Applications to NIH Loan Repayment Programs Accepted Sept. 1 through Nov. 17

August 29, 2014

Dedication to the path of research can be rewarding and fulfilling as a career choice. The National Institutes of Health want to encourage outstanding health professionals to pursue careers in biomedical, behavioral, social, and clinical research, and to develop their skills into a lifelong passion for discovery and knowledge. However, far too often, the pursuit of research can be a challenge, especially when faced with high levels of student loan debt. This is how the NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) can help!

How Do We Request Prior Approval from NIH When Senior or Key Personnel Are Withdrawn from a Project?

August 29, 2014

As outlined in NIH GPS Section 8.1.3, you must send NIH a request, signed by your Authorized Organizational Representative, to the Chief Grants Management Officer of the awarding NIH institute (a full list of contacts can be found online). Your NIH program official is not authorized to approve the change; only the grants management officer can … Continue reading “How Do We Request Prior Approval from NIH When Senior or Key Personnel Are Withdrawn from a Project?”

Promoting Health, Science, and Public Trust through Laboratory Safety

August 27, 2014

As you may know from recent news reports, there have been lapses in safety practices at federal laboratories involving potentially lethal microbes such as avian flu (H5N1) and anthrax, including an incident involving discovery of 60-year old smallpox vials in an FDA laboratory building located on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Bethesda, MD. Such lapses, which undermine public confidence in biomedical research and could put people’s health at risk, remind us of the need for constant attention to biosafety standards. …. Today, NIH issued a Guide Notice, to reinforce the message that our grantees must meet all applicable federal, state, and local health and safety standards for research conduct. Just as with federal labs, grantee institutions are….

Expanding the Impact of Genomic Data

August 27, 2014

Genomic research produces incredibly large amounts of valuable data, often more than one lab can feasibly interrogate. Every day, genomic sequencing costs decrease, and high-throughput technologies advance, allowing scientists to generate large-scale genomic data faster than before. Thus the sharing of these data not only is practical and efficient, it also maximizes the scientific potential of valuable data. This is why it’s important for you to know about the release of the final NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy.

During a No-Cost Extension, is Prior Approval Still Required if Senior or Key Personnel Withdraw from a Project?

August 25, 2014

Yes. As described in NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 8.1.2.6, prior approval from NIH is required for a change in status such as withdrawal from the project during a no-cost extension. This applies only if the senior or key personnel are named on the Notice of Award sent by NIH. For more frequently asked questions … Continue reading “During a No-Cost Extension, is Prior Approval Still Required if Senior or Key Personnel Withdraw from a Project?”

Women in Biomedical Research

August 8, 2014

It has been a while since I’ve discussed the participation of women in researchand NIH extramural programs, and following up on a recent workshop we held on the advancement of women in biomedical careers, I thought it would be a good time to revisit updated data and discuss issues concerning women in biomedical research.