Science Policy

Request for Information: NIH Public Access Policy
The NIH is seeking comments from the community regarding the NIH Policy on Enhancing Public Access to Archived Publications Resulting From NIH-Funded Research (NIH Public Access Policy). Stemming from language included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, those receiving NIH funding are now required to deposit their peer reviewed manuscripts into the National Library of Medicine 's PubMed Central no later than 12 months after publication. The NIH is particularly interested in responses to the following questions: (1) Do you have recommendations for alternative implementation approaches to those already reflected in the NIH Public Access Policy? (2) In light of the change in law that makes NIH’s public access policy mandatory, do you have recommendations for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the NIH Public Access Policy? (3) In addition to the information already posted at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/communications.htm , what additional information, training or communications related to the NIH Public Access Policy would be helpful to you? Comments are due by May 31, 2008. Following this request for information, the NIH will post analysis and results from this RFI for public view onto http://publicaccess.nih.gov by September 30, 2008. Further detail about this information request is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-060.html. Please note: SRCD will be providing clarification for authors regarding the alignment of this NIH policy with our journal policies.

Request for Information: To Solicit Ideas for Trans-NIH Strategic Initiatives
The NIH Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives (OPASI) requests input from the scientific community about innovative initiatives to be funded through the NIH Common Fund.  Initiatives suggested should be transformative, relevant to multiple diseases and address common challenges that are faced by a wide-variety of investigators.  This RFI invites ideas on ways to (1) address specific barriers to basic, translational, or clinical research through development of novel tools, technologies, services, etc. and (2) fill specific knowledge gaps that impede research across a broad spectrum of health science.  Details about how to submit information are available online at:  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-RM-08-014.html.  Reponses are due by June 2, 2008.

National Children’s Study Federal Advisory Meeting
The National Children’s Study (NCS) Federal Advisory Committee met April 22-23 in Bethesda, MD. The first day of the meeting included an update from the NCS Director Peter Scheidt. Later, Alan R. Fleischman, MD, presented a review of the NCS research plan from the National Academy of Sciences. Day two of the Advisory Committee meeting included a discussion of the status of the Office of Management and Budget review of the NCS. This presentation and discussion was led by Kenneth C. Schoendorf, Director of Protocol Development for the NCS. The meeting concluded with a discussion of child care and developmental outcomes for the study, led by Cathryn Booth-LaForce, Professor of Nursing, University of Washington School of Nursing and Kenneth C. Schoendorf. A complete agenda for the April meeting is available online at: http://www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov/events/ncsac/
2008_april/upload/NCSAC_April_2008_Agenda.pdf.

Public Comments Received on NCS Research Plan
In response to a request for comments in 2007, the National Children's Study Program Office received more than 35 comments from members of the public about the Study's Research Plan. This research plan describes the Study's background, design, and measures, and the rationale for their selection. Comments received included suggestions about which child health concerns and environmental issues should be further explored by the Study. All of the comments can be viewed online at: http://nationalchildrensstudy.gov/research/research_plan/upload/
Research_Plan_Public_Comments_1_11_08.pdf?WT.mc_id=NICHD0408.

Strategic Framework from the Office of Minority Health
The Office of Minority Health (OMH), HHS recently released a strategic framework on improving racial and ethnic minority health and eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. At the macro-level, the report is intended to improve minority health and reduce health disparities across the nation. At the agency level, the report seeks to help guide, organize and coordinate the planning, implementation and evaluation of efforts within OMH. The strategic framework highlights the importance of using science as the basis for planning and implementing program, research, and policy-oriented actions and activities. This strategic framework is available online at: http://www.omhrc.gov/npa/templates/content.aspx?ID=78&lvl=1&lvlID=13.

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Social Policy  

Briefing on Environmental Health and the NCS
On April 18, the Congressional Children's Study Working Group held a briefing on children's environmental health research. The Congressional Children's Study Working Group is co-chaired by Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Christopher Smith (R-NJ). The briefing highlighted findings from a recently released report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) titled, "A Decade of Children's Environmental Health Research." The report is the culmination of a ten-year research effort from the EPA's National Center for Environmental Research's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants program. The report summarizes research on children's environmental health, highlighting scientific findings in epidemiology, exposure science, genetics, community-based participatory research, interventions, statistics and methods. This report is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/hhrp/research-highlights/
childrens-decade.htm.

The briefing included speakers from government agencies and academia, including: Virginia Rauh, Deputy Director of Columbia University Center for Children's Environmental Health; Kevin Teichman, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science at EPA's Office of Research and Development; and Samuel Wilson, Acting Director of National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Dr. Rauh, who is also involved with research at a National Children’s Study (NCS) Vanguard Center, discussed the importance of studying children’s health prospectively. She also noted that the NCS will provide researchers with a better picture of the multiple influences on children’s health. Moreover, all panelists noted the need to improve efforts aimed at translating research to clinicians and policymakers.

NGA Funds Early Childhood Advisory Councils
In late April, the National Governors Association (NGA) announced that twelve states and territories will receive $10,000 grants to support early childhood advisory councils. States receiving the grants include: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Guam, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The advisory councils will assist state governments in the coordination of federal and state early childhood programs and services. The grant program emerged from recommendations outlined in a 2005 NGA report, “ Building the Foundation for Bright Futures: Final Report of the NGA Task Force on School Readiness.” The report is available online at: http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0501TaskForceReadiness.pdf.

House Hearing on Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs
On April 23, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing titled, “Domestic Abstinence-Only Programs: Assessing the Evidence.” The federal government has provided over $1.3 billion to abstinence-only sexual educations programs. Programs receiving this government funding are prohibited from teaching about the positive outcomes associated with using condoms or other contraceptives. Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) assembled the hearing to examine the public health evidence of the effectiveness of abstinence-only programs and of more comprehensive programs. Two members of Congress, Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) were invited to testify before the committee. Sen. Brownback expressed support for abstinence-only education. Rep. Capps agreed that abstinence should be the core of sex education, but favored comprehensive sex education for all students. Rep. Capps was trained as a public health nurse and argued that withholding scientifically based medical information does a great disservice to young people. The hearing also included the testimony of individuals from government agencies, academia and advocacy organizations. More information about the hearing, including statements from each of the witnesses, is available online at: http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=1888.

House Committee Discusses the Family Medical Leave Act
On April 10, the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing to examine the achievements and next steps for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The hearing was held on the 15th anniversary of the passage of the FMLA. Witnesses before the Subcommittee included: Victoria Lipnic, Assistant Secretary for Employment Standards, U.S. Department of Labor; Pat Schroeder, Former U.S. Representative (D-CO) and original sponsor of the FMLA; Chante Lasco, a new mother from Maryland; Jennifer Hunt, a flight attendant from Virginia; Brenda Cossette, Human Resources Director testifying on behalf of the Society for Human Resource Management; and Debra Ness National Partnership for Women and Families.

Chairwoman Woolsey (D-CA) began the hearing by discussing the recent expansion of the FMLA to provide leave for family members of wounded service members. Throughout her questioning, Chairwomen Woolsey referenced the need to use “scientifically sound data” when constructing public policies. Assistant Secretary Lipnic testified that the FMLA is generally working well, but it should be updated in a few select areas. The Department of Labor recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on a few aspects of the FMLA. One proposed change would require employees with chronic conditions to present periodic “medical certification” of their ailment. A couple of the individuals testifying before the committee suggested that this requirement would eliminate the employee’s right to medical privacy. Testimony from all witnesses is available online at: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/wp-2008-04-10.shtml.

Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act
The Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act (HR 5781) was introduced by Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) on April 14, and approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on April 16. The purpose of the bill is to provide federal employees with four weeks of full pay and benefits for leave taken due to the birth or adoption of a child. The bill also states that employees can use up to eight additional weeks of accumulated sick leave, in order to have 12 weeks total of paid leave. A similar bill has not yet been introduced in the Senate.

Schools Empowered to Respond Act
Representative Bob Etheridge (D-NC) introduced the Schools Empowered to Respond Act (HR 5766) on April 10. This bill would establish an Office of National School Preparedness and Response and provide access to federal funding for schools seeking to enhance school preparedness. Specifically, the Office would work to develop programs to enhance the collective response to acts of terrorism and other natural and man-made disasters at schools. Rep. Etheridge is a former North Carolina school superintendent. The Schools Empowered to Respond Act currently has fifteen co-sponsors. After being introduced, the bill was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. This bill has not been introduced in the Senate.

Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008
Representative George Miller (D-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, introduced the ”Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008” (HR 5715) on April 8. The full House passed this bill on April 17. The bill would increase the amount of loans that students can take out through the Federal Family Education Loan program. The new bill amends the wording of the Higher Education Act, to expand access and ensure the availability of loans. For example, to make more people eligible for funding, the new bill replaces the word “students” in the Higher Education Act, with the phrase “students and parents.” A similar bill was introduced in the Senate on April 3 and referred to the HELP Committee.

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act Becomes Law
In mid-April, President Bush signed the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act into law. Introduced by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), this bill will create a grant program to support the screening of newborns and children at-risk of heritable disorders. Additionally, the bill will provide funding for the education and training of health care professionals to conduct these screenings. The new law also requires the Secretary of HHS to compile newborn screening resources into an online clearinghouse. This clearinghouse will include a variety of information, including: links to websites that demonstrate expertise in newborn screening; information about screening available in each state; and current research on conditions for which the tests screen. The full text of the law is available online at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:s.01858.

House Passes the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act
The House of Representatives passed the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2007 (HR 1198) in mid-April. Introduced by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), this bill would expand coverage to include young children in the newborns and infants hearing loss program. This bill also seeks to help states implement these programs to ensure that all newborns are tested and receive the help they need. Additionally, the bill supports the recruitment, education and training of qualified individuals to ensure that children identified with a hearing loss are not lost to follow-up. After passing the full House, this bill was referred to the Senate HELP Committee.

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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.

Request for Comments: Evaluation of the Community Healthy Marriage Initiative Implementation Study.
The Administration for Children and Families is conducting a demonstration and evaluation called the Community Healthy Marriage Initiative (CHMI). The evaluation seeks to (1) assess the implementation of community interventions designed to provide marriage education by examining the way the projects operate and by examining child support outcomes among low-income families in the community, and (2) evaluate the community impacts of these interventions on marital stability and satisfaction, child well-being and child support outcomes among low-income families. Furthermore, an impact evaluation will be integrated with the implementation study, which will assess the effects of healthy marriage initiatives by comparing family and child well-being outcomes in the CHMI communities with similar outcomes in comparison communities that are well-matched to the project sites. Comments on this proposed evaluation are due by May 31, 2008. Additional information about this request for comments can be found online at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-7137.htm.

Request for Comments: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Medical Residents
The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) at the CDC is soliciting comments on a new project. The proposed project will look at the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of medical residents toward adult patients who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. As part of ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of chronic disease, the Division of Adult and Community Health at CDC seeks to collect information about the knowledge imparted to medical students concerning the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and poor adult health. Information to be collected includes residency type, public health experience, and an attitudes and knowledge measure designed to determine medical residents' current expertise in recognizing the long-term outcomes associated with adverse childhood experiences. Comments are due by June 8, 2008. More information about this request for comments is available online at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/
E8-7844.htm.

National Head Start Fellowship Program
The National Head Start Fellowship Program is accepting applications for the 2008-2009 Fellowship year. The Fellowship program aims to develop the skills that will allow Head Start Fellows to significantly contribute to the Head Start programs.  Fellows have the opportunity to experience first-hand the Office of Head Start and other federal programs serving children and families. The ideal candidate has an in-depth knowledge of Head State programs, demonstrates a high level of personal and professional achievement, and is committed to serving children and families. Applications are due May 16, 2008. More information about the fellowship is available online at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Professional%20Development/Individual%20Development/
Head%20Start%20Fellowship%20Program/prodev_pub_00055_022207_1.html.

Robert Wood Johnson Health & Society Scholars Program
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars program is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 scholars program. The program is based on the principle that progress in the field of population health depends upon multidisciplinary collaboration and exchange. The program aims to improve health by training scholars to: (1) Investigate rigorously the connections among biological, genetic, behavioral, environmental, economic and social determinants of health; and (2) Develop, evaluate and disseminate knowledge and interventions that integrate and act on these determinants to improve health. Applications for the program are due October 3, 2008. More information about the RWJF Health & Society Scholars program is available online at: http://www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/
cfp.jsp?ID=20241&c=EMC-FA135.

APA: Psychology Summer Institute
The Minority Fellowship Program of the American Psychological Association is hosting its sixth annual Psychology Summer Institute (PSI), July 20-26, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Washington in Washington, DC. Participants are guided through mentoring, networking, seminars, and workshops toward developing grant proposals, postdoctoral fellowships, dissertations, treatment programs, publications, or program evaluation projects.  All projects must focus on issues affecting ethnic minority communities. Applications are due by May 16, 2008. More information about this summer institute is available online at: http://www.apa.org/mfp.

IES Research Funding Opportunities Webinars
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) will host a series of webinars to discuss research funding opportunities at the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) and the National Center for Education Research (NCER). The Institute will host three types of webinars. One type will provide a basic overview of IES, NCSER and NCER research topics, the IES goal structure, and peer review process. This webinar is intended for researchers who are unfamiliar with IES or are novice applicants. The second type of webinar will be a grant writing workshop, where IES staff will provide more in-depth information about requests for applications and the IES grant structure. Finally, the third variation will focus on the application process. This webinar will share information regarding the application instructions package, including: content and formatting requirements, human subjects clearance, and application forms. The dates and times for each type of webinar are listed online at: http://ies.ed.gov/funding/webinars.asp.

Data Workshop: Use of the Pre-Elementary Education Longitudinal Study Database
The National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) at IES is sponsoring a three-day advanced studies seminar on the use of the Pre-Elementary Education Longitudinal Study (PEELS) database. The PEELS study is designed to describe the characteristics of children receiving preschool special education, their educational programs and services, and their transitions from preschool programs to elementary schools. The seminar will be held in Washington, DC, June 24-26. Interested candidates should submit their applications by April 30, 2008. Additional information about this seminar is available online at: http://ies.ed.gov/whatsnew/conferences/?id=334.

Data Workshop: Use of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 Database
The National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) at the Institute of Education Sciences is holding a three-day advanced studies seminar on the use of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2) database. The NLTS2 is designed to support research on a wide range of topics pertaining to youth with disabilities as they move from secondary school into adult roles. The seminar will be held in Washington, DC, June 24-26. Interested candidates should submit their applications by April 30, 2008. Additional information about this seminar is available online at: http://ies.ed.gov/whatsnew/conferences/?id=335.

Data Workshop: Examining Child Outcomes and Well-Being in Early Care and Education Settings
This data workshop is sponsored by the Child Care and Early Education Research Connections project, with support from the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation and the Child Care Bureau, ACF, HHS. The workshop will introduce participants to key datasets that present a variety of indicators of children's well-being and influences on their early experiences, including family practices, teacher perspectives, and quality of early care and education. The workshop will feature the latest data available from the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B), and the National Head Start/Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Study. This workshop will take place July 7-9, 2008. Applications must be submitted by May 16, 2008. Additional information about this data workshop is available online at: http://www.researchconnections.org/Discover?displayPage=trainings.jsp

Data Workshop: Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three-City Study
This workshop is offered as part of the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research at the University of Michigan in partnership with ICPSR's Data Sharing for Demographic Research project. The workshop will introduce researchers to data from a three-wave longitudinal survey of low-income families and children in the post-welfare reform era. This study has followed approximately 2,400 families in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio since 1999, including a six-year follow-up wave completed in 2005. The data files include information on families' employment histories, income, usage of TANF and other needs-based programs, health and health insurance, as well as detailed measures of children's well-being and family functioning. This workshop will take place July 21-23, 2008. Applications must be submitted by May 16, 2008. The online application process for this workshop is available through the ICPSR Summer Program Web site: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/sumprog . More information about this workshop is available online at: http://www.researchconnections.org/Discover?displayPage=trainings.jsp (scroll down).

IASWR:  Research Methods Workshops
The Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research is sponsoring several workshops in Washington, DC over the summer.  Each workshop lasts two days, and provides hands-on experience, as well as networking opportunities with colleagues of similar methodology and substantive interests.  The first workshop, “How to Use and Conduct Qualitative Research in Mixed-Method Research” will take place from June 9-10.  The next, “Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis,” is from July 7-8.  The third workshop, “Qualitative Data Analysis: It's Not Just Anything Goes!” is scheduled from August 1-2.  These workshops are open for registration until they are full.  Additional information about these workshops is available online at:  http://www.iaswresearch.org/.

Symposium on the Development of Hispanic Children
On October 23-24, the Population Research Institute at Penn State University will host a symposium on Hispanic families titled, “Development of Hispanic Children in Immigrant Families: Challenges and Prospects.” Presentations and discussions at the symposium will focus on (1) social ecologies of Hispanic children in immigrant families, including the range of setting characteristics and the ways in which setting characteristics have implications for child and youth well-being and development, (2) the role of families in children’s successful adaptation to new “host” environments; (3) the implications of school and community contexts as well as education policies for children’s school experiences and academic achievement; and (4) the roles of health care, social service provision, and health policies in children’s health and well-being. Please find additional information about the symposium at: http://www.pop.psu.edu/events/symposium/2008.htm or by contacting Carolyn Scott at css7@psu.edu .

Pre-K to 3 Education: Promoting Early Success
The Harvard Graduate School of Education is holding a professional development institute titled, “Pre-K to 3 Education: Promoting Early Success.” The institute will be held in Boston, MA on November 13-15, 2008. This program is meant to provide educational leaders and practitioners with an overarching framework and practical strategies for developing and sustaining effective PK–3 programs. More information about this program is available at: http://www.gse.harvard.edu/ppe/k12/programs/pk3.html.

New Strategic Knowledge Fund
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) and the Foundation for Child Development (FCD) have teamed up to create a Strategic Knowledge Fund to understand and improve the lives of vulnerable children, from birth to age eight. WKKF will invest $1.2 million in the fund over two years and the FCD will provide matching funds for at least one project. Grants funded through this partnership will be aligned with the mission statements of both foundations. According to the press release from WKKF and FCD, “grants will demonstrate connections among research, policy, and practice, and the role of advocacy in creating policies that create change for the largest numbers of children and their families.” Recent recipients of grants from the Strategic Knowledge Fund include: Urban Institute, Harvard Graduate School of Education, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and Picus and Associates. More information about this funding partnership is available at: http://www.earlylearning.org/news/
Fdn-for-Child-Dev.

New Report on the Trends in the Well Being of Younger Children
The Foundation for Child Development (FCD) released a special focus report, "Trends in Infancy/Early Childhood and Middle Childhood Well-Being, 1994-2006," on April 24. The report uses the FCD Child Well-Being Index (CWI) to present a comprehensive look at the overall health, well-being, and quality of life of children from birth through eleven years old. Analysis shows overall improvements in the well-being of children across all age groups. The report is available online at: http://www.fcd-us.org/usr_doc/EarlyChildhoodWell-BeingReport.pdf. The release of the report was accompanied by an event at the New American Foundation. The event included speakers from government agencies, academia and think tanks and served as a forum to present the findings from the report and also put them in a policy perspective.

Special Journal Supplement on the Developmental Nature of Underage Drinking
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recently released information for researchers and physicians about developmental influences related to underage drinking in the journal Pediatrics. The supplement seeks to inform pediatricians of the importance of understanding underage drinking as a developmental issue; explicitly, that environmental factors in childhood and adolescence can influence underage alcohol abuse in later years. Specific attention was paid to biological, psychological, and social development factors, which upon interaction with environmental influences, lead adolescents either to or from alcohol abuse. Additionally, NIAAA encourages more research on the issue of developmental factors in underage alcohol abuse.

Special Journal Issue on International Research on Fathering
The upcoming spring 2008 issue of Fathering: A Journal of Theory, Research, and Practice about Men as Fathers, will be a special edition on international research on fathering. The guest editors are Rudy Seward and Rudolf Richter. For a list of articles, or to order the issues, please visit: http://www.ncfr.org/pdf/zippy_news/FatheringJournal.pdf.

NCFR Seeks Editor for Family Relations Journal
The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) is seeking nominations and applications for the position of Editor of Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies.  The four-year term of the new editor will begin with the publication of the January 2010 issue. NCFR anticipates making the selection of the new editor at the annual conference in November, 2008. A detailed job description of the editor’s responsibilities may be obtained from Jeanne Strand at jeannestrand@ncfr.org . Applications must be completed by September 15, 2008. 

Call for Submissions: Articles on Adoption
The September edition of NCFR Report Magazine will focus on the issue of adoption.  Articles are written in magazine-style (not APA) and approximately 1800 words.  For submission guidelines or for questions, email the Editor Nancy Gonzalez at nancygonzalez@ncfr.org . Articles are due by June 21, 2008. 

NIH Public Bulletin
The April 2008 NIH Public Bulletin is now online at: http://getinvolved.nih.gov/newsbulletins/default.asp?issue=april2008.

COSSA Washington Updates Online
The April 7 th and 21 st issues of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) Washington Update are available online at: http://cossa.org/volume27/27.6.pdf and http://cossa.org/volume27/27.7.pdf.

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Funding Sources

Foundation for Child Development: PK-3 Research and Evaluation Small Grants Program
The Foundation for Child Development (FCD) is now seeking applications for its new small grants program funded through its PK-3 Research and Evaluation Forum. A maximum of four awards of up to $50,000 each will be provided to researchers proposing to use one or more datasets from the PK-3 Data Resource Center: The First Six Years of Schooling and Beyond. These grants are intended to: stimulate research that spans early education and early elementary education to inform PK-3 efforts across the country; foster multidisciplinary perspectives to build a field of research that examines how children’s education and home contexts influence developmental outcomes from PK through at least Third Grade; and increase the use of datasets that can inform FCD’s PK-3 initiative: Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 Cohort (NLSY-79); Panel Survey of Income Dynamics, Child Development Supplement (PSID-CDS); Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey, Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999 (ECLS-K); and National Head Start/Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Study. Proposals are due by July 15, 2008. More information about this funding opportunity is available at: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/PK3/spotlight/rfp.html.

William T. Grant Scholars Program
The William T. Grant Foundation has released its 2008–2009 William T. Grant Scholars Program Brochure. The Scholars Program funds promising early-career researchers from diverse disciplines. Funds support the professional development of early-career scholars who have demonstrated success in conducting high-quality research and who are seeking to further develop their skills and research. Studies from William T. Grant Scholars contribute to theory, policy, and practice on the settings of young people ages 8 to 25. The new Brochure contains a description of the program, application guidelines, and a list of current William T. Grant Scholars. The Foundation is particularly interested in reaching applicants of color. The Scholars Brochure and additional information about the Scholars Program are available on their website at: http://www.wtgrantfoundation.org/info-url_nocat3042/
info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=76878&attrib_id=4398 .

William T. Grant Foundation and the Spencer Foundation: Development and Improvement of the Measurement of Classroom Quality
Application Submission Date: June 13, 2008
The Spencer Foundation and the William T. Grant Foundation, in collaboration, announce a grants competition to support research on the development and improvement of the measurement of indicators of classroom quality in grades K through 12. Quality is defined as those features and processes of classrooms that are likely to cause improvements in important youth outcomes such as academic achievement and engagement or reducing disruptive and antisocial behavior. This RFP focuses on the common interest of both Foundations in the development and improvement of tools for measuring and understanding the quality of K–12 classrooms. The Foundations will consider several types of proposals: (1) new, stand-alone measurement development studies; (2) add-on studies in which new measurement development work supplements an existing field study; and (3) further analysis of existing data to improve measurement. The deadline for Letters of Inquiry is March 14, 2008, and the deadline for Invited Full Proposals is June 13, 2008. To download the RFP visit the William T. Grant Foundation website at: http://www.wtgrantfoundation.org/usr_doc/2008_Classroom_Measurement_RFP.doc .

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Childhood Obesity
Application Submission Date: May 14, 2008
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is soliciting grant applications of active living research projects. The program will focus on supporting research to inform policy and environmental strategies for increasing physical activity among children and adolescents, decreasing their sedentary behaviors and preventing obesity. Special emphasis is places on strategies with the potential to reach racial/ethnic populations and children living in low-income communities who are at highest risk for obesity. Applications are due by May 14. Additional information about this funding opportunity is available at: http://www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/cfp.jsp?ID=20221&c=EMC-FA138 .

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: HU www.apa.org/pi/oema/programs/CEMRRAT2%202008_request_for_proposals.pdf UH.

APF: Lizette Peterson Homer Memorial Injury Research Grant
The American Psychological Foundation (APF) is seeking proposals for the Lizette Peterson Homer Memorial Injury Research Grant. This grant funds psychological research on injuries to children and young adults through accidents, violence, abuse, or suicide. A $1,500 annual award is open to students and faculty to support research related to the prevention of injuries in children.

Applications are due by October 1, 2008. Additional information about the nominating procedure is available online at: http://fridayletter.asph.org/article_view.cfm?FL_Index=1511&FLE_Index=7060 .

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: Functional Links between the Immune System, Brain Function and Behavior
PA-08-097 (R01); PA-08-098 (R21)
Application Submission Date: June 5 (R01); June 16 (R21)
The NIH solicits research grant applications to study neuroimmune molecules and mechanisms involved in regulating normal and pathological functions of the central nervous system (CNS). The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement is to identify research opportunities that may help to bridge the gap in understanding how immune cells and their mediators affect brain development, function and behaviors related to cognition and mood. This includes studies of the effects of immune molecules and cells on molecular and cellular neural processes, neuronal signaling, glial-neural interactions, neural activation, and objective behavioral endpoints of relevance to mood, cognition, and motivation. Studies examining immune effects on neurodevelopment and across the lifespan as well as studies comparing effects in males and females are also encouraged. Examples of areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Characterization of pathways that mediate the effects of peripheral and central immune activation on brain across the lifespan; Development and refinement of animal models of immune signaling in brain; Physiological and behavioral actions of immune cells and molecules; Genetic determinants of immune responses in brain; and Clinical applications. Grant applications are due by June 5 (R01) or June 16 (R21). Additional information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PA-08-097.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-098.html (R21).

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 June 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).

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellows
PA-07-002
Application Submission Date:  August 8
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: Brain Disorders in the Developing World: Research Across the Lifespan
PAR-08-112 (R01); PAR-08-113 (R21)
Application Submission Date: May 16, 2008
This funding opportunity from the NIH encourages grant applications proposes the development and conduct of innovative, collaborative research and research training projects, between High Income country (HIC) and low- to middle-income country (LMIC) scientists. The collaborative research programs are expected to (1) conduct research on nervous system development, function and impairment at any stage of life and on topics particularly relevant to LMICs and (2) build research capacity among the LMIC partners and institutions involved in the specific research project. Relevant research for these applications may range from basic science to epidemiological, clinical, health services and translational (e.g. translation of basic research to therapy and of clinical research to applications in the field) research. Research projects on neurodevelopmental disorders and related cognitive disorders (such as mental retardation, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy) that result from abnormal prenatal development or influences during the prenatal and perinatal period, or from injury or insult to the brain and central nervous system during infancy or childhood are also of interest to the NIH. Detailed information about these funding opportunities can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PAR-08-112.html (R01) and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-113.html (R21).

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 June 16. The full grant announcement is available at: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/
pa-files/PA-06-403.html UH .

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 U June 5 U . Additional information on this funding opportunity is available at: H U http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-012.html UH . 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 June 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 June 5. The full grant announcement can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-277.html .

N IH: 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 ( R01); HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-380.htmlUH (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: HU 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: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Predoctoral Training Program in the Neurosciences
PAR-08-101(T32)
Application Submission Date: May 25
The overall objective of the NRSA program is to provide predoctoral and postdoctoral research training opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing research careers in biomedical, behavioral and clinical research. Trainees are supported during years 1 and 2 of their graduate training when they are typically not committed to a dissertation laboratory. The primary objective is to prepare qualified individuals for careers in neuroscience that have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation. Applicants must be domestic, non-profit, private or public institutions that have strong and high-quality research programs in neuroscience and have requisite staff and facilities. More information about this funding opportunity is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PAR-08-101.html .

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(s): 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 August 5. The full funding announcement is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-056.html .

NICHD: Gender, Youth and HIV Risk
RFA-HD-08-013 (R01); RFA-HD-08-017(R21)
Application Submission Date: July 29, 2008
This funding opportunity invites research on understanding the behaviors and developing strategies to mitigate the exposure to HIV in young people. Of particular concern are individuals aged 12 through 24 in areas of the world where HIV prevalence is high. Successful applications will focus on a specific aspect of HIV risk, in a specific cultural or geographic setting, while integrating understanding of the processes of human development in that population and of the social environment. Both basic studies and intervention research will be considered. Additional information about these funding opportunities is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-08-013.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-08-017.html (R21).

NICHD: Interagency School Readiness Consortium
RFA-HD-07-008
Application Submission Date: 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 June 5. The full announcement can be found online at: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-07-008.html .

NICHD: Adverse Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
PA-08-103 (P01); PA-08-104(R01)
Application Submission Date(s): May 25 (P01); June 5 (R01)
NICHD encourages grant applications that propose to study the ways in which Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) may lead to adverse outcomes during fetal development, the perinatal period, childhood, adulthood or even subsequent generations. This funding opportunity announcement encourages applications on human subjects and animal models that can include a wide variety of basic, clinical and epidemiological approaches. The objectives of this grant also include the impact of ART on important aspects of children’s development (e.g., neurological, social, behavioral and educational or learning). Research should aim to foster a better understanding of the impact of ART on various childhood measures such as perception, learning, reading, motor skills, social development, emotion regulation, behavior as well as specific organ and system defects with the entire range of organs as potential study targets. Additional information about these grant opportunities is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-103.html (P01);

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-104.html (R01).

NICHD: Extramural Associates Research Development Award
PAR-08-096
Application Submission Date: February 24, 2009
The Extramural Associates Research Development Award program aims to develop and/or strengthen the research administration infrastructure at women’s colleges and institutions with a traditionally significant to high ethnic minority student enrollment, thereby enhancing the capacity of these institutions for establishing rigorous research programs in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Through distance learning and training in residence, Extramural Associates (EAs) are provided opportunities to gain an understanding of the processes utilized by the NIH and other Federal agencies to support biomedical and behavioral research and research training and the role of academic research administrators in research development. Applications are due by February 24, 2009. Additional details about the award program are available at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-096.html.

NICHD: Limited Competition for the Academic-Community Partnership Conference Series
PAR-08-106
Application Submission Deadline: June 17, 2008
This limited competition solicits NIH Cooperative Agreement Conference (U13) applications from current Extramural Associates Research Development Award (EARDA) awardees to conduct health disparities-related meetings, workshops and symposia. The objectives of these meetings will be to establish academic-community partnerships, identify community research priorities, and develop long-term research agenda. Areas of focus for these partnerships may include one or more of the following community health issues: infant mortality; violence prevention; childhood, adolescent, and/or adult obesity; literacy; fibroid tumors; pediatric and maternal HIV/AIDS prevention; and/or techniques for outreach and information dissemination. Applicants for this U13 program are expected to propose a series of meetings/workshops/symposia designed to: (1) define the targeted community; (2) establish partnerships between academic institutions and the local community, including but not limited to schools and school communities; (3) identify the community’s views of its health problems; and (4) develop a research agenda aligning the community’s identified health problems and the EARDA institution’s research priorities. More information about this U13 program is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-106.html.

NICHD/NIMH: Prevention Research with HIV Positive Individuals
PA-08-107 (R01); PA-08-108 (R03); PA-08-109 (R21)
Application Submission Deadline: September 7
This funding opportunity issued by the National Institute Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) invites interdisciplinary studies addressing the psychosocial and behavioral consequences of HIV disease. Research is being solicited to enhance and expand available intervention strategies to promote, improve, and sustain positive adjustment and health outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The overarching emphasis is on the development of innovative behavioral and structural interventions that advance the science for issues such as disclosure of one’s HIV status, HIV stigma reduction, and co-morbid mental and physical disorders for PLWHA. Approaches based on basic behavioral and social scientific principles such as cognition, emotion, decision-making, motivation, social interaction, structural factors, and cultural context are invited. Additional information about these grants can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-107.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-108.html (R03); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-109.html (R21).

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: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-437.htmlU .

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. 

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

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: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-285.htmlU .

NIMH / VA:  Network(s) for Developing PTSD Risk Assessment Tools
RFA-MH-09-060
Application Submission Date: August 29, 2008
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs invite applications for teams of investigators to conduct exploratory studies combining, weighting, and sequencing measures of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) risk with the goal of differentiating trauma survivors who will recover naturally from those who will develop enduring symptoms and PTSD.  Applicants are encouraged to propose risk assessment tools using existing data (past trials and epidemiological studies) and/or in the context of on-going PTSD studies. The expected outcomes of such efforts may include preliminary data on the performance of risk assessment tools that are sensitive to and balance statistical and clinical significance for future prediction and pre-emption studies and preliminary data for research on clinical decision tools. The full grant announcement is accessible online at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-060.html.

NIMH: Novel Interventions for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
RFA-MH-09-020 (R34); RFA-MH-09-021 (R21/R33)
Letters of Intent Submission Date: May 16, 2008
Application Submission Date: June 17, 2008
NIMH is seeking R34 grant applications that propose to develop novel interventions that will improve functioning in domains commonly affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. The grant would provide resources for evaluating the feasibility, tolerability, acceptability and safety of novel approaches, and for obtaining the preliminary data needed to support the development of a larger-scale efficacy trial. NIMH is also seeking Exploratory/Developmental Phased Innovation (R21/R33) grant applications that propose to develop novel interventions that will improve functioning in domains commonly affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. This grant provides support for a first phase (R21) for initial technical development and proof-of-principle and a second phase (R33) for further development, application, and evaluation of clinical utility. Both funding opportunities are intended to encourage a broad scope of new treatment approaches with potential for widespread, cost-effective application across a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders of interest to NIMH include, but are not limited to: autism spectrum disorders, childhood-onset schizophrenia, pediatric bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, and child- and adolescent-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder. Applications for both funding opportunities are due by June 17, 2008. Additional information about these grant opportunities is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/
rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-020.html (R34); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/
RFA-MH-09-021.html (R21/R33).

NIMH: Innovative Approaches to Personalizing the Treatment of Depression
RFA-MH-09-010 (R01); RFA-MH-09-011 (R34)
Letters of Intent Submission Date: May 20, 2008
Application Submission Date: June 20, 2008
NIMH solicits grant applications for research to develop innovative approaches to personalizing treatment for patients suffering from depression. The purpose of these funding opportunity announcements is to advance research on individualizing the treatment of depression by developing models and testing new approaches that, by accounting for patient characteristics, aim to be more specific and thus potentially leading to more effective and efficient treatment interventions. These grants are meant to support relatively small projects or preliminary investigations, rather than large studies that definitively test intervention effectiveness. Applications are due by June 20, 2008. Additional information about these funding opportunities can be found online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/
rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-010.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/
RFA-MH-09-011.html (R34).

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: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/
guide/pa-files/PA-07-158.html UH .

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: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-040.html H .

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: HU http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ UH . 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 HU 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: Prescription Drug Misuse
PA-08-127 (R01); PA-08-129 (R03); PA-08-128 (R21)
Application Submission Dates: June 5 (R01); June 16 (R03); June 16 (R21)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are seeking research proposals aimed at reducing prescription drug misuse. Research proposals are encouraged across a broad range of experimental approaches including basic, clinical, epidemiological, and economic studies. Applications may vary widely, from specifying the extent and nature of the problem (including health, behavioral, and social consequences) to developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective prevention and treatment approaches. Misuse of prescription drugs among persons aged 12 or older is of particular concern to the Institutes. More information about these funding opportunities is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-127.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-129.html (R03); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-128.html (R21).

NIDA:  Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership Award
PAR-08-145
Application Submission Date: May 25 2008
NIDA invites grant applications to fund the development and evaluation of innovative model programs and materials for enhancing knowledge and understanding of neuroscience and the biology of drug abuse and addiction among K-12 students, the general public, health care practitioners, and other groups.  The award provides support for the formation of partnerships for the development and evaluation of programs and materials that will enhance knowledge and understanding of science related to drug abuse. The intended focus is on topics not well addressed in existing efforts by educational, community, or media activities. P roposed science education projects should be developed for specific groups including, but not limited to, 1) students and teachers at the kindergarten through 12th grade levels, 2) the general public; and 3) health care practitioners. The full grant announcement is accessible online at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-145.html.

NIDA: Epidemiology Of Drug Abuse
PA-08-124 (R01); PA-08-126 (R03); PA-08-125 (R21)
Application Submission Dates: June 5 (R01); June 16 (R03); June 16 (R21)
These funding opportunities from NIDA are intended to support projects that enhance our understanding of several areas related to the epidemiology of drug abuse. A few of these areas include: (1) drug use patterns and trends within and across populations; (2) interplay of social interactions, social environment, structural context with individual behavioral characteristics and genetic vulnerability; (3) causal mechanisms leading to onset, maintenance, and remittance of drug abuse and HIV risk behaviors, as well as protective mechanisms that reduce these risk behaviors; (5) drug abuse over the life course, including developmental processes that influence drug use and HIV risk trajectories and behavioral, health, and social consequences of drug abuse and HIV. Because of the breadth of epidemiology research, applications will likely reflect diverse and multidisciplinary putative approaches and multiple levels of causation. More information about these funding opportunities is available online at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/
pa-files/PA-08-124.html (R01); http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PA-08-126.html (R03);
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-125.html (R21).

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: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/
PAR-08-046.htmlU .

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: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/
pa-files/PA-06-307.html U .

NIAAA: Alcohol Research Education Project Grants
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 ( HU http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.govU 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: HU http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-427.html U .

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: U   UH U 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