NIGMS Releases Integrative Training RFA

On April 26, 2004, NIGMS issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for short-term training programs in integrative and organ systems pharmacology. The application submission deadline is June 26, 2004 so that the courses can be held starting in the summer of 2005.

NIGMS expects to award two or three R25 Education Project Grants of up to $200,000 per year in direct costs for up to 3 years under this RFA. Detailed categorical budgets are required, and the size and duration of each award will depend upon the nature and scope of the proposed project. The number of grants awarded will depend upon the availability of funds and whether there are a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

The purpose of the RFA is to provide support for intensive summer training to “introduce students to the knowledge and skills needed for studies of integrative organ system and whole organism biological responses to drugs and other physiological perturbations.” The training should be designed for relevance not only to graduate students in academic programs but also to individuals at various stages of their careers from industry and government as well as academia. The project should “develop an appropriate and innovative program of instruction in Systems and Integrative Pharmacology to be conducted during an intensive short course (e.g., 2-3 weeks) to be offered in the summer,” although other course durations and offering times may be suggested. The project goals should include:

• Establishing a strong connection between in vitro, organ function in situ, and in vivo results.

• Introducing students to the role of in vivo methods in translational research and safety and efficacy in drug discovery and development.

• Exposing students to multiple animal models and reasons for selecting a given model for a particular purpose.

• Providing significant hands-on experience with small animal models and at least some exposure to larger animal models.

• Providing reinforced training in responsible conduct of research, including improved ability to articulate the need for such work in health research.

• Improving the ability of students to communicate with other scientists across a broad spectrum of research activities.

• Stimulating development at institutions through the return of interested students and the encouragement of institutional commitment.

Highlights of the RFA are available here. For the complete RFA see the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts.