October 30, 2015
Scientists have long considered the research process to be self-correcting; we trust that, even if scientists may sometimes make errors in the lab, those errors will eventually be discovered and corrected as others try to substantiate and extend original research findings. However, as stated in a commentary by NIH Director Francis Collins and NIH Deputy Director Larry Tabak, “A growing chorus of concern, from scientists and laypeople, contends that the complex system for ensuring the reproducibility of biomedical research is failing and is in need of restructuring.”
There are examples that indicate that our processes have room for improvement. For example, a 2008 study ….
October 30, 2015
In eRA Commons, grantees use the eRA Commons closeout feature to electronically file the information necessary to complete grant closeout requirements. In addition to the eRA user guide to the closeout features, eRA has created a video tutorial on ….
October 29, 2015
We periodically need to update our application forms and instructions to accommodate changing policy, new business needs, and sometimes (not often enough) to reduce the amount of information we ask of you. Given our constraints, we have been working to provide systems support to make the mechanics of these transitions easier for you. This particular set of changes implements a number of policy changes impacting applications submitted in 2016, which we announced in a series of recent NIH Guide notices. We would like to give you a quick overview of what is happening. ….
October 28, 2015
Interested in applying for the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP)? Join the LRP Director, Dr. Ericka Boone, and LRP information center staff on November 2, 3 p.m. ET for a live LRP application technical assistance webinar to get an in-depth look at the LRP application process. ….
October 27, 2015
Grantees abide by the terms of the NIH Grants Policy Statement (GPS) the moment they draw down the first of their grant funds. NIH updates the GPS annually. ….
October 23, 2015
NIH (including help desks) will be closed Thursday, November 26, 2015 (Thanksgiving Day). If a grant application due date falls on this federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.
October 23, 2015
NIH (including help desks) will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2015 (Veterans’ Day). If a grant application due date falls on this federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.
October 23, 2015
As many in the research community know, the “Common Rule” refers to current regulations to protect individuals who participate in research as human subjects. The regulations, which have been in place since 1991, are followed by 18 federal agencies that support research – hence the name. Today I’d like to give you some background on how these regulations – and the conversation around these regulations – have evolved since 1991, and let you know about an opportunity to provide feedback on the modernization of these important rules. ….
October 19, 2015
Peter H. Schuck, the former deputy dean of the Yale Law School, recently published the book, Why Government Fails So Often: and How It Can Do Better, a rather depressing explanation of how public regard for government has steadily declined since the 60’s and 70’s. After 10 chapters that detail why the US Federal Government fails and fails again, along comes Chapter 11. No, not a chapter on bankruptcy, but on “Policy Successes.” And one of the several policy successes he mentions include an agency that you and I are well familiar with… the National Institutes of Health. The author notes, “Even small-government advocates generally concede an important role to the Federal Government [in] basic research – the creation of knowledge – in areas where private actors lack incentives to invest.” NIH-funded research has yielded important discoveries that have led to new treatments; has enabled excellent institutions of learning to flourish; has created cutting-edge job opportunities; and has forged strong collaborations with the private sector. ….
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