NIH HIV Interdisciplinary Network for Pathogenesis Research in Women (U19)

WHAT: Limited Submission Proposal for the NIH HIV Interdisciplinary Network for Pathogenesis Research in Women (U19).

WHO: Texas A&M University faculty.  TAES, TEES and TTI personnel may wish to submit internal proposals through their own agency.

WHY: Applicants may request a project period of up to five years and up to $1.5 million dollars per year in direct costs. 

WHEN: Internal proposal deadline of February 26, 2007. 

HOW:  TAMU faculty should submit internal proposal via email for review by the internal selection committee.   

The funding agency, NIH, has limited the number of proposals to one per institution. 

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  The NIH HIV Interdisciplinary Network for Pathogenesis Research in Women (U19) Program is designed to support research that will enhance knowledge of the pathogenesis of HIV infection in women through investigations of biologic mechanisms that impact HIV transmission, disease acquisition, progression and manifestations of HIV in women.  Applications should pursue research addressing female-specific differences in one or more of the following areas of HIV-infection in women at every age and all stages of the reproductive cycle:  immunology, virology, response to and complications of therapy and genetics. 

The program encourages investigators to obtain, whenever possible, research subjects, stored biologic samples and/or clinical datasets through collaborative associations with existing NIH-sponsored clinical networks, programs and cohorts that include women.  Research topics may include:  mechanisms of HIV transmission in the female genital tract microenvironment, including modulation by factors such as antiretroviral therapy, cytokines, genital flora, epithelial integrity and local antibody production; identification and characterization of the cells responsible for viral acquisition and/or propagation at mucosal surfaces in the female reproductive tract; mechanisms of transmission of cell-free and/or cell-associated virus in female genital mucosal sites and mechanisms of virus establishment and persistence in these reservoir compartments over time; impact of estrogen, progesterone and other female hormones on HIV transmission and replication in women of all ages and stages of the reproductive cycle; mechanisms of HIV transmission and acquisition in women in relation to various co-infections, including STDs and/or pre-existing genital tract infections with other microbial agents; and female-specific genetic or other host factors that influence HIV transmission and acquisition such as susceptibility or resistance to infection, non-hormonal contraception use, anatomic or physiologic changes (female circumcision, cervical ectopy, post-dysplasia treatment), and localized inflammation secondary to use of microbicides, intrauterine devices, local vaginal therapies, douches or vaginal astringents. 

In addition, applications must include:  a minimum of two individual research projects organized around a central theme; an Administrative Core headed by the PI or other senior investigator; and a PI committed to a minimum of 15% total level of effort to the entire program. 

Applicants should propose, through the Administrative Core, a pilot projects program to support small scientific studies for short periods of time (up to one year) to develop preliminary data for peer-reviewed research applications.  Scientific cores to support the individual research projects may be proposed if they will be utilized by at least two of the proposed research projects.  Examples include:  performance of specific assays; clinical specimen collection; processing and coordination; enrollment of study subjects when required; and providing equipment, services, quality control and expertise. 

The program will not support:  behavioral research, including development of prevention measures of acceptability, compliance or other behavioral parameters; development of animal models of HIV pathogenesis for women; health care issues such as the provision of treatments or drugs; or clinical trials. 

Applicants may request a project period of up to five years and up to $1.5 million dollars in direct costs per year.

More information can be found here. 

Internal Selection Procedures and Deadlines

February 23, 2007:  Deadline for an email of intent, including the names of the PI and co-PIs, title of internal proposal and a 1-3 sentence description of the project.  Send email of intent to osppc@tamu.edu     

February 26, 2007: Deadline to obtain signatures of approval from your department head and college dean to submit an internal proposal to the Office of Sponsored Projects for review by the internal selection committee.  The internal proposal should include:

1. An executive summary, up to three pages, based on the proposal description as outlined in the NIH program announcement;
2. Summary budget;
3. Project and Management Plans (including team members)

The form for completing the internal proposal is here. 

This completed form should be submitted via email for review by the internal selection committee.

Please read the RFP carefully for specific requirements of the program here.

Selection of a proposal will be based on NIH guidelines.  The needs of the university’s reinvestment plan will also be taken into account. 

During the selection process, the internal selection committee may contact departments and colleges for their opinions and commitments.  They may also request additional information from PIs.

March 9, 2007: The Internal Selection Committee will notify PIs of the result of the internal competition.

May 14, 2007: Deadline for optional, but recommended, letter of intent to NIH.

June 25, 2007:  Deadline for full proposal.