November 2009

November 2009

We hope everyone is enjoying the Autumn leaves in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley!!

As always, please allow extra time for our office to assist you in processing your grant proposals to avoid unnecessary delays or missed deadlines.

REMINDER: Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please see compliance corner.

Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

RCR is the ongoing process of reconciling regulations, guidelines, standards, and ethics to promote integrity in the proposing, planning, conducting, reporting, and reviewing of research. The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) oversees and directs Public Health Services (PHS) research integrity activities and provides a number of resources in support of responsible conduct of research. 
 The National Science Foundation (NSF) is also requiring training in the responsible conduct of research for all staff involved in NSF funded projects beginning January 4, 2010.  NSF’s prerequisite requires all undergraduate, graduate students and post-docs receive training in the responsible conduct of research prior to working on any NSF funded projects.  JMU has entered into the following program which provides the mandated training.
Educational Materials - The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) has developed a course on the responsible conduct of research (RCR) that is available on-line.  The course covers the core RCR instructional areas including data management, conflict of interest, publication, authorship, peer review, collaboration, mentoring and research misconduct. The following course of instruction may be tailored to the needs of specific institutions and can be found at www.citiprogam.org

1. Register here
2. Select James Madison University for the participating institution
3. Enter your user name, email address and password of your choice
4. The system will direct to a member information page where you need to enter individual information
5. After the information has been entered you will be directed to the CITI select curriculum page
6. Select the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course
7. Select the social and behavioral group
8. Click on submit and you will be directed back to the main menu
9. Click on the enter link
10. Begin taking your course modules

The RCR course modules can be completed in sections of your choice.

If you need assistance, the CITI helpdesk number is 305.243.7970

1. Additional RCR Resources
   

Contact Patricia Buennemeyer at buennepd@jmu.edu for more information.

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Federal grant review provides a free shot at professional development. Sessions last from about three days up to two weeks and provide travel and accommodations. "Many also offer compensation in the form of a daily rate or lump sum," said Jason Adkins, a seasoned federal grant reviewer and grant writer for Ohio Valley Education Cooperative in Kentucky. "But, if your salary is paid all by federal funds, sometimes you can't be compensated, though travel and accommodations will still be provided." Adkins gives the following advice:

Find Opportunities: Grant reviewer solicitations are listed on individual state department of education Web sites, and on individual government agencies, such as the Department of Education, said Adkins. The application process is simple; you usually just submit a cover letter and resume, he said. For first timers, Adkins suggests starting at the state level to gain experience to better prepare you for national reviewing opportunities.

Decide on Online vs. On-Site Reviewing: Some agencies are implementing online reviews, in which you access scoring sheets and applications through the computer and attend the group review portion of the opportunity through conference calls, he said. This type of opportunity may be suited to someone with limited time or to people who can't travel. On-site reviews are usually used when the program is more technical in scope and has a high dollar award attached to it, he said. Adkins said he prefers on-site reviewing because of the increased opportunity for networking.

Recognize Important Skills: To be an effective grant reviewer, the following set of skills may prove useful, said Adkins. 1) Basic interpretive skills. These are the key to federal grant reviewing, he said. Agencies provide strict selection criteria to score grants, and you have to use those guidelines, said Adkins. 2) Speed reading abilities. "You don't have to be a Jedi Knight at reading, but you do have to be able to read quickly," he said. "In the last review I did, the applications were 135 pages each, and I reviewed 10 a weeks for two weeks - if you add that up, that's a lot of pages." 3) Note taking abilities. Having this skill will allow you to easily go back and reference something, he said. 4) Team work abilities. Sometimes three or four reviewers sit down together with totally different scores, said Adkins. You need to be able to listen to the reasoning of others.

Reap the Rewards: Including: 1) Technical/grant writing training. You'll see how proposal organization plays an integral part of the scoring process, he said. In addition, you'll get a glimpse of effective writing styles. When you are reading lots of proposals, short and concise sentences tend to stand out, Adkins said. 2) Information gathering. Serving as a reviewer for a program that you are interested in applying for will help you learn more details about it, he said. In addition, you may be able to spot key errors that others are making, said Adkins. 3) Idea collection. You may walk away from the process with some new ideas, but be careful here, he warned. "You can't just hijack a proposal," Adkins said. "But, you might leave with an idea to research later."

"The review process really focuses your writing on what is most relevant," he said. "Looking at how these skilled professionals put their programs together can help strengthen the way yours are structured." said Adkins.

To contact Adkins, email jadkins@ovec.org

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http://www.jmu.edu/sponsprog/fsources.html

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P3 Awards in Sustainability

America's Historical and Cultural Organizations - Planning Grants

Small Business Innovation Research Program
High-Risk Research in Anthropology
Computational Mathematics

Defense Sciences Research & Technology

Recovery Act 2009 Limited Competition: AHRQ Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness (CHOICE) Grants (R01)
Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) (R21)

Champions for Healthy Kids

Research Initiatives for Materials State Sensing (RIMSS)

National Leadership Grants

• The Environmental Protection Agency, as part of the P3 Award Program, is seeking applications for innovative research, development and design projects that may solve real world challenges involving the overall sustainability of human society. Activities should include: identifying the technical challenge to sustainability their design will address; discussing how the identified technical challenge relates to people, prosperity and the planet; proposing a scientifically based design approach to address the challenge; and proposing an approach to communicate relevant data and information to users and stakeholders. Areas of interest include energy, the built environment, materials and chemicals, water and agriculture.
• Eligibility: Colleges and Universities
• Funding: Phase I = 40 awards of up to $10,000 for one year. Phase II = 6 awards of up to $75,000 for two additional years.
• Web: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2010/2010_p3.html
  
• Deadline: January 4, 2010

• The National Endowment for the Humanities supports projects in the humanities that explore stories, ideas, and beliefs that deepen our understanding of our lives and our world. The Division of Public Programs supports the development of humanities content and interactivity that excite, inform, and stir thoughtful reflection upon culture, identity, and history in creative and new ways. Grants for America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations should encourage dialogue, discussion, and civic engagement, and they should foster learning among people of all ages. To that end, the Division of Public Programs urges applicants to consider more than one format for presenting humanities ideas to the public. Planning grants are available for projects that may need further development before applying for implementation. This planning can include the identification and refinement of the project’s main humanities ideas and questions, consultation with scholars in order to strengthen the humanities content, preliminary audience evaluation, preliminary design of the proposed interpretive formats, beta testing of digital formats, development of complementary programming, research at archives or sites whose resources might be used, or the drafting of interpretive materials.
  
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations, and state and local government agencies, including but are not limited to public, school, academic, and research libraries; museums; disciplinary and professional associations; cultural institutions; state humanities councils; and institutions of higher learning.
  
• Funding: Grants range from $40,000 to $70,000
  
• Web: http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/AHCO_PlanningGuidelines.html
  
• Deadline: January 13, 2010

• The National Science Foundation seeks applications for the FY2010 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research program to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses. NSF has formulated broad solicitation topics for SBIR that conform to the high-technology investment sector's interests; biotech and chemical technologies; education applications; information and communication technologies; and nanotechnology, advanced materials, and manufacturing. Successful proposers will conduct research and development on projects that provide evidence of a commercially viable product, process, device, or system, and/or meet an important social or economic need.

• Eligibility: For profit organizations, including small businesses.
• Funding: $45 million for 200 to 300 awards of up to $150,000.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf09609
  
• Deadline: December 3, 2009

High-Risk Research in Anthropology

• The National Science Foundation seeks applications to permit the submission of high-risk, exploratory proposals that can lead to significant new anthropological knowledge. Examples of projects may be: an anthropologist with excellent theoretical reasons for conducting field research in a particular region, but it is not known whether appropriate sites or preservation conditions exist; an economic anthropologist who may propose a theoretically significant field project to study economic relations in a market where exchange is through barter as reported in a 15-year-old article; or a physical anthropologist who may desire to search for primate remains in an area of Southeast Asia.
• Eligibility: Unrestricted. Applicants must speak to the HRRA program officer before submitting a proposal.
• Funding: $125,000 each for five awards with project periods of 3 to 5 years. Individual awards are limited to $25,000.
  
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08523/nsf08523.htm
• Deadline: Ongoing

Computational Mathematics

• The National Science Foundation supports mathematical research in areas of science where computing plays a central and essential role, emphasizing algorithms design, numerical methods and their analysis, and symbolic methods.  The prominence of computation in the research is a hallmark of the program.  Proposals ranging from single-investigator projects that develop and analyze innovative computational methods to interdisciplinary team projects that not only create new mathematical and computational techniques but use them to model, study, and solve important application problems are encouraged.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5390&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
• Deadline: Full Proposal Window: December 1, 2009 - December 15, 2009

•  The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Defense Sciences Office has released a Broad Agency Announcement seeking proposals for advanced research and development in a variety of enabling technical areas. Research areas include: physical sciences, material sciences, biology, neuroscience and math.

• Eligibility: Unrestricted.
• Funding: Multiple awards are expected. Amounts will depend on the quality of the proposals received and the availability of funds.
  
• Web: http://www.grants.gov FON#DARPA-BAA-09-31
• Deadline: March 8, 2009

Recovery Act 2009 Limited Competition: AHRQ Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness (CHOICE) Grants (R01)

• AHRQ seeks research grant applications for projects in the area of comparative effectiveness research to respond to the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009.  In its Report to the President and Congress, the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research defines comparative effectiveness research (CER) as “the conduct and synthesis of research comparing the benefits and harms of different interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor health conditions in ‘real world’ settings.”  Both the Institute of Medicine report on Initial National Priorities on Comparative Effectiveness Research and the earlier Congressional Budget Office report on Research on Comparative Effectiveness of Medical Treatment have adopted similar definitions.  These definitions allow comparative effectiveness studies to be approached with the comparison of similar treatments, such as competing drugs, or analyzing very different approaches, such as surgery and drug therapy. In this FOA, AHRQ has operationalized the definition of CER with the additional specification that evaluation of treatments includes any potential medical intervention under consideration, whether prognostic, preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, or palliative. Specifically, the goal of this FOA is to request applications for large projects in comparative effectiveness aimed at generating new knowledge to help inform decision making in priority areas of clinical care. The impact of these studies should have a high likelihood of creating major advancements in clinical care. Emphasis will be placed on applications that define important research gaps and design a study to provide actionable results.  Applications that include study aims to address the outcomes and effectiveness of assessments across population subgroups often underrepresented in medical research are expected. Priority populations include but are not limited to racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, children, elderly, patients with multiple and chronic conditions, and disadvantaged and/or under represented populations for the specific condition being studied.
• Eligibility: Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research are invited to work with their institution/organization to develop an application for support.  Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for AHRQ support.
• Funding: A total of $100 million will be awarded with an anticipated 10 awards.  Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. The total number of awards will depend upon the quality, duration, and costs of the applications received.  Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award also will vary. Contingent upon the availability of funds, a limited competition solicitation may be announced in fiscal year 2012 for selected projects awarded under this current FOA to support follow-up studies, e.g., longitudinal outcomes. 
• Web: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-10-003.html
• Deadline: Letters of Intent Due: November 18, 2009; Full Proposals Due: December 16, 2009

Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) (R21)

• The EBRG seeks to support: 1) innovative, high-risk, high pay-off projects; 2) exploration of new approaches or concepts to a particular substantive area; 3) research and development of new technologies, techniques or methods; or 4) initial research and development of data upon which significant future research may be built. In keeping with the intent of the R21 program, in all four instances above, there may or may not be any preliminary results. The evolution and vitality of the biomedical sciences require a constant infusion of new ideas, techniques, and points of view.  These may differ substantially from current thinking or practice and may not yet be supported by substantial preliminary data.  By using the R21 mechanism, the NIH seeks to foster the introduction of novel scientific ideas, model systems, tools, agents, targets, and technologies that have the potential to substantially advance biomedical research. 
• Eligibility: Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
• Funding: The total project period for an application submitted in response to this funding opportunity may not exceed two years. Direct costs are limited to $275,000 over an R21 two-year period, with no more than $200,000 in direct costs allowed in any single year.  
• Web: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-418.html
• Deadline: February 16, 2009

Champions for Healthy Kids

• In partnership with the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's Challenge, the General Mills Foundation developed the Champions for Healthy Kids grant program in 2002. Each year, the foundation awards grants to community-based groups that develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle. The President's Challenge has a model program for fitness - the Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards. These awards recognize youth ages 6 to 17 for establishing and maintaining a physically active lifestyle. In addition to the community grants, the General Mills foundation sponsors up to 50,000 young people to participate in the President's Challenge and earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award for their commitment to a physically active and fit lifestyle.
• Eligibility: Organizations with 501(c)(3) and 509(a) status are eligible. While grant applications in communities with General Mills employees, retirees, and facilities take high priority, the foundation makes a limited number of grants to national organizations for programs that compliment the foundation's funding priorities.
• Funding: The foundation will award 50 grants of $10,000 each.
• Web: http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx
• Deadline: January 15, 2010

Research Initiatives for Materials State Sensing (RIMSS)

• The objective of this program is to provide the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate with a contract vehicle with maximum flexibility and capability to identify optimal approaches and assemble the best possible team to accomplish the development and transition of evolving Nondestructive Evaluation/Inspection (NDE/I) and Material Health Monitoring (MHM) technologies. The purpose of the program is to apply a diverse spectrum of technologies and disciplines to create solutions for broadly defined military needs and, where technically feasible, make the transition into the design and development phase with a focus on improving or developing new and creative NDE/I/MHM techniques based upon applied research and advanced development technology.
• Web: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=d577064de4bc142e9606f7320a68f21d&tab=core&_cview=0&cck=1&au=&ck=
• Deadline: December 10, 2009

National Leadership Grants

• The National Leadership Grants support projects that have the potential to elevate museum and library practice. The Institute seeks to advance the ability of museums and libraries to preserve culture, heritage and knowledge while enhancing learning. IMLS welcomes proposals that promote the skills necessary to develop 21st century communities, citizens, and workers. Successful proposals will have national impact and generate results—new tools, research, models, services, practices, or alliances—that can be widely adapted or replicated to extend the benefit of federal investment. The Institute seeks to fund projects that have the following characteristics: Strategic Impact—Proposals should address key needs and challenges that face libraries and museums. They should expand the boundaries within which libraries and museums operate, show the potential for far-reaching impact, and influence practice throughout the museum and/or library communities. Innovation—Proposals should demonstrate a thorough understanding of current practice and knowledge about the project area, and show how the project will advance the state of the art of museum and library service. Collaboration—While partners are not required in all National Leadership Grant categories, the Institute has found that involving carefully chosen partners with complementary competencies and resources can create powerful synergies that extend project impact. Proposals should show understanding of the challenges of collaboration and propose means for addressing them. Applications may be submitted in the following categories: Advancing Digital Resources, Research, Demonstration, and Library and Museum Collaboration Grants.
• Eligibility: Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. See program guidelines for special conditions of eligibility for this program. Museums that fulfill the general criteria for museums may apply. Private nonprofit museum services organizations or associations that engage in activities designed to advance the well-being of museums and the museum profession also may apply. In addition, institutions of higher education, including public and nonprofit universities, may apply.
• Funding: $50,000–$1,000,000; up to $100,000 for planning grants. Matching Requirements: 1:1 for requests over $250,000, except research projects. Cost sharing of at least one-third is encouraged for requests under $250,000 and for research projects.
• Web: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nationalLeadership.shtm
• Deadline: February 1, 2010

The following external links are funding deadlines organized by discipline. Please select the applicable discipline to access possible funding opportunities: (courtesy of The Grant Advisor Plus)

• Fine Arts
• Humanities
  
• Sciences
  
• Social Sciences
  
• Federal Register
  
• Education
  
• International
  
• Health Related
  
• Unrestricted / Other
  
• Minorities / Women

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John Hulvey, Director of Sponsored Programs Administration and Accounting
MSC 5728, JMAC-6, Suite 26
hulveyjd@jmu.edu
x8-3725

Sponsored Programs Administration:
Pre-Award & Post-Award (Non-fiscal)
www.jmu.edu/sponsprog/
jmu_grants@jmu.edu
JMAC-6, Suite 26
MSC 5728
Phone: 568-6872; Fax: 568-6240

Sponsored Programs Accounting :
Post-Award (Grants & Contracts)
www.jmu.edu/acadaffairs/grant.shtml
JMAC-6, Suite 30
MSC 5713
Phone: 568-4623; Fax: 568-2397

Tamara Hatch, Associate Director
hatchtt@jmu.edu
x8-2350

Sally Dickenson, Grants Specialist
dickensr@jmu.edu
x8-2336

Whitney Gardner, Grants Specialist
gardnejw@jmu.edu
x8-3558

Carolyn Strong, Research Coordinator
IRB & IACUC Contact
strongcd@jmu.edu
x8-2318

Amanda Brown , Executive Assistant
brown2aw@jmu.edu
x8-6872 or x8-4623

Donna Crumpton, Financial Administrator
crumptdl@jmu.edu
x8-8099

Brenda Seifried, Financial Administrator
wilburbc@jmu.edu
x8-8-2314

Kyra Shiflet, Financial Administrator
shiflekl@jmu.edu
x8-7108

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