID intends to commit $7.3 million in total costs in FY2010 to fund five to ten applications in response to this FOA. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

Closing date for applications: September 23,2009
To view full announcement, please click here.
Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern

Partnerships for Biodefense Food- and Water-borne Diseases (R01)

“This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites research applications for projects that support development of therapeutics, immunotherapeutics, medical diagnostics and broad-spectrum vaccines for NIAID Category B food- and water-borne priority pathogens and toxins”

Closing date for applications:September 23, 2009
To view full announcement please click here.
Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern

Highly Innovative Tactics to Interrupt Transmission of HIV (HIT-IT) (R01)

This FOA issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), invites research grant applications (R01) from organizations that are looking to “stimulate the discovery, design and early preclinical evaluation of highly innovative, risky but rational approaches that could provide long-term protection from acquiring HIV infection.” Recent research has been slowed down due to various causes, therefore the medical community is looking to bolster the resources available to organizations that are making innovative discoveries. NIAID intends to commit approximately $4M in total costs in FY 2010 to fund 5-10 applications submitted in response to this FOA.

To view full announcement, please click here.
Closing date for applications: November 3rd, 2009
Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern.

Calcium Oxalate Stone Diseases

“The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to increase investigator interest in research into oxalate metabolism, transport and homeostasis, and oxalate stone diseases. This initiative encourages basic, clinical or epidemiological studies that utilize new and innovative approaches to study the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these disorders. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this funding opportunity may not exceed 5 years. Applications for R01 awards are not limited in dollars but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed projects.”

To view full announcement, please click here.
Current closing date for applications:September 8th, 2012
Ishani Ved, Rutgers University Student, VERTICES Public Health Intern