Purpose: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders invite qualified investigators to submit grant applications for the establishment of National Centers for Neurofibromatosis Research. Recent discoveries have created important opportunities for basic, translational, and clinical research on the neurofibromatoses. The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to encourage the formation and development of research centers that can capitalize on these opportunities and ultimately develop therapeutic interventions for neurofibromatosis patients. These centers are intended to provide focused expertise and resources and establish a multidisciplinary environment that will accelerate research progress.
Term/Amount: The mechanism of support for this solicitation will be the research center grant (P50). Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this PA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of the award may also vary. NINDS P50 grants are generally limited to $1 millions per year direct costs for 5 years. However, high-quality patient-oriented research requires resources devoted to training personnel, ensuring appropriate inclusion and follow-up of subjects, monitoring patient safety, and coordinating activities among participating sites. Therefore, NINDS recently published a notice raising the budget ceiling for specific solicited P50 applications to $1.5 million per year direct costs. This increased ceiling will also apply to center applications received through this PA that have significant clinical components. Applicants requesting additional funds must explain clearly why they are required for the proposed clinical studies.
Deadlines: Application deadlines are February 1, 2006, June 1, 2006, and October 1, 2006.
Complete details are available at http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-04-018.html.