Purpose: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) invites applications for a new program of Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centers (MCRCs) in arthritis and/or musculoskeletal disorders and/or skin diseases. The goals of this new program are to prevent disease and to assess and improve outcomes for patients with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases; musculoskeletal disorders including orthopaedic disorders, bone diseases and muscle diseases; and skin diseases. For a comprehensive listing of the disease areas covered in the NIAMS extramural programs, please see http://www.nih.gov/niams/grants/gen2.html Each MCRC will be organized around a methodology core and will be expected to include a minimum of three highly meritorious projects encompassing clinical research drawing from different disciplines. The methodology core will be the foundation of the center, providing key support for development and implementation of clinical projects. Each project must address a critical issue that directly involves prevention, assessment and/or outcomes for patients with one or more of the many chronic diseases within the mission of the NIAMS.
Term/Amount: The NIAMS intends to commit approximately $3.6 million in FY 2003 to fund up to three applications responding to this RFA. The applicant should request a project period of five years. The direct costs requested cannot exceed $800,000 each year (exclusive of facilities and administrative costs of subcontracts with collaborating organizations). Although the financial plans of the NIAMS provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA and future RFAs are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. This RFA is the final of three RFAs to establish the new NIAMS MCRC program. Previous RFAs were AR-00-001 for FY 2001 funding and AR-00-004 for FY 2002 funding.
Contact: The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Julia B. Freeman Centers Program, EP National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Natcher Building, Room 5AS.19F MSC 6500 Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Bethesda, MD 20814 (for express/courier service) Telephone: (301) 594-5052 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: Julia_B_Freeman{at}nih.gov The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) is to be used in applying for these grants. These forms 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{at}nih.gov.
Deadline: Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 1, 2002. Application Receipt Date: March 12, 2002.