Science Policy

Meeting of National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse
The National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse, the advising body for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), held its quarterly meeting on February 6, 2008. NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow opened the meeting with an update on the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget for NIDA. President Bush has proposed a budget for NIDA of $1.001 billion, which is a very modest increase of $972,000 over the enacted 2008 budget for the agency. Many of the program areas responsible for funding research budgets, such as the Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research; Genetics and Addiction; and the Clinical Trials Network are slated to be either flat funded or to experience a decrease in budget under the President’s proposal.

Dr. Volkow also reported on the results of the most recent Monitoring the Future survey of America’s youth. The results show consistent declines in past-year use of illicit drugs over the past ten years and a 23 percent decline in youth substance abuse since 2001. Dr. Alan Krensky, Director of the NIH Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives, presented an update on innovative research at NIH. There were 35 New Innovator awards granted this year, from an applicant pool of 2,000. An oversight group to review ”high-risk, high-reward” applications to NIH found that the peer review process and the flat budget have discouraged innovation and encouraged conservatism in grant applications. Dr. Cindy Miner of NIDA provided an updated on outcomes of mentoring, or K Awards at NIDA. These awards provide 3 to 5 years of support for a mentored investigator before they become a Principal Investigator. Dr. Miner reported that most researchers funded by NIDA are continuing to be funded by later NIDA awards. Because of a lack of child psychiatrists submitting applications, NIDA has worked for over a decade with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) to encourage applications for K12 awards. The collaboration has produced 200 applications from the initial AACAP cohort in the 1990’s.

Meeting of National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
The National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which advises the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), held the open session of its quarterly meeting on February 7, 2008. NIAAA Director Dr. Ting-Kai Li provided an update on the agency’s recent activities. Dr. Li discussed the President’s recently released FY09 budget request. President Bush requested $436.7 million for NIAAA in FY09, an increase of $400,000. With this funding, NIAAA will support 17 research centers, 86 research career awards, and 287 pre- and post-doctoral trainees in FY09. During his report, Dr. Li also mentioned the formation of a new group, the Friends of NIAAA, for stakeholders of NIAAA. This group hosted a congressional briefing on underage drinking in November, for which SRCD was a co-sponsor.

The Advisory Council Meeting also included an update on college drinking research funded by NIAAA . The Institute released a new report in November 2007, What Colleges Need to Know Now: An Update on College Drinking Research. The report highlights interventions that can be effective in reducing alcohol-related problems among students. Specific interventions mentioned in the report include the use of skills-based interventions and motivational interviewing. The report is available online at: http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/1College_Bulletin-508_361C4E.pdf. During the meeting, Dr. Jason Kilmer, a clinical psychologist, discussed the spectrum of intervention response research funded by NIAAA. Dr. Kilmer also identified future issues to address, such as barriers to implementation and the role of parents and faculty. Additionally, Dr. Robert Saltz, from the Prevention Research Center, presented research on environmental prevention strategies to reduce college student drinking problems.

2009 Presidential Budget Request
On Monday February 4 th, President Bush released his 2009 budget request.

Department of Education
For FY09, President Bush requested $59.2 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education. This appropriation request is equal to the FY08 level of funding. Included in the request is $1 billion for Reading First state grants, an increase of $607 million from FY08. The Reading First program uses research-based instructional methods to improve the reading skills of students in elementary schools. President Bush would also provide $175 million, an increase of $131.5 million, to improve math and science education, a component of the American Competitiveness Initiative; an increase of $207 million to Title I funding; $200 million for a teacher incentive fund; and $300 million for a new program called Pell Grants for Kids, which will operate like a voucher system to help children.

For the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the President has requested an increase of $112.1 million, or 20 percent, bringing the total funding to $658.2 million for FY09. Within IES, research, development and dissemination activities would receive $167.2 million, an increase of $7.5 million. Additionally, IES would receive an additional $34.7 million to expand National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) activities, for a total budget of assessment projects at $138.8 million. The Institute would also receive an substantial increase for competitive awards to help State education agencies design, develop and implement longitudinal data systems to improve teaching and learning and strengthen State accountability systems; this would be a total of $100 million for statewide data systems, an increase of $51.7 million.

National Institutes of Health
President Bush requested $29.23 billion for the NIH in FY09, which is equal to the funding NIH received in FY08. Funding for the NIH Institutes would also remain at FY08 levels, with NICHD at $1.26 billion, NIMH at $1.41 billion, NIDA at $1 billion and NIAAA at $436 million. The NIH Office of the Director, which funds the National Children’s Study (NCS), would be funded at about $1.05 billion, a decrease of $52 million or 5 percent. Through this cut, President Bush essentially eliminated funding for the NCS. Within his proposed budget, President Bush identified several strategic priorities at NIH, including: (1) Supporting new investigators with the Pathway to Independence program and New Innovator Awards; (2) Retaining well-established investigators through the NIH Director’s Bridge Award program; and (3) Continuing to support new ideas and initiatives through the NIH Common Fund.

National Science Foundation
President Bush requested an increase of $822 million, or 13 percent, for NSF in FY09. This increase would bring the total funding of NSF to $6.85 billion. Within NSF, Research and Related Activities would receive an additional $772.5 million, or 16 percent, increasing its total funding to $5.59 billion. The Administration estimates that this increase will support 1370 additional research grants.

The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) would receive $233.5 million in FY09, an increase of $18.35 million or 8.5 percent increase from FY08. The SBE Directorate would receive the smallest percentage increase of any directorate. (For example, the Engineering budget would be increased by nearly 20 percent, in the spirit of the America Competes Act. About $7 million of the Directorate’s funds would be directed to Core activities. Additionally, $3.12 million would be set aside for the Science of Science and Innovation Policy initiative and another $3 million for the Complexity and Systems Thinking program. Within the SBE Directorate, Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences would receive $92.8 million, an increase of about $8 million or 9.6 percent, Social and Economic Sciences would receive $107.5 million, an increase of $7 million or 7 percent, and Science Resources Statistics would be increased by $3.31 million or 10.4 percent to a total of $44.21 million.

Additionally, the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) would receive an increase of $64.8 million or about 9 percent, bringing its total funding for FY09 to $790.4 million. Within the EHR Directorate, research and evaluation related to STEM education would see small increases in the Project and Program Evaluation program, up by $3 million to $10 million, and the Discovery Research K-12 program, increased by $8.5 million to $108.5 million. The Math and Science Partnership program, which focuses on the education of STEM teachers, would receive $51 million, an increase of $2.5 million.

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Social Policy  

House Passes Higher Education Act Reauthorization
On February 7, the House voted 354-58 to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. The Act, which expires on March 31, would be renewed for five years under the House bill. The House bill tackles the issue of the soaring price of college while attempting to eliminate obstacles that make it financially difficult for qualified students to go to college. The bill, championed by Rep. George Miller (D-CA), includes a $20 billion increase in federal student aid. Other major items in the House bill include: language preventing lenders from entering profit-sharing relationships with schools; an increase in the maximum level for Pell Grants to $9,000 per year (and increase of about $4,700) and price disclosure requirements for textbook publishers, in an attempt to keep textbook costs down. The Senate passed a similar bill in July by a vote of 95-0. The House and Senate will begin to reconcile the differences between the two bills before the act expires on March 31. President Bush has expressed opposition to a few items in the House bill, including language that would remove the Education Department’s authority to regulate accreditation.

Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention Act
The National Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (NJJDP) Coalition held a Congressional briefing on February 21st. The briefing served as an opportunity for Congressional staff and other stakeholders to learn more about the pending reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). The JJDPA was last reauthorized in 2002 and a new bill is expected to be introduced early next month. Currently, the JJDPA authorizes: (1) a juvenile justice planning and advisory system for all states; (2) federal funding for delinquency prevention and improvements in state and local juvenile justice programs; and (3) operation of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, a federal agency supporting state and local efforts through training, technical assistance, and research and evaluation. The NJJDP Coalition is seeking to strengthen the reauthorization bill in several core protection areas. The House and Senate are expected to work on the reauthorization of the JJDPA this spring.

Bill to Reestablish White House Conference on Children and Youth
On February 14, Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA) the House introduced a bill ( H.R.5461 ) to require the President to call a White House Conference on Children and Youth in 2010 . The White House used to hold a conference on children and youth every ten years, but has not since the 1970’s. The bill outlines the purposes of the Conference, which include identifying the problems and challenges of child abuse and neglect, and the needs of the children and families affected by decisions made through the child welfare system. Additionally, the Conference would work to strengthen the use of research-based best practices to improve child-welfare. After being introduced, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor. The bill currently has 32 cosponsors.

Senate Hearing on Family and Medical Leave Act
The Subcommittee on Children and Families in the Senate HELP Committee held a hearing on the future of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) on February 13. The FMLA became law in 1993 and provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for a variety of life events, including care for a newborn child or care for a spouse, parent or child with a serious health condition. During the hearing, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) spoke about important aspects of the FMLA, including provisions that allow more time for parent-child interactions, which contributes to positive emotional development of children. Victoria Lipnic, assistant secretary for the Employment Standards Administration at the Department of Labor, testified before the Subcommittee about the need to update the law. Ms. Lipnic also mentioned the importance of educating employees about their rights under the law.

Also testifying before the Subcommittee was Debra Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women and Families. Ms. Ness discussed unintended benefits of the FMLA, including how the law helps combat gender discrimination and harmful stereotypes about gender roles. She also expressed her concern about regulatory changes proposed by the Department of Labor regarding the use of unscheduled intermittent leave. Katheryn Elliott, assistant director of Employees Relations at Central Michigan University, on behalf of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), explained that current law has created challenges for both employers and employees. Ms. Elliott said that many HR professionals struggle to interpret parts of the FMLA, including the definition of a serious health condition. Also testifying before the Subcommittee were Marcel Reid, of D.C. ACORN, and Kristen Grimm, president of Spitfire Strategies. A video of the hearing is archived at the HELP Committee website: http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2008_02_13/2008_02_13.html.

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Information Sources

Information on Presidential Candidates
The following information resources are provided as a service to SRCD members. SRCD has not vetted these websites for accuracy, and does not endorse a political party or candidate.

AAAS: Science and Technology Issues
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) , with support from the Lounsbery Foundation, launches a website as a resource on candidates’ science and technology positions, and to provide the research community with a vehicle for informing the candidates on these issues. The website includes news updates, highlights of and links to candidates' science and technology statements and positions, links to other presidential projects, reports, surveys, and events. This website from AAAS is online at: http://election2008.aaas.org/

Scientists and Engineers for America: Science and Health Issues
Scientists and Engineers for America recently launched the Science Health and Related Policies (SHARP) Network. This website is wiki-based system that allows the public to track the positions elected officials and presidential candidates have taken on critical science and health issues. The SHARP Network also includes profiles and political positions of the candidates running for President. The SHARP Network is an online at: http://sharp.sefora.org

Child and Family Policy Center: Children’s Issues
The Child and Family Policy Center developed the “It’s About Our Kids” website as a way “to better link research and policy on issues vital to children and families and to advocate for evidenced-based strategies to improve child outcomes.” The website includes presidential candidate responses to a survey developed by a coalition of Iowa organizations concerned about children 's issues. Topics included in the survey include: High Quality Child Care; Preschool; Afterschool; Child Health Care; Children with Disabilities; Child Abuse and Neglect; Family Economic Security and Success; Immigration Policy; Ensuring Equal Opportunity. Responses from the candidates who returned the survey are available online at: http://www.itsaboutourkids.org/child_survey.html

Kaiser Family Foundation: Health Care
The Kaiser Family Foundation launched a website to provide analysis of health policy issues relevant to the 2008 presidential election. The website provides up-to-date polling, analysis, facts, news, video, and interviews from Kaiser and a broad range of sources. Additionally, the website features an online tool that enables users to compare candidates’ positions on access to health care coverage, cost containment, improving the quality of care and financing. This website from the Kaiser Family Foundation can be found at: www.health08.org.

Diversity Education Resources
The APA Task Force on Diversity Education Resources has compiled resources for instructors who want to address diversity issues in their classrooms. These resources include annotated bibliographies of teaching resources, including books, book chapters, journal articles, films, websites, and other media. Topics addressed include issues, such as assessment, institutional support for diversity education, instructional resources, power and privilege, and ways to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue psychology as a profession. The resources were developed for teachers of psychology at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate level. A bibliography of diversity education resources is available on the web at: http://teachpsych.org/diversity/ptde/index.php.

IES Seminar on the Use of NCES International Databases
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within IES will host a 2½-day seminar on the use of NCES International Databases: the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). The seminar will be held May 21-23 in Washington, DC. This seminar is open to advanced graduate students and faculty members from colleges and universities nationwide and to researchers, education practitioners, and policy analysts from state and local education agencies and professional associations. NCES will cover all costs associated with attending this seminar. All applications should be received no later than April 4, 2008. For more information or to complete an application, go to: http://ies.ed.gov/whatsnew/conferences/?id=309&cid=2.

IES Research Training Institute: Single-Case Design
The National Center for Special Education Research, within the Institute of Education Sciences, is sponsoring a two-day Training Institute to increase the capacity of researchers to conduct rigorous special education research using single-case methodologies that incorporate quantitative analyses. The Training Institute will be held in Washington, DC on April 15-16, 2008. More information about the Training Institute, including the application procedures, have been posted on the website: http://ies.ed.gov/whatsnew/conferences/?id=307&cid=4.

IES Research Training Institute: Cluster-Randomized Trials
The National Center for Education Research (NCER) in the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) will hold a Summer Research Training Institute on Cluster-Randomized Trials. The training institute will be held from July 6-18 at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. The aim of the institute is to increase the national capacity of researchers to develop and conduct rigorous evaluations of the impact of education interventions. Application information is available on the IES website at: http://ies.ed.gov/whatsnew/conferences/?id=310.

Culturally Informed Evidence Based Practices Conference
Representatives of five APA Divisions (Divisions 45, 17, 42, 12, and 37) are organizing a two-day conference to inform and stimulate interest and activity in generating research and evaluation efforts in the development of evidence-based practices for ethnic minority populations. The conference, Culturally Informed Evidence Based Practices: Translating Research and Policy for the Real World will be held on March 13 and 14, 2008 at the Double Tree Hotel in Bethesda, Maryland. Registration and more information are available online at:
http://www.reisman-white.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=23.

Summer Workshop: Using Secondary Data for Analysis of Marriage and Family
From July 24 to 25, 2008, Bowling Green State University will host a summer workshop on the topic of secondary data use for analysis of marriage and family. Sponsored by the National Center for Marriage Research, the workshop will focus on analyzing marriage and family research questions using the following four data sources:  Fragile Families, National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, National Survey of Family Growth, and the Survey of Income and Program Participation. Additional information about the summer workshop is available online at: http://www.ncfr.org/pdf/zippy_news/bgsuSummerProgPDF.pdf.

Summer Workshop: Welfare, Children and Families
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor will host a summer workshop on welfare, children and families from July 21 to 23, 2008. This workshop will introduce interested researchers to the Three-City Study, a three-wave longitudinal survey of low-income families and children in the post-welfare reform era.  The study has followed about 2,400 families in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio since 1999, including a six-year follow-up wave completed in 2005. More information about this workshop is available online at: http://www.ncfr.org/about/news_read.asp?id=1122.

APA Seeks Volunteers to Represent Psychology at the United Nations in New York
APA is seeking applications from psychologists in the greater New York area to join the APA Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) representative team at the United Nations (UN). APA has appointed a team of psychologists who serve as their NGO representatives at the UN headquarters in New York. These psychologists participate in a wide range of activities to strengthen psychology’s impact on UN policies and programs. Two positions will be open with appointments beginning January 2009, each with a renewable term of five years. Representatives are expected to attend regular meetings of the APA team (typically once a month at UN headquarters), to join and attend UN NGO committee meetings, to make contact with UN diplomatic representation and staff when possible and to participate in the planning for the annual Psychology Day. The time commitment is generally one day per week. Applications are due by March 1. Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Dr. Merry Bullock, Senior Director, APA Office of International Affairs; (202) 336-6024; mbullock@apa.org.

Summer Research Experience Program for Underrepresented Undergraduates
The School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University is accepting applications for a summer program for underrepresented undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience for graduate school. Summer Research Experience Program (SREP) students will register for a three-credit upper division seminar at ASU focused on professional development (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE, attending professional conferences), conduct a small research project based on the faculty mentor's ongoing research, and prepare a poster for presentation of their research at the end of the eight-week session. Accepted students will receive a financial package that may include tuition, travel, housing and stipend. More information about this research opportunity is available at: http://www.asu.edu/clas/ssfd/srep/index.html.

Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy
APA Division 31 is seeking nominations for the Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy. This award is given to honor psychologists who have been in the forefront of advocacy on behalf of psychology. Specifically, the Karl F. Heiser Award honors those individuals who have given their time to define the discipline of psychology statutorily by state and federal laws and regulations through advocacy. Such laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, licensure, freedom of choice, Medicare, Medicaid, Workers Compensation, disability determination, mandatory mental health/substance abuse coverage, civil commitment, hospital practice, prescriptive authority, child protection and elder protection, etc. Nominations and a descriptive paragraph with specific details for each nominee are due by March 15. Electronic submissions should be sent to Dr. Jeffrey E. Barnett at drjbarnett1@comcast.net .

Secretary's Advisory Committee on Re-Designation of Head Start Grantees
The first meeting of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Re-Designation of Head Start Grantees will meet March 12-13, 2008 in Washington, DC. This meeting is open to the public. The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 requires the Secretary to develop a system for designation renewal to determine if Head Start agencies are delivering high-quality and comprehensive Head Start programs that meet the educational, health, nutritional, and social needs of the children and families they serve. The Advisory Committee will provide advice and recommendations on the development of a transparent, reliable and valid system for designation renewal as required under the statute. During its first meeting, the Advisory Committee will hear presentations on and discuss: (1) The grantee application process; (2) risk management; (3) classroom quality; (4) program monitoring; budgets, fiscal management, and annual audits; (5) the Program Information Report and other data sources; and (6) plans for future work of the Committee. Additional information, including instructions for registering for the meeting, is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/
E8-3641.htm.

New NIDA Website to Facilitate Information-Sharing and Collaboration
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently introduced a website to facilitate information-sharing and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The NIDA Networking Project (NNP) is intended to accelerate scientific discovery by sharing information across disciplines, networks and institutions. The NNP website provides access to the locations, people, and resources of NIDA-sponsored research networks, including, for example, the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) and the NIDA Genetics Consortium (NGC). Other features of the website include: (1) An interactive US map with locations and contacts for nearly 200 NIDA network sites; (2) Network missions and descriptions; (3) Links to 15 network Websites with scientific protocols and papers, as well as, procedural policies and manuals; (4) NIDA news and events of interest to scientists, clinicians, and addiction specialists; and (5) A searchable database of network participants’ expertise and research interests. The NNP Website is located at:  http://nnp.drugabuse.gov. 

Call for Manuscripts for a Special Section on Raising Healthy Children: Translating Child Development Research into Practice  
Child Development invites manuscripts for a special section of the journal that will be focused on Raising Healthy Children: Translating Child Development Research into Practice. A primary goal of this special section is to report on important translational contributions of developmental research on the social and emotional adjustment of children and youth for informing interventions, practices, and policies that will help enhance well-being and/or decrease prevalence of mental health, educational, physical health, child welfare, and/or juvenile justice problems. Authors who plan to submit a manuscript for the special issue are asked to submit a letter of intent by April 1, 2008. Additional information on this special section is available online at: http://srcd.org/documents/publications/cd/specialsection2.pdf.

Call for Papers: Families and Health
Family Relations , an interdisciplinary journal of applied family studies from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) will devote a special issue to the topic of “families and health.” The journal is currently seeking submissions of papers. Papers addressing all topics in “families and health” are encouraged, including those pertaining to disease prevention, acute and chronic illnesses, and health promotion from a family perspective. Results of intervention studies that support family health are particularly encouraged. Papers that speak directly to the policy implications of families and health are also sought. Papers are due by August 4. Potential authors are invited to contact the guest editors to discuss submission ideas: Joseph G. Grzywacz, Ph.D., (336) 716-2237, grzywacz@wfubmc.edu and Lawrence Ganong, Ph.D., (573) 882-6852 ganongl@missouri.edu. For complete details about this special issue, submission guidelines and suggested topics, please visit: http://www.ncfr.org/pdf/journals/Families_and_Health_Special.pdf.

Call for Papers: Special Issue on Family Assessment in Pediatric Psychology
The Journal of Pediatric Psychology is seeking papers for a special issue on Family Assessment in Pediatric Psychology. This special issue actively encourages the dissemination of research regarding the development, evaluation, and use of family measures within pediatric contexts. The special issue aims to: (1) promote the development and refinement of family assessment measures that will better elucidate family interaction patterns that promote resilience and enhance quality of life in pediatric populations; and (2) highlight measures that might be incorporated into ongoing descriptive research focused on family variables as resistance factors or family-focused intervention research aiming to improve adaptation, adherence, and quality of life. Of interest is innovative research documenting the psychometric properties and utility of the standard measures of family functioning in pediatric versus non-ill samples and studies reporting on the development of and unique information that can be gleaned from pediatric-specific family measures. Submissions spanning the contexts of clinical evaluation, descriptive research, and treatment outcomes are encouraged. Particular attention will be given to manuscripts that incorporate unique approaches to the use of multiple informants and multiple methods of assessment. Manuscripts are due by December 31, 2008. Inquiries regarding potential topics may be directed to Lamia Barakat (Lamia.P.Barakat@drexel.edu) and Melissa Alderfer (alderfer@email.chop.edu).

Request for Comment: Healthy People 2010
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) intends to conduct a short survey using a self-administered questionnaire of state, local, and tribal health organizations. Comments are requested on this proposed project, the evaluation of HP2010 users. The survey is part of the Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) initiative that establishes national health promotion and disease prevention goals. The overarching goals of the initiative are to increase the quality and years of healthy life and eliminate health disparities. The Department of HHS is eager to document the utilization of HP2010, and to seek input from key users on how the next iteration of the initiative, Healthy People 2020, could be improved to encourage greater involvement. This study will identify examples of effective strategies and approaches to using HP2010, and, where possible, the short-term results of those efforts. Comments are due by April 19. Comments and questions should be directed to Sherette.funncoleman@hhs.gov. The full request for comment is available online at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/
E8-3102.htm.

Request for Comment: Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System
he Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is proposing to amend the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations to modify the requirements for States to collect and report data to ACF on children in out-of-home care and in subsidized adoption or guardianship arrangements with the State. The Administration for Children and Families will consider comments by the public on this proposed collection of information in the following areas: (1) Evaluating whether the proposed collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of ACF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluating the accuracy of ACF's estimate of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhancing the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimizing the burden of the collection of information. The notice of proposed rulemaking includes plans for restructuring data, expanding reporting populations, improving data quality and eliminating unnecessary features in AFCARS regulation. In order to be considered, written comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking must be received on or before March 11, 2008. The complete notice of proposed rulemaking is available online at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/
E7-24860.htm

National Children's Study Environmental Sample Analytical Laboratories
As part of the National Children’s Study (NCS), NICHD anticipates awarding one or more contract(s) to an organization or organizations to provide analytical laboratory services for analysis of environmental samples. Further detail will be provided in the Request for Proposals (RFP) to be issued sometime in March. For now, additional information can be found online at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NICHD/RFP-NIH-NICHD-NCS-08-
09/SynopsisP.html.

NIH Public Bulletin
The February 2008 NIH Public Bulletin is now online at: http://getinvolved.nih.gov/newsbulletins/default.asp?issue=February2008.

COSSA Washington Updates Online
The February 11 th issue of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) Washington Update is available online at: http://cossa.org/volume27/27.3.pdf.

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Funding Sources

APA: Commission on Ethnic Minority Recruitment Retention and Training Grants
The APA Commission on Ethnic Minority Recruitment Retention and Training (CEMRRAT) Task Force is seeking proposals for 2008 CEMRRAT GRANTS. These grants are intended to serve as “seed funds” to energize, empower, and support the efforts of individuals, organizations, and educational institutions committed to enhancing ethnic minority recruitment, retention and training in psychology. Proposals will be accepted from state psychological associations, APA divisions, departments/schools of psychology, APA boards and committees, or individuals. Funds will be available on a first come-first served basis. The full request for proposals is available at: www.apa.org/pi/oema/programs/CEMRRAT2%202008_request_for_proposals.pdf.

APA: Jeffrey S. Tanaka Memorial Dissertation Award in Psychology
Jeffrey S. Tanaka Memorial Dissertation Award in Psychology recognizes the most outstanding dissertation in psychology that contributes to a better understanding of the psychological issues and concerns facing communities of color. The Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) welcomes applications from individuals who filed their dissertations in 2006 or 2007, on research involving one or more of the following areas: (1) enhancing the psychological understanding of ethnic minority issues; (2) improving psychological service delivery systems to ethnic minorities; (3) developing new concepts or theories relevant to ethnic minority populations; (4) creating methodological paradigms that promote effective research and understanding of the values, beliefs and needs of ethnic minority communities. The winner receives $500 and a $300 travel award sponsored by the APA Science Directorate, and will be invited to briefly present her or his dissertation at the next APA convention. Deadline for submission of abstracts is April 1, 2008. More information about this opportunity is available at www.apa.org.

APA: Suinn Minority Achievement Awards
The CEMRRAT Task Force is accepting nominations for the Suinn Minority Achievement Awards. The Suinn Award is presented to departments of psychology who have demonstrated excellence in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of ethnic minority students. Nominations are submitted by student(s) within the particular psychology graduate department and/or program. To nominate a department, please visit: http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/programs/suinn_award_2007.pdf.

APA: PRoDIGS Grants
Early career faculty are encouraged to apply for Promoting Psychological Research and Training on Health Disparities Issues at Ethnic Minority Serving Institutions (PRoDIGS) grants. These grants, funded by APA, will be awarded for specific, limited, and highly focused activities that are both preliminary and related to the preparation of a federal or foundation funding proposal, and able to be fully implemented during a 12 to 18 month period. The ProDIGS project seeks to increase the capacity of ethnic minority serving postsecondary institutions and faculty to engage in health disparities research and encourage student involvement in health disparities research training at early levels of the educational pipeline. All applicants are required to submit a detailed concept paper at least 2 to 4 pages in length. Applications are due by March 3, 2008. The complete RFP can be found at: http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/2008_aei_rfp.pdf.

NSF: Study Abroad Research Opportunity
A new funding program from the NSF is now available. The program, called the East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes (EAPSI), offers U.S. graduate students in science and engineering a unique opportunity to study abroad with foreign researchers (in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, or Taiwan) for eight weeks during the summer. Students studying behavioral and social sciences are eligible for this opportunity. In 2008, the EAPSI awards will include a stipend of $5,000, an allowance for international travel, and support to attend a pre-departure orientation in Washington DC. Foreign co-sponsoring organizations will provide additional support to cover EAPSI students' living expenses abroad. More information about this opportunity is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/eapsi.

NIH: Community Participation in Research
PA-08-074
Application Submission Date: June 5
The NIH solicits research project grant applications that propose intervention research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities that communities and researchers jointly conduct.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is defined as scientific inquiry conducted in communities and in partnership with researchers. CBPR is characterized by substantial community input in the development of the grant application. Given this FOA’s emphasis, all applications that respond to this announcement must demonstrate clear community partnerships with substantive involvement in their proposed research projects. Applications are due by February 5, 2008. The complete funding opportunity announcement is online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-074.html.

NIH: Community Participation Research Targeting the Medically Underserved
PAR-08-075 (R01); PAR-08-076 (R21)
Application Submission Dates: May 16, 2008
The NIH is seeking exploratory/developmental (R21) and research project (R01) grant applications that propose research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities that is jointly conducted by communities and researchers and targets medically underserved areas (MUAs) and medically underserved populations (MUPs) as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is defined as scientific inquiry conducted in communities and in partnership with researchers. The process of scientific inquiry is such that community members, persons affected by the health condition, disability or issue under study, or other key stakeholders in the community's health have the opportunity to be full participants in each phase of the work (from conception - design - conduct - analysis - interpretation - conclusions - communication of results). Grant applications are due by May 16, 2008. The complete FOAs are available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-075.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-076.html (R21).

NIH: Revision Awards for Studying Interactions Among Social, Behavioral, and Genetic Factors in Health
PAR-08-065(R01); PAR-08-066 (R21); PAR-08-067 (P01, P20, P50, P60, U01, U10, U54)
Letters of Intent Date: April 13, 2008
Application Submission Date: May 13, 2008
The NIH invites NIH-funded investigators to submit supplement applications to their currently funded research to study how interactions among genetic and behavioral/social factors influence health and disease. The knowledge gained by such research will improve our understanding of the determinants of disease as well as inform efforts to reduce health risks and provide treatment. This FOA solicits for human and non-human studies to advance our understanding of the interactions among genetic, social and behavioral factors that influence the processes affecting variability in disease and health progression and outcomes. This program is focused on questions concerning the effects of (1) the interaction of genetic and social or behavioral factors and (2) gene-environment-behavioral interactions; and to better understand how the interaction of behaviors and social environmental factors affect gene expression, disease and behavior phenotypes and health outcomes. To be considered responsive to this announcement, (1) the proposed research must include unambiguous, interdisciplinary perspectives, (2) the hypothesis(es) of the relationship(s) between the genetics, behaviors, social environment, and/or social processes must be clearly stated, (3) hypothesis about the proposed study should investigate how the interactions (not associations) among these variables influence the outcomes under study, and (4) the proposed study should be embedded in a well articulated set of research questions or hypothesis generated from genetic, social and/or behavioral sciences research. The complete funning opportunity announcement is online at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-065.html (R01);
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-066.html (R21);
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-067.html (P01, P20, P50, P60, U01, U10, U54).

2008 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award Program
RFA-RM-08-014
Application Submission Date: March 31, 2008
The NIH Director’s New Innovator Award is designed to support new investigators who propose bold and highly innovative new research approaches that have the potential to produce a major impact on broad, important problems in biomedical and behavioral research. New Innovator Awards provide $1.5 million in direct costs over five years. The NIH expects to award up to 24 New Innovator Awards in 2008. Applications are due by March 31, 2008. More information about this award program is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-08-014.html.

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellows
PA-07-002
Application Submission Date:  April 13
The purpose of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Act (NRSA) is to help ensure that diverse pools of highly trained scientists will be available in adequate numbers and in appropriate research areas to carry out the Nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research agendas. The objective of the Kirschstein-NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship is to provide support for promising doctoral candidates who will be performing dissertation research and training in scientific health-related fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes. The Kirschstein-NRSA for Individual Predoctoral Fellows will provide up to five years of support for research training which leads to the Ph.D. or equivalent research degree in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. Participating Institutes include: NIDA, NIMH, NIAAA, National Institute on Aging, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and Office of Dietary Supplements. More information on this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-002.html.

NIH: The Science and Ecology of Early Development (SEED)
PA-08-068 (R03); PA-08-069 (R01)
Application Submission Date: June 16 (R03); June 5 (R01)
This funding opportunity announcement, jointly issued by NICHD, NIDA and NIAAA, invites research grant applications that seek to develop or contribute to a comprehensive program of research focused on the mechanisms through which social, economic, cultural, familial and community-level factors, and their interactions, impact the early cognitive, neurobiological, socio-emotional, and physical development of children. Understanding the influence of these mechanisms and the pathways by which they operate is especially important for understanding the impact of available services and the public policies which govern them on the development of children at whom (or at whose families) these policies are often specifically targeted, notably children living in poverty or near the federal poverty line. Arenas of particular relevance include childcare, early childhood education, welfare reform, tax, social services, and work-family policies, as all of these shape the life experiences of children in poverty. Thus, the goal is to generate solid scientific information that would bear directly on these arenas and thus inform policies and the design of service delivery programs that impact child development, whether or not child development is the explicit focus of those policies and services. The complete announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-068.html (R03); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-069.html (R01).

NIH: Parenting Capacities and Health Outcomes in Youths and Adolescents
PA-07-061
Application Submission Date: June 5
This program announcement solicits research aimed at increasing parenting capacities while simultaneously focusing on the reduction, elimination or prevention of one or more high-risk health behaviors or poor health habits in youth and adolescent children. Investigators responding to this announcement are required to target two or more ineffective parenting practices or behaviors  (e.g., lack of appropriate parental monitoring, supervision, and communication, high family conflict and disorganization, parental stress and depression, lack of parent-child bonding and negative discipline methods), and two or more youth/adolescent high-risk behaviors (e.g., unhealthy dietary behaviors, inadequate physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, and unintentional (accidents) and intentional behaviors (firearm related injuries). These behaviors are frequently established during childhood and adolescent years and continue on to the adult years. These behaviors are potentially amenable to a variety of health promotion and prevention efforts. More information about this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-061.html.

NIH: The Influence of Religiosity on Health Risk Behaviors in Children and Adolescents
PA-06-403
Application Submission Date: June 16
This joint funding opportunity, from NICHD, NIAA and NINR, solicits research studies that are qualitative, quantitative, and combined methods; that examine the mechanisms, mediators, and moderators by which religious and spiritual beliefs develop and are transmitted across generations; and whether and how these beliefs influence early sexual behaviors and alcohol or other drug use that may facilitate the transmission of HIV in children and adolescents.  Religious and spiritual beliefs play a significant role in the lives of American adolescents as evidenced by estimates that over 85 percent of teenagers affiliate with an organized religion, 80 percent pray, 40 percent pray daily, and more than half attend religious services at least monthly.  The focus is on the positive and negative effects of religiosity and spirituality on health risk behaviors in children and adolescents.  In view of the increasingly plural religious landscape in the United States, researchers are encouraged to consider the beliefs and behaviors promulgated by numerous religions. Applications are due by October 16. The full grant announcement is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PA-06-403.html.

NIH: Ethical, Legal & Social Implications from Human Genomic Research
PA-08-012
Application Submission Date:  June 5
This funding opportunity is intended to encourage research projects that anticipate, analyze and address the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of the discovery and use of new information and technologies resulting from human genomic research.  Of particular interest are studies that examine issues and, where appropriate, develop policy options in the following areas: 1) the translation of genomic information to improved human health; 2) the conduct of genomic research; 3)  intellectual property issues surrounding access to and use of genomic information; 4) non-medical applications of genomic technologies and information; 5) the impact of genomics on concepts of race, ethnicity, kinship and individual and group identity; and 6) the ethical boundaries for the uses of genomics. Applications are due by February 5. Additional information on this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-012.html. There is also a Small Research Grant Program (PA-08-013) available via the R03 mechanism. More information on this opportunity is available: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-013.html. This application is due February 16.

NIH: Research on Ethical Issues in Human Subjects Research
PA-07-277
Application Submission Date: June 5
The NIH is seeking research proposals that address ethical issues that accompany the conduct of research involving human subjects. The purpose of this announcement is to solicit research addressing the ethical challenges of human subjects research in order to optimize the protection of human subjects and enhance the ethical conduct of human subjects research. The research design for studies on ethical issues in human subjects research should be appropriate to the nature of the project(s) proposed and the disciplines involved. Given the conceptual and methodological complexity of many of these research questions, interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged, particularly those involving clinical researchers, ethicists, and behavioral/social scientists. Applications are due by October 5. The full grant announcement can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-277.html.

NIH: The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Health Care Delivery
PA-08-083 (R01), PA-08-085 (R03), PA-08-084 (R21)
Application Submission Date:  June 5 (R01); June 16 (R03) (R21)

The NIH encourages the submission of research project grant applications to: (1) improve the measurement of racial /ethnic discrimination in health care delivery systems through improved instrumentation, data collection, and statistical/analytical techniques; (2) enhance understanding of the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination in health care delivery and its association with disparities in disease incidence, treatment, and outcomes among disadvantaged racial/ethnic minority groups; and (3) reduce the prevalence of racial/ethnic health disparities through the development of interventions to reduce the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination in health care delivery systems in the United States. Examples of research topics and approaches that would be relevant areas of investigation under this FOA include, but are not limited to: Methodology for measuring racial/ethnic discrimination; Discriminatory behavior by providers or other staff in the health care setting; Patient perception of the receipt of discriminatory care; Institutional racism; The effects of racial/ethnic discrimination on health care delivery to racial/ethnic minority patients; or Intervention studies. Applications are due by June 16. More information about these funding opportunities is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-083.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-085.html (R03); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-084.html (R21).

NIH: Reducing Health Disparities
PAR-07-379 (R01), PAR-07-380 (R21)
Application Submission Date: September 19
The NIH invites research project grant applications (R01) and exploratory research grant applications (R21) utilizing behavioral and social science methods to improve understanding of the causes of disparities in health among various populations of the U.S. and to develop and test more effective interventions for reducing and eventually eliminating health disparities. The goal of both grant opportunities is to move beyond documenting the existence of health and disability disparities to addressing causes and solutions. Areas of research interest include: 1) Public policy, 2) health care, and 3) disease/disability prevention. Particular attention is given to reducing “health gaps” among groups. More information about these funding opportunities is available at the following websites: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-379.html U H ( R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-380.html U H (R21).

NIH: Reducing Health Disparities Among Minority and Underserved Children
PA-07-392 (R01), PA-07-391 (R21)
Application Submission Dates: July 5 (R01), July 16 (R21)
A variety of Institutes at NIH are soliciting grant applications that propose to conduct research to reduce health disparities among minority and underserved children.  Specifically, this initiative focuses on ethnic and racial minority children and underserved populations of children such as: children from low literacy, rural and low-income populations, geographically isolated children, hearing and visually impaired children, physically or mentally disabled children, children of migrant workers, children from immigrant and refugee families, and language minority children. Specific targeted areas of research include biobehavioral studies that incorporate multiple factors that influence child health disparities such as biological (e.g., genetics, cellular, organ systems), lifestyle factors, environmental (physical and family environments), social (e.g., peer influences), economic, institutional, and cultural and family influences; studies that target the specific health promotion needs of children with a known illness and/or disability; and studies that test and evaluate the cost effectiveness of health promotion interventions conducted in nontraditional settings. The full grant opportunities are accessible at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-
392.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-391.html (R21).

NIH: Support of Competitive Research Advancement Award
PAR-08-026 (SC1); (PAR-08-027) (SC2); (PAR-08-028) (SC3)
Application Submission Date: May 25
The objective of the Support of Competitive Research (SCORE) program is to foster the development of faculty at minority serving institutions in order to increase their research competitiveness and promote their transition to non-SCORE external sources of funding. This objective is expected to translate into an increase in the number of individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research professionally engaged in these areas of research, and an enhancement of an institution’s research base. The SCORE program offers several support mechanisms for individual investigator-initiated biomedical or behavioral research projects of different scope: Research Advancement Award (SC1) for investigators who seek to enhance their research productivity to be able to compete for non-SCORE support; Pilot Project Award (SC2) for those who are at the beginning stages of a research career and who are interested in testing a new idea, or for more experienced investigators interested in switching to a different field of research; and Research Continuance Award (SC3) for investigators who have been engaged in scholarly research and published and who seek to continue to conduct competitive research of limited scope and publish. Additional information regarding these awards is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-026.html.

NIH: Behavioral and Social Research on Disasters and Health
PA-06-453
Application Submission Date: June 16
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to stimulate research in the behavioral and social sciences on the consequences of natural and man-made disasters for the health of children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. The ultimate goal of the research should be to prevent or mitigate harmful consequences associated with disaster. NICHD is interested in research on children and other vulnerable populations in disasters. The long-term effects of disaster on development are especially of interest to the Institute. The National Institute for Nursing Research is also interested in research that will develop interventions to improve outcomes for persons affected by natural and man-made disasters. The full grant opportunity is listed at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-453.html.

NIH: Research on Emergency Medical Services for Children
PA-07-269
Application Submission Date: June 5
The NICHD, NIMH and a few other Institutes are soliciting grant applications to improve the quality and increase the quantity of EMSC research to be conducted in the United States. Each sponsoring agency has further delineated specific issues/questions as illustrative of topics of research interest and will provide additional information to prospective applicants upon request.

The NICHD is interested in a variety of research topics, including: (1) the evaluation of emergency medical services for pediatric patients in terms of availability, effectiveness, and language, cultural, and developmental appropriateness; (2) the evaluation of risk factors and environmental influences on childhood injuries that require emergency medical attention; (3) the investigation of biobehavioral factors involved in risk-taking behaviors that result in conditions requiring emergency medical services. Additionally, the NIMH is interested in research related to: (1) the mental health consequences of traumatic events and the development and testing of interventions to assist victims and survivors; and (2) the spectrum of responses to trauma and the influence that different stressor parameters (e.g., setting, frequency, controllability, severity) may have for treatment alternatives and preventive options. The full funding announcement is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/
pa-files/PA-07-269.html.

NIH: Competing Renewal Awards of SBIR Phase II Grants for Brain and Behavior Tools
PA-08-056
Application Submission Date: April 5; August 5
In affiliation with the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, the NIH solicits Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications that propose to continue the process of developing complex instrumentation, clinical research tools, or behavioral interventions and treatments. Technologies solicited by this FOA fall into three broad categories: Behavioral interventions/treatments; Clinical research tools; or Complex instrumentation. Detailed descriptions of these categories are included in the full funding announcement. Applications are due by April 5. The full funding announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-056.html.

NICHD: Interagency School Readiness Consortium
RFA-HD-07-008
Application Submission Date(s): June 5
The NICHD an ACF invite applications from researchers for a multi-site research consortium designed to perform experimental efficacy trials on integrative early childhood programs that promote school readiness for children ages 3-5 who are English Language Learners (ELL) and at-risk for later school difficulties. The goal of this opportunity is to increase understanding of the types of integrative programmatic approaches that promote ELL child learning and development across multiple domains of early childhood competence, as well as those that address teacher and parent behaviors that promote ELL children’s development in these areas. Applications are due by October 5. The full announcement can be found online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-07-008.html U.

NICHD/NIMH: Research on Interventions for Child Abuse and Neglect
PA-07-437
Application Submission Date: June 5
The NIH solicits research project grant applications focused on conducting efficacy and effectiveness trials of child abuse and neglect interventions.  Of particular interest is the development of large scale trials designed to target either or both the victims or perpetrators of child abuse and neglect, including preventive interventions. Child abuse and neglect is a complex public health issue likely caused by a myriad of factors, including individual-, family-, and community-level elements.  Thus, a research program focused on understanding and addressing these problems must necessarily draw upon interdisciplinary theories and approaches.  One of the goals of this funding opportunity is to bring together multi-disciplinary and translational perspectives encompassing basic biomedical, behavioral and social science research in mental health, physical health, public health and prevention, alcohol and substance abuse, neurology, injury, trauma and child development, to advance our knowledge of child abuse and neglect. The full funding opportunity announcement is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-437.html.

NIMH/NICHD: Psychosocial/Behavioral Interventions and Services Research in Autism
PA-07-343
Application Submission Date: June 16
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides resources to facilitate exploratory research on psychosocial/behavioral treatments for autism, as well as innovative services research, including the development of instruments to evaluate the impact of interventions on core features of autism spectrum disorders, and comorbid symptomatology.  It is intended to encourage research on: 1) the development and/or pilot testing of new or adapted interventions or instruments, 2) pilot testing interventions with preliminary efficacy data in larger clinical trials, or 3) innovative services research directions that require preliminary testing or development. Exploratory grants for intervention and services research are designed to support the early phases of intervention development or adaptation, protocol development and preliminary pilot testing to support a later full-scale (e.g., R01) efficacy or effectiveness study, and innovative services research. Integrated treatment and services strategies should consider the timing and sequencing of these strategies, as well as the development of incremental outcome measures that could reflect cumulative effects of multiple interventions.  Outcomes may be defined at the individual, group, system, or population levels, or any of these in combination. 

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-343.html.

NIMH / NICHD: Translational Research in Eating Disorders
PA-07-285
Application Submission Date: June 5
NIMH and NICHD are soliciting grant proposals related to research in eating disorders. Both Institutes are committed to supporting research that will transform basic research discoveries into treatments, or methods for prevention.  This funding opportunity seeks to foster the development of translational research studies that will increase our scientific understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of eating disorders. Grant applications are due by October 5. The announcement of this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-285.html.

NIMH: Early Identification and Treatment of Mental Disorders in Children
PA-07-158
Application Submission Date: June 5
NIMH invites investigator-initiated research grant applications for studies focused on the early identification and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents.  Early detection and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders may result in a better prognosis and functional outcome in adult life. The Institute is interested in studies related to: (1) the validation of early diagnosis of mental disorders in youth; (2) the development of new interventions to treat mental disorders and prevent the exacerbation of associated functional impairment; (3) the efficacy and safety of new and existing treatments; and (4) the factors that promote or impede access to services and impact the effectiveness of services for these patients in community and practice settings. Assessment methods may include behavioral, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and other physiological measures or markers. The full grant announcement is accessible online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PA-07-158.html.

NIMH: Reducing Mental Illness Stigma and Discrimination (Collaborative R01)
PAR-08-040
Application Submission Date: June 5
The NIMH encourages research to increase knowledge about how to reduce mental illness stigma and discrimination and their consequences. This grant provides funding for U partnerships U between: consumer and/or advocate organizations, communities, or state and local agencies with hands-on expertise in developing and implementing stigma reduction programs and strategies; and social, behavioral, and/or communication scientists with expertise in stigma research design and methodology. The NIMH is interested in a variety of topics, including: (1) assessing the effectiveness of existing stigma and discrimination reduction programs and approaches, including media-oriented approaches such as public service announcements, and examine how, why, and for whom existing programs or approaches work; (2) developing innovative new programs and approaches; and (3) providing a better understanding of the impact of varied media (e.g., television, newspapers, magazines, cinema, direct-to-consumer advertising, internet), both positive and negative, on attitudes and beliefs about mental illness, and in perpetuating and changing mental illness stigma and discrimination. The full funding announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-040.html.

NIMH: Health Behavior Change in People with Mental Disorders
PA-08-089
Application Submission Date: June 5; October 5
The NIMH is seeking grant proposals to expand and to refocus NIMH-supported studies on the etiology of health-related behaviors (knowledge, attitudes, cognition, emotion, learning, motivation, decision-making, memory, exercise, nutrition, smoking, utilizing general medical care) that influence disability, morbidity and mortality as well as functional outcome in people with mental disorders. Of particular interested to the Institute are epidemiological studies that explain the frequency and distribution patterns of these health behaviors in people with mental disorders across gender, racial/ethnic minority groups, and the lifespan and the predictive validity of these health behaviors with respect to function, disability, morbidity, and mortality. Within these research areas, emphasis on better understanding basic behavioral processes is encouraged, as well as social interactions among people with mental disorders, their families and caretakers, and health care providers. More areas of research interest are detailed in the funding opportunity announcement, online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-089.html.

NIMH: Developing Centers for Intervention and/or Services Research
PAR-08-087(P20)
Letters of Intent Submission Date: May 21
Application Submission Date: June 24
This funding opportunity from NIMH invites applications for grants to support infrastructure to conduct research to evaluate the effects and improve the effectiveness of treatment or preventive interventions and mental health services.  Because this grant mechanism can be used to support a variety of research activities, it is incumbent on the applicants to clearly identify, explain, and justify the specific focus of the proposed center (e.g., prevention, treatment, or services).  The type of intervention research to be supported under this initiative relates primarily to studying the effectiveness and clinical and/or community applications of treatment and preventive interventions. Grants awarded under this FOA will provide financial support for: (1) operations of the center, including data management and analysis; and (2) at least two specific developmental or exploratory research projects modeled on the NIMH R34 grant mechanism. The complete funding opportunity announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-087.html#SectionIII.

NIMH: Advanced Centers for Intervention and/or Services Research
PAR-08-088 (P30)
Letters of Intent Submission Date: May 21
Application Submission Date: June 24
This funding opportunity from NIMH invites applications for grants to support infrastructure to conduct research to evaluate the effects and improve the effectiveness of treatment or preventive interventions and mental health services.  Because this grant mechanism can be used to support a variety of research activities, it is incumbent on the applicants to clearly identify, explain, and justify the specific focus of the proposed center (e.g., prevention, treatment, or services).  Based on the particular area of research, interest and background of the applicants, overlap among these broad areas of research can occur. Grants awarded under this FOA will provide financial support for: (1) operations of the center, including data management and analysis; (2) at least three specific developmental or exploratory research projects modeled on the NIMH R34 grant mechanism (one of which must be in research methods), including plans for submission of subsequent grant applications based on the results of the research proposed; and (3) smaller pilot projects, particularly by junior faculty, that will lead to R03, R34, or R01 submissions. The complete funding opportunity announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PAR-08-088.html.

NIMH/NAID: Methods for Prevention Packages Program
RFA-AI-08-019
Letters of Intent Submission Date: June 16
Application Submission Date: July 15
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Mental Health invite applications for multidisciplinary research programs that (1) devise optimal HIV prevention packages (combination interventions) for specific populations, (2) design clinical studies to rigorously examine the safety and efficacy of these “packages” in the target population, and (3) perform pilot studies to demonstrate that the proposed prevention package is acceptable to the target population and the study design is appropriate and feasible. This FOA is intended to encourage collaborations between behavioral and biomedical clinical scientists, epidemiologists, mathematical modelers, and clinical trial design specialists to develop new research strategies and methodologies that will facilitate the design and testing of combination HIV prevention interventions. Letters of intent should be submitted by June 16. The complete FOA is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-08-019.html.

NIMH/NIDA: Exceptional, Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration
RFA-GM-08-002
Application Submission Date: June 5
The purpose of the EUREKA (Exceptional Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration) initiative is to foster exceptionally innovative research that will have an unusually high impact on the areas of science that are germane to the mission of one or more of the participating NIH Institutes. The National Institute of Mental Health is participating in the EUREKA initiative. The NIMH mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior. NIMH welcomes EUREKA applications for all program areas supported by the Institute.  Potential applicants should focus on one of the high priority research areas found on the NIMH website: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ U H . Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse is interested in fostering technologically innovative and conceptually creative research that advances our understanding of drug abuse and addiction. For the EUREKA program, NIDA is interested in supporting high-risk/high-impact innovative research that encompasses research in the areas of (1) basic and clinical neuroscience and (2) genetics research involving genetic model systems, or human molecular genetics.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIDA staff to discuss feasibility of their proposed research and relevance to NIDA’s mission. For more information on NIDA’s programs, priorities, and strategic plan please refer to: http://www.nida.nih.gov/about/organization/Organization.html and http://www.nida.nih.gov/StrategicPlan/Index.html. This grant solicitation is available in its entirety online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-08-002.html.

NIDA/NIMH: Research on HIV/AIDS and Drug Use in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study
RFA-DA-08-008
Application Submission Date: March 14, 2008
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) invite grant applications to enhance the value and potential for new knowledge from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). This large, prospective cohort study of multi-ethnic/racial and geographically diverse HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) has been ongoing since 1984. These small research grants on drug use and HIV/AIDS can tap into and build on the existing capacity of MACS for a variety of innovative pilot and feasibility studies; secondary analyses of existing data; comparative analyses of socio-behavioral and clinical factors in HIV seronegative and seropositive MSM; collaborative studies related to larger research projects; studies of statistical methodologies and modeling; and studies of new assessments and research techniques in drug use and HIV/AIDS research. Applications are due by March 14, 2008. More information about this funding opportunity is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/
RFA-DA-08-008.html U.

NIDA: Research Center of Excellence Grant Program
PAR-08-046 (P50)
Application Submission Date: May 7, 2008; May 7, 2009; May 7, 2010
This FOA is to provide support for research centers that conduct drug abuse and addiction research that have outstanding innovative science, are multidisciplinary, and are/will be serving as national resource(s) for the NIDA research fields. Research supported at a NIDA research center is expected to reflect an inter-dependence of the individual research projects that would not occur simply from the collection of the individual components. Center support should be essential to the achievement of the proposed work. A P50 grant provides support for a broadly based, multidisciplinary, innovative research program consisting of related research endeavors and associated core infrastructure to ensure their effective and synergistic functioning. Training and mentoring to enhance junior researchers' or other researchers' skills should be conducted in the context of the research, but funds may not be used for training stipends or training not required to conduct the research. The full funding announcement is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-046.html.

NIDA: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment for Drug Abuse
RFA-DA-08-021
Application Submission Date: March 14, 2008
This joint effort between NIDA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) invites research applications to develop and test the effectiveness of models that integrate screening, brief intervention, and referral to specialized treatment (SBIRT) for individuals with drug abuse entering into primary care and other general medical settings. A pplications will include studies which are designed to show an impact on both the medical and social consequences of drug use to patients in general medical care settings. Illicit drugs, including prescription drug misuse, must be a primary focus of a responsive application although alcohol and/or nicotine may be included.  In particular, this RFA encourages randomized clinical trials. An important result of this work is expected to be evidence-based techniques elucidating methods to effectively integrate and implement these different SBIRT components and demonstrating a specific impact on drug abuse and addiction. Applications are due by March 14, 2008. More information about this funding opportunity is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/
RFA-DA-08-021.html.

NIDA: Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research
RFA-DA-08-003
Application Submission Date: March 26, 2008
NIDA is soliciting applications for an award intended to support scientists of exceptional creativity who propose cutting edge approaches to major challenges in biomedical and behavioral research on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. The term “avant-garde” is used to describe highly innovative approaches that have the potential to produce an unusually high impact. Proposed research should reflect ideas substantially different from those already being pursued by the investigator or others. Biomedical and behavioral research is defined broadly in this announcement as encompassing scientific investigations in the biological, behavioral, clinical, social, physical, chemical, computational, engineering, and mathematical sciences. The award is meant to support individuals who intend to pursue new research directions that are not readily supported by other NIH grant mechanisms. The program is not intended simply to expand the funding of an already supported research project, but rather to support highly creative researchers to pursue innovative concepts and approaches to research on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. Applications are due by March 26, 2008. More information on this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-003.html.

NIDA / NIAAA: Prevention and Treatment of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Grants
PA-06-307
Application Submission Date:June 16
Funding is available from NIDA and NIAAA for research on the prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse. Applicants are invited to propose research on a variety of topics, including, but not limited to: (1) Factors that affect the delivery of drug and alcohol abuse intervention and related services; (2) Dimensions of drug and alcohol abuse intervention and related services, such as accessibility, utilization, quality, effectiveness, and costs; (3) Processes of blending science-based practices into community-based provision of drug and alcohol abuse prevention services; and (4) Research tools to facilitate higher quality health services research on drug and alcohol abuse. NIDA and NIAAA seek to stimulate research that will improve the accessibility, utilization, and effectiveness of prevention and treatment of drug use disorders and/or alcohol-related problems, and ultimately to reduce the consequences of drug and/or alcohol use. Applications are due by October 16. The full funding announcement is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PA-06-307.html U.

NIAAA: Alcohol Research Education Project Grants (R25)
PAR-08-082
Application Submission Date: May 25 
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) encourages applications that propose creative and innovative Health Professions research education programs in the mission area(s) of the NIAAA. A broad definition of health professions is adopted, to include but is not limited to: social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, physicians, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, counselors, and others involved in areas of physical, mental, and/or behavioral health services where target groups experience alcohol use disorders.  Appropriate activities may include, but are not limited to, the development of courses, programs, curricula, and related materials designed to educate scientists, educators, service providers, and others about scientific advances in our knowledge of alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and alcohol-related problems (e.g., health-related complications with individuals who have diabetes and consume alcohol), and improve science literacy in this area.  Applications are due by May 25. More information about this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-082.html.

NIAAA: Research on Alcohol-Related Public Policies such as Those Detailed in the Alcohol Policy Information System
PA-07-427 (R01); PA-07-428 (R21); PA-07-429 (R03)
Application Submission Date: July 5 (R01); July 16 (R21) & (R03)
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) invites applications to conduct research on the effects of alcohol-related public policies on health, economic, and social behaviors and outcomes.  The purpose of the FOA is to advance understanding of public policy pertaining to alcohol as a tool for improving public health and welfare. Studies that make use of policy information provided in NIAAA’s Alcohol Policy Information System ( http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov U H ) are particularly encouraged. Research supported by this FOA includes, but is not necessarily limited to, studies examining the effects of alcohol-related public policies on health-related behaviors and outcomes, evaluations of public policies as tools for improving public health, and research to advance methods and measurement used in studying relationships between alcohol-related public policies and health-related behaviors and outcomes. The full solicitation is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-427.html.

NIAAA: Behavioral Mechanisms in the Transition to Habitual Alcohol Seeking and Drinking
RFA-AA-08-007 (R01); RFA-AA-08-008 (R21)
Application Submission Date: March 20
The NIAAA is soliciting grant applications to investigate: (1) alcohol’s effects upon neural substrates of learning and memory as they contribute to behavioral characteristics of alcohol dependence; and (2) the role of implicit cognitive factors and their underlying neural substrates in the transition to impulsive and/or compulsive drinking and to relapse. Although much is known about the ways in which neural functioning is altered by alcohol at the cellular and molecular level, the NIH seeks to learn more about how these alterations contribute to behavioral characteristics of addiction.  In order to fully understand the development of alcoholism, it is important to examine alcohol’s effects upon neural substrates of learning and memory as they relate to behavioral characteristics of alcohol dependence. This initiative offers opportunities to increase understanding of learning and memory processes in the development of habitual alcohol seeking and consumption. More information on these grants are available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AA-08-007.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AA-08-008.html (R21).

NIAAA: International Research Collaboration on Alcohol and Alcoholism
PAR-08-004
Application Submission Date:  June 5
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is soliciting applications to foster international collaborations between alcohol research investigators within the U. S. and international investigators.  The goal of the program is to facilitate advancements in the understanding of alcohol problems and the clinical and public health approaches to their solutions. Applications are invited across the full spectrum of alcohol research from basic science to clinical, public health and health services research.   Projects must have relevance to the mission of NIAAA, and where feasible, should address NIAAA’s scientific priority areas. It is expected that the non-U.S. site will provide a contribution, either financial or in kind, in support of the collaboration. The full funding opportunity announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-004.html.

NIAAA: Program for Extramural/Intramural Alcohol Research Collaborations
PAR-08-005
Application Submission Date:  June 5
The NIAAA is soliciting applications from extramural research scientists to develop projects addressing contemporary issues in alcohol research in close collaboration with NIAAA intramural. The breadth of research conducted by the NIAAA intramural research scientists offers the potential for collaborative research activities that can capitalize on the expertise of this diverse group of individuals and a wide range of research topics. The specific scientific knowledge to be gained from research supported by this special program could fit into any broad area of alcohol research of interest to the Institute, such as epidemiology, treatment, recovery, prevention, neuroscience and behavior, metabolism and health effects. The full grant announcement is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PAR-08-005.html.

NIDCD: Outcomes in Children with Mild to Severe Hearing Loss
PA-07-394
Application Submission Date: June 5
The NIDCD is seeking research applications to investigate outcomes in young children with mild to severe hearing loss. Applications should be multidisciplinary and have a primary focus on determining the impact of intervention, child, and family factors on communicative, educational and social development outcomes in young children with mild to severe hearing loss. The research approach may be longitudinal, experimental, multi-site and/or multidisciplinary.  Applications should have significance and relevance to clinical outcomes in the assessment and management of infants/young children with mild to severe hearing loss. Understanding the impact of intervention, child, family and social variables on child outcomes is requisite to designing optimal strategies to support and maximize auditory, speech, language, academic and psychosocial development in children with hearing loss. More information on this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-394.html.

NIDCR: Developing Complex Models of Oral Health Behavior
RFA-DE-08-009
Letter of Intent Submission Date: October 17, 2008
Application Submission Date: November 14, 2008
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is soliciting grant proposals on research that develops and tests new conceptual frameworks, models, and theories that explain the complex relationships between behavioral and/or social factors and oral health. Of particular interest are theories and models that propose mechanisms by which behavioral and/or social factors influence health and influence each other. These theories or models are meant to identify new potential targets of intervention, or approaches to intervention, that lead to meaningful improvements in oral health.Examples of applications of potentially high significance include, but are not limited to, those that: (1) Propose novel contributors to oral health in the context of an explanatory model; (2) Integrate existing research findings about key contributors to oral health; or (3) Identify novel targets or approaches to intervention. Letters of Intent are due January 25, 2008 and October 17, 2008. For more information see:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DE-08-009.html.

NIOSH: National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury
RFA-OH-08-006
Application Submission Date: April 10
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention invites applications for a national center of excellence focused on preventing agricultural-related injuries to children. Building on prior NIOSH initiatives, a national center for the prevention of childhood agricultural injury is expected to: (1) serve as a leader to facilitate prevention efforts and activities; (2) provide or enhance efforts to prevent injuries occurring to children who live on, work on, or visit farms, or are associated with other agricultural activities that pose a risk to children; (3) identify, disseminate, and facilitate the use of state-of-the-art information and programs to prevent childhood agricultural injuries; and (4) conduct research to improve the safety and health of children who live on, work on, or visit farms. Important outcomes associated with the center include evaluation of intervention effectiveness and translation of interventions into a variety of agricultural workplace settings. Applications are due by April 10. The complete funding opportunity announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/
rfa-files/RFA-OH-08-006.html.

AHRQ: Grants for Health Services Research Dissertation Program (R36)
PAR-06-118
Application Submission Date:  June 16
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) will support research undertaken as part of an academic program to qualify for a doctorate. This award supports dissertation research costs for students in accredited research doctoral programs in the United States.  Dissertation applications must focus on methodological and research topics that address the mission and research interests of AHRQ. Applicants are encouraged to address health services research issues critical to AHRQ priority populations, including: individuals living in inner city and rural (including frontier) areas; low-income and minority groups; women, children, the elderly; and individuals with special health care needs, including those with disabilities and those who need chronic or end-of-life health care. Applications are due by June 16. More information about this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-118.html.

AHRQ: Mentored Research Scientist Development Award
PAR-08-022
Application Submission Date: June 12
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): January 07, 2011
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is currently soliciting proposals responsive to AHRQ’s mission.  The mission of the Agency is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.  AHRQ achieves this mission by supporting a broad program of health services research and by working with partners to promote improvements in clinical and health systems practices. Specific areas of research interest to the Agency include: (1) Translational Research; (2) Patient Safety and Quality; (3) Quality Improvement (QI); (4) Patient-Centered Care; (5) Payment, Markets, and Organization; (6) Health Care Disparities; and (7) Large-Scale Data Base Methods. The full grant announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PAR-08-022.html.

IES: Education Research Grants
84.305A
Application Submission Date: June 26, 2008 and October 2, 2008
The National Center for Education Research within IES invites applications for research projects that will contribute to its education research programs. Specifically, the Institute seeks research that contributes to improved academic achievement for all students, and particularly for students whose education prospects are hindered by a range of variables. The Institute is particularly interested in improving several education outcomes, including: (1) readiness for schooling; (2) academic outcomes in reading, writing, math and science; (3) student behavior and social interactions within schools that affect the learning of academic content; (4) skills that support independent living for students with significant disabilities; and (5) education attainment. Detailed information about specific research grant topics is available online at: http://ies.ed.gov/funding/pdf/2009_84305A.pdf.

IES: Statistical and Research Methodology in Education
84.305D
Application Submission Date: June 26, 2008
IES invites applications for research projects that will contribute to its research program in Statistical and Research Methodology in Education. The Institute is seeking research projects that will provide a wide-range of methodological and statistical tools that will enable education scientists to conduct rigorous education research. Applications should be aimed at developing new approaches or to extend and improve existing methods in ways that would enhance the ability of researchers to conduct the types of research that is funded by IES. Additional information about this grant opportunity is available at: http://ies.ed.gov/funding/pdf/2009_84305D.pdf.

IES: Special Education Research Grants
84.324A
Application Submission Date: June 26, 2008 and October 2, 2008
The National Center for Special Education Research within IES invites applications for research projects that will contribute to its special education research programs.

For this grant opportunity, the Institute seeks research proposals in the following ten areas: (1) Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education; (2) Reading, Writing, and Language Development; (3) Mathematics and Science Education; (4) Social and Behavioral Outcomes to Support Learning; (5) Transitional Outcomes for Special Education Secondary Students; (6) Cognition and Student Learning in Special Education; (7) Teacher Quality; (8) Related Services; (9) Systemic Interventions and Policies and Special Education; (10) Autism Spectrum Disorders. Detailed information about each specific research grant topic is available online at: http://ies.ed.gov/funding/pdf/2009_84324A.pdf.

NSF: Science of Science and Innovation Policy
NSF 08-520
Application Submission Date: March 18, 2008
The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) aims to foster the development of the knowledge, theories, data, tools, and human capital needed to cultivate a new Science of Science and Innovation Policy (SciSIP). The FY 2008 competition includes three emphasis areas: Analytical Tools, Model Building, and Data Development and Augmentation. The emergent body of research will develop and utilize techniques for retrospective and prospective analyses. In addition, research will provide insight into factors that propagate new ideas at levels from the molecular functioning of the human brain to the organizational, state, national and international levels. This solicitation also calls for research that improves and expands science metrics and datasets. The utilization of virtual organizations or collaboratories by social and behavioral scientists in the discovery process is included in this call for research proposals. The full funding announcement is available online at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08520/
nsf08520.htm.

NSF: Communicating Research to Public Audiences
NSF 03-509
Proposal Receipt Deadline: Full Proposal accepted at any time
Discovery Communicating Research to Public Audiences is a component of the Informal Science Education program (ISE) in the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF).  ISE projects provide rich and stimulating contexts and experiences for individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds to increase their appreciation for, and understanding of, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in out-of-school settings.  Requests for up to $75,000 will be considered to support projects that communicate to public audiences the process and results of current research that is being supported by any NSF directorate through informal science education activities, such as media presentations, exhibits, or youth-based activities. The purpose of these efforts is to disseminate research results, research in progress, or research methods. For more information on this program, please visit: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5362.

NSF: Developmental and Learning Sciences Children's Research Initiative
NSF 07-508
Application Submission Date: July 15
The Developmental and Learning Sciences branch of the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences at NSF is seeking multidisciplinary proposals with the objective of leading to better educated children and adolescents who grow up to take productive roles as workers and as citizens. This grant supports studies that increase our understanding of cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes related to children's and adolescents' development and learning. The NSF also intends to support developmental research that: incorporates multidisciplinary, multi-method and longitudinal approaches;; assesses peer relations, family interactions, social identities, and motivation; examines the impact of family, school, and community resources; assesses adolescents' preparation for entry into the workforce; and investigates the role of demographic characteristics and cultural influences on children's development. The full grant announcement is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf07508/nsf07508.htm.

William T. Grant Scholars Program
The William T. Grant Foundation has released its 2008–2009 William T. Grant Scholars Program Brochure. The Scholars Progra