Safeguarding Integrity and Collaborations: Not “Either-Or” but “Both-And”
We described our concerns in this venue on July 8, 2020; we have also assembled a content-rich foreign interference web site which includes case studies, disclosure requirements, processes for handling allegations, data, and a compilation of notices, statements, and reports.   The main points we make in our letter are: NIH began addressing foreign interference concerns in May 2016, long before the Department of Justice launched its entirely separate “China Initiative.” We understand concerns about racial, ethnic, or political targeting. The disproportionate number of cases (which altogether account ...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 25, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Mike Lauer Tags: blog Open Mike foreign interference Research integrity Source Type: funding

What You Need to Know About NIH Research Enhancement Award (R15) Programs: Webinar on June 15
Did you know there are NIH programs that support small-scale research projects at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees, and which have not received significant NIH support? If not, it’s time to get to know the NIH Research Enhancement Award (R15) programs during a virtual event on June 15 at 2:30 PM ET.The NIH R15 programs include: AREA: Academic Research Enhancement Award for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions REAP: Research Enhancement Award Program for Health Professionals and Graduate Schools Prospective grant applicants and research administrators are invited to learn mo...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 23, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: Calendar Top Stories R15 Source Type: funding

Resource Roundup: Human Subjects, Clinical Trials, and Inclusion
Do you work with human subjects in your research? Our Division of Human Subjects Research team put together a handy one-page resource to help you find the information you need as you develop your grant application and beyond. In it you’ll find useful tips like how to use the participant-level data template, an infographic on exempt human subjects research, a decision tool to determine if your study is considered a clinical trial, and more! (Source: NIH Extramural Nexus)
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 19, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: New Resources human subjects Source Type: funding

Learn More About UNITE ’s Progress Towards Ensuring Equity and Opportunity in Biomedical Research
The UNITE E Committee recently updated the research community on their progress towards creating a “multipronged strategy to advance racial equity and create the most inclusive biomedical research environment possible.” We wanted to briefly share a few of their efforts here. As a reminder, NIH launched the UNITE initiative in March 2021 to end structural racism in biomedical research. Their inaugural progress report was released last October. One of five committees, UNITE E continues to focus attention on promoting and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the NIH extramural research ecosystem. In the re...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 18, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Mike Lauer Tags: blog Open Mike Biomedical Workforce Diversity Source Type: funding

Update on Simplifying Review Criteria: Analysis of Comments from the Request for Information
This blog has been co-authored with Noni Byrnes, Director, Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Originally posted on the Review Matters blog. Mike Lauer, Deputy Director for Extramural Research, NIH Noni Byrnes, Ph.D., Director of NIH Center for Scientific Review As discussed in the blog, “Update on Simplifying Review Criteria: A Request for Information (RFI),” NIH issued an RFI—from December 8, 2022, through March 10, 2023—seeking feedback on its proposed plan to revise and simplify the framework for the first level of the peer review of research project grant (RPG) applications. NIH received more than 800...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 12, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Mike Lauer Tags: blog Open Mike Center for Scientific Review CSR Request For Information (RFI) RPG Source Type: funding

Check Out These Public Federal Funding Databases to Learn More About Funding at NIH and Other Federal Agencies
We often recommend NIH RePORT (Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools) site to applicants & awardees because it publicly provides reports, data, and analyses of NIH research activities, including information on NIH expenditures and the results of NIH-supported research. The RePORT suite includes: NIH RePORTER (RePORT Expenditures and Results) allows users to search for funded projects, investigators, publications, and patents (see this NIH Open Mike blog for more). REPORTER also includes information on research projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, Agenc...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 9, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: Tips Before You Submit Funding data Source Type: funding

Pilot Starting May 15 to Improve NIH R & D Contracts Project Data
NIH is launching a pilot on May 15, 2023, to improve the quality, accuracy, and transparency of project data for awarded NIH R&D contracts to promote the highest level of public accountability (see NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-23-115). Six contract vendors have been selected to participate in the pilot. These vendors will directly enter select project data for their awarded R&D contracts in eRA systems, replacing the process of sending the information on a PDF form 1688 for manual entry by NIH staff. The data, once approved by the NIH Contract Project Officer, will be displayed to the public through RePORTE...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 3, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: Top Stories contracts Funding data Source Type: funding

Resources to Aid Your Journey on xTrain
Several resources are on hand for xTrain users to navigate the redesigned xTrain module that was launched March 30. xTrain allows program directors/principal investigators, university administrators, and trainees to electronically prepare and manage appointments and terminations for trainees and fellows. xTrain online help — For step-by-step instructions and screenshots xTrain videos — Tutorials that walk you through an overview of xTrain and how to initiate and manage appointments and terminations of trainees xTrain quick reference guides — Guides by user role for principal investigators, trainees, and ins...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 2, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: New Resources xTrain Source Type: funding

May 29 (Monday), 2023: NIH Closed for the Federal Holiday
NIH (including help desks) will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023 for the federal holiday (Memorial Day). If a grant application due date falls on a federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day. (Source: NIH Extramural Nexus)
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 2, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: Calendar federal holiday General Source Type: funding

Reminder – NIH Policies for NRSA Stipends, Compensation, and Other Income
NIH provides stipends to NRSA fellows and trainees as a subsistence allowance to help defray living expenses during the research training experience. NIH does not provide stipends as a condition of employment with either the Federal government or the sponsoring institution. While stipends are not provided as a condition of employment, this policy is not intended to discourage or otherwise prevent recipient institutions from hiring NRSA trainees and fellows as employees or providing them with benefits consistent with what the institution provides others at similar career stages.  For more information, see the full G...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 1, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: Top Stories NRSA stipends Source Type: funding

Tool Tip: Identify NIH Funded Researchers at Your Institution and Beyond with RePORTER
Would you benefit from feedback on your NIH grant application? Or are you seeking advice on NIH funding and how it can support your career progression? Sometimes help is closer than you think! It can be very helpful to tap NIH-funded researchers at your own institution to provide feedback on your application or to serve as mentors. NIH RePORTER is a super easy way to identify NIH-funded investigators at your institution (or elsewhere) who may be willing to help. RePORTER is an electronic tool that allows users to search a database of NIH-funded research projects and access publications and patents resulting from NI...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - May 1, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: Tips Before You Submit Funding data RePORTER Source Type: funding

NIH Natural Disaster Policy Reminder:  Mississippi Severe Storms, Winds, and Tornadoes
NIH is deeply concerned for the health and safety of people and animals, and about the biomedical enterprise in the areas in Mississippi affected by these natural disasters. Due to the exceptional impact of these storms, NIH wants to assure our recipient community that we will be doing our part to help the extramural community continue its research. NIH has issued a notice  identifying policy exceptions for impacted organizations to relieve short-term administrative, financial management, and audit requirements.   Our website on  Extramural Response to Natural Disasters  has a list of available...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - April 28, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: Top Stories natural disaster Source Type: funding

Animal Welfare Webinar: Foundations for Evaluating Study Design and Statistical Approaches for the IACUC
Do you want more tools to understand good experimental design when reviewing animal use protocols? Watch this informative webinar hosted by the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare on approaches for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to effectively evaluate study design, animal numbers, and statistical descriptions in animal protocols. By focusing on concepts rather than mathematical equations, this webinar is for all IACUC members regardless of scientific or statistical background.   (Source: NIH Extramural Nexus)
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - April 28, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: New Resources Animal Welfare Source Type: funding

Update on Improving Fellowship Review: A Request for Information
This blog has been co-authored with Noni Byrnes, Director, Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Originally posted on the Review Matters blog. Mike Lauer, Deputy Director for Extramural Research, NIH Noni Byrnes, Ph.D., Director of NIH Center for Scientific Review NIH is recommending changes to the peer review of Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellowship applications by restructuring the review criteria and modifying some sections of the PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form that are specific to NRSAs. The goal of this effort is to facilitate the mission of NRSA fellowship peer review – to iden...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - April 25, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Mike Lauer Tags: blog Open Mike fellowship NRSA request for information Request For Information (RFI) Review Source Type: funding

Navigating the NIH
Guest post by Chuck Dunn, Associate Director, Office of Communications and Outreach, NIH Center for Scientific Review, and Lamont Williams, Associate Director, Office of Communications and Outreach, NIH Center for Scientific Review. Originally posted on the Review Matters blog. Lamont Williams, Associate Director, Office of Communications and Outreach Chuck Dunn, Associate Director, Office of Communications and Outreach NIH has a vested interest in receiving proposals from a wide range of investigators, from a wide range of applicant institutions. However, data on funding of research project grants (RPGs) and a rece...
Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - April 20, 2023 Category: Research Authors: NIH Staff Tags: blog Open Mike applications Resources submission policy Source Type: funding