The purpose of the Institutional Translational Research Training Program is to equip trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to advance basic research toward clinical application. These programs will support students postdocs, and/or fellowship-stage clinicians conducting basic, disease-relevant research in an environment that includes 1) basic scientists and clinicians who are actively engaged in collaborative research projects, 2) neuroscience researchers with expertise in translational processes who are conducting research designed to move basic discoveries toward clinical application and 3) relationships with industry and government regulatory agencies. Programs will have a cohesive educational approach to translational training in areas relevant to the NINDS mission, and in which students and postdocs learn the processes involved in translational research in the context of their individual projects. Programs supported by this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) must include activities that ensure a thorough understanding of experimental design, strong statistical and analytical skills, and skills for communicating science with a wide variety of audiences. These programs are intended to be 2 years in duration and support training of one or more of the following groups: advanced predoctoral students, postdoctoral fellows and fellowship-stage clinicians. Upon completion of the program, trainees will be prepared to address basic research problems with an understanding of the requirements for translating discoveries into viable therapies.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not allow appointed Trainees to lead an independent clinical trial, but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.
Deadlines:
- Application Due Date(s): May 25, 2024; May 25, 2025; May 25, 2026
PAR-24-108 Expiration Date May 26, 2026
The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program.
The applicant institution must have a strong and high-quality research program in the area(s) proposed under this NOFO and must have the requisite faculty, staff, potential trainees and facilities on site to conduct the proposed institutional program. In many cases, it is anticipated that the proposed program will complement other ongoing research training programs occurring at the applicant institution and that a substantial number of program faculty will have active research projects in which participating trainees may gain relevant experiences consistent with their research interests and goals.
The participation of multiple PDs/PIs is particularly encouraged, especially when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance training. For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide. For programs that propose to have multiple PDs/PIs, at least one should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. Additional PDs/PIs may be included to achieve the training goals. Any of the PDs/PIs may serve as the contact PD/PI. Applicants are encouraged to clearly delineate the roles of the different PD/PIs.
The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees to the approved research training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required. The PD/PI has responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the program and is responsible for appointing members of the Advisory Committee (when applicable), using their recommendations to determine the appropriate allotment of funds.
For programs that propose to have multiple PDs/PIs, at least one should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. Additional PDs/PIs may be included to achieve the training goals. Any of the PDs/PIs may serve as the contact PD/PI. Applicants are encouraged to clearly delineate the roles of the different PD/PIs.