Purpose: This Request for Applications (RFA) invites investigators to submit research applications for the George M. O'Brien Kidney Research Centers Program. The emphases for this program are fourfold (1) to continue to attract new scientific expertise into the study of the basic mechanisms of kidney diseases and disorders; (2) to encourage multidisciplinary research focused on the causes of these diseases; 3) explore new basic areas that may have clinical research application; and 4) generate *Developmental Research (DR)/Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) studies of two years duration, which are anticipated will lead to new and innovative approaches to study kidney disease, and the eventual submission of competitive investigator-initiated R01 research grant applications. The mounting complexities associated with the studies of disease processes will likely require investigators who have training and expertise in disciplines such as cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, genomics and proteomics, epidemiology, immunology and pathology. In addition, appropriate expertise will likely include a focus into topical areas, such as diabetic nephropathy or other endocrine and metabolic disorders; hypertension in kidney disease; hereditary renal disease; immunologic renal disease; acute renal failure and nephrotoxic cell injury. Individual institutions with both basic and clinical research capabilities are eligible to apply. Inter-institutional collaborative research arrangements are also appropriate and encouraged. Coordination for such arrangements must be evident and clearly meaningful and appropriate for the research proposed. *Generally DR/P&F proposals are expected to have limited preliminary data and are reviewed based on the clear development of hypotheses and supporting literature.
Term/Amount: The NIDDK intends to provide sufficient funds in FY 2003 to fund three (3) new and/or competing continuation center grants in response to this RFA. Three competing continuation applications are anticipated in response to this RFA. New or competing renewal O'Brien Kidney Research Center applications may request maximum annual direct costs of $700,000 (not to exceed $3.5 million for five years). For renewal applications, budgets requested for research subprojects and core facilities are limited to 20% budget growth over the most recent non-competing budget. Both new and renewal applications must include budgets of $120,000 annually for Developmental Research/Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) projects. The direct cost cap of $700,000, however, can be exceeded by the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs (previously referred to as “indirect costs”) on consortia subcontracts to other participating institutions. The budgets of these consortia subcontracts may include the regular cost-of-living increases (currently 3% per year). Because the nature and scope of the research proposed may vary, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of the NIDDK provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds in FY 2003 and the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of outstanding scientific and technical merit.
Contact: The letter of intent is to be sent to: Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities, NIDDK 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 752 MSC 5452 Bethesda, MD 20892-5452 (for express/courier service: Bethesda, MD 20817) Telephone: (301) 594-8897 FAX: (301) 480-3505 APPLICATION PROCEDURES The PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html are to be used in applying for these grants. This version of the PHS 398 is available in an interactive, searchable PDF format. Beginning January 10, 2002, however, the NIH will return applications that are not submitted on the 5/2001 version. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone 301/435-0714, Email: GrantsInfo{at}nih.gov.
Deadline: Letter of Intent Receipt Date: May 21, 2002. Application Receipt Date: June 19, 2002.