May 2009
Congress Begins Moves on NIH FY 2010 Budget
The House and Senate approved a conference agreement for the FY 2010 budget resolution that paves the way for Appropriations Committees to begin consideration of the FY 2010 NIH and other federal agencies budgets. The $3.56 trillion budget resolution provides a framework for unspecified funding increases for the NIH and other health related agencies. ASPET and many other organizations in the biomedical research community are supporting a 7% increase in NIH's FY 2010 budget. Read ASPET's written statement of support to the House Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee here: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), the former ranking member of the Senate Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, and one of NIH's biggest supporters, left the Republican Party and became a Democrat. Specter noted that the political situation in his home state would have made it difficult to win the Republican primary. But significantly he stated that, "I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania's economy." Sen. Specter has also introduced legislation that would provide federal funds to accelerate 'cures and treatments' and remove barriers to translational research by establishing an independent agency, the Cures Acceleration Network (CAN) to fund promising research. The bill also authorizes appropriations for NIH at $40 billion for FY 2010, requires NIH to develop a conflict of interest policy, and gives the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities institute status. CAN proposes to make awards outside of traditional funding streams and Specter's office indicates the goal is for CAN funding to be complementary to and not competitive with NIH funding. How this might play out is unclear. Information on CAN will be found at: http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=ed5151e2-a18a-36de-f7d6-725a233f8625
ASPET members are encouraged to visit http://www.researchmeanshope.org to send a message to Congress about the need for significant annual increases for NIH. ResearchMeansHope.Org is a campaign/coalition of medical schools, teaching hospitals and other interested organizations advocating to Congress in support of NIH. The campaign will use all media to raise public awareness of the critical need for sustained growth in federal funding for biomedical research.
FDA Appropriations
The Alliance for a Stronger FDA has recommended a 20% increase for all centers and programs at FDA for FY 2010. This is a $386 million increase above the FY 2009 level. The Alliance's congressional testimony notes that the FDA is still greatly under-resourced and that "There cannot be many agencies in the US government that have such a vast scope of responsibilities and so few dollars to get the job done." The Alliance then notes ASPET's discovery of the fact that the FDA's budget is less than the school district in which it resides (Montgomery County, MD), ?When the Superintendent (of schools) looks out his window, he reflects on the educational needs between Takoma Park and Germantown. When the (FDA) Commissioner looks out his window, he reflects on the food and medical product needs of the entire world. Yet until this year, the Superintendent had a significantly larger budget to spend than the Commissioner.? Read the Alliance for a Stronger FDA congressional testimony at: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_botanical_res.html
NIH Increases NRSA Stipend Level
NIH issued the FY 2009 stipend levels for trainees and fellows receiving Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA). The published stipend level for predoctoral fellows is 20,976, and the stipend level for postdoctoral fellows with zero years of experience is $37, 368. For both predocs and postdocs, this represents about a 1% increase above FY 2007 levels. The FY 2009 stipend levels are retroactive for all Kirschstein-NRSA awards made on or after Oct. 1, 2008. For more information, please see: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-057.html
NIH Request Comments on Stem Cell Guidelines NIH is requesting public comment on draft guidelines entitled "National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research." The purpose is to implement the President's executive order as it pertains to extramural NIH funded research, to establish policy and procedures under which NIH will fund research in this area, and to help ensure that NIH funded research in this area is ethically responsible, scientifically worthy, and conducted in accordance with applicable law. For more information: http://www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2009-04-23-E9-9313
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET has developed an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. T date, ASPET has visited UT Southwestern and will be at Emory on May 12 and Wayne State on June 19 for their 36th Annual Pharmacology Research Colloquium. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology at Michigan State, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Vanderbilt
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. For additional information contact Jim Bernstein at 301-634-7062; jbernstein@aspet.org; http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: <http://opa.faseb.org/>.
Funding Opportunities
AREA Grant Funding Opportunity: Recovery Act Limited Competition: Academic Research Enhancement Award: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-007.html
Recovery Act Grand Opportunities GO Grant Submission Deadline Moved to May 29, 2009: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-090.html
Website for RFA-RR-09-009: Recovery Act 2009 Limited Competition: Enabling National Networking of Scientists and Resource: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-RR-09-012.html
April, 2009
Omnibus Bill Adds FY’09 Funds to NIH
The NIH will receive a $937 million increase for FY’09 above its FY’08 level. This brings the NIH budget up to $30.4 billion, not including the $10.4 billion from economic stimulus funds. The FY’10 appropriations process is already underway. For FY 2010, the research community is advocating for an increase of 7% in the NIH budget. This increase will help NIH sustain current and future research infrastructure and help to prevent any disruption from a decline in funding following the infusion of stimulus funds.
FDA Appropriations
The FY’09 omnibus bill provided FDA a $325 million increase over the FY 08 appropriation. This was an increase of almost 20% from the prior year and the first time that the agency’s appropriated budget will exceed $2B. The Alliance for a Stronger FDA (of which ASPET is a member) will recommend a $386 million increase over FY’09 for a FY2010 FDA budget of $2.4 billion. View: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html
Incredibly, FDA’s budget still is less than several local school districts, including the county that FDA resides (Montgomery County, MD). Budgets for the FDA and CDC compared favorably in FY 1985, but CDC is now at $6.6 billion compared to FDA’s $2.0 billion. This represents about a 13% compound annual growth rate for CDC compared to half that for the FDA.
Information on NIH Stimulus Funds Now Available
Complete information about NIH stimulus funding opportunities can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/recovery/. NIH is also interesting in letting the research community about the following opportunities:
Funding for administrative supplements to existing NIH grants and $21 million over two years has been allocated for educational opportunities in NIH-funded laboratories for students and science educators. Investigators and institutions that already have research grants funded by NIH will be able to apply for administrative supplements from ARRA funds to support summer students and science educators. The goal is to encourage students to pursue research careers in health-related sciences, as well as provide elementary, middle and high school, and college-level science educators with short-term research experiences in NIH-funded laboratories. NIH will extend funding to those projects best able to provide meaningful research experiences for students and educators. For information, view: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-060.html
NIGMS will consider applications from institutions to hire--and help support start-up packages for newly independent investigators doing research related to the NIGMS mission. NIGMS is particularly interested in helping to restart faculty searches that were discontinued due to economic constraints. The request for applications is at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-005.html. For details on specific NIGMS interests and instructions, view: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Research/FacultyHiring.htm.
NIH “Grand Opportunities,” or “GO" grants will support projects that will benefit from 2 year funds without the expectation of continued NIH funding beyond two years. Applications with budgets greater than $500,000 total costs per year will be considered. GO grants will support high-impact ideas that lend themselves to short-term, non-renewable funding and may lay the foundation for new areas of investigation. Applicants may propose to address a specific research question or to create a unique infrastructure/resource designed to accelerate scientific progress in the future. For important details about the project scope and specific requirements for these grants, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-004.html
AAMC New Career Information Website
The AAMC GREAT Group (Group on Graduate Research, Education, and Training) has developed new informational websites for students considering biomedical science careers. The websites can be accessed at: www.aamc.org/phd and www.aamc.org/mdphd. The sites are linked through a "Considering a Career in Medical Research" hub which can be accessed at: http://www.aamc.org/students/considering/research/start.htm.
AAMC/Graduate Student- Research Advisor Document
The AAM has published the Compact Between Biomedical Graduate Students and Their Research Advisors, intended to initiate discussions at the local and national levels about the pre-doctoral student research advisor relationships. View the Compact on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org/gradcompact
USP Council of Experts
The USP is seeking qualified candidates to serve as scientific decision makers on the 20010-2015 Council of Experts and its Expert Committees. Individuals may nominate themselves or a colleague at www.usp.org/goto/nominate. Members of the Council of Experts will chair 20 Expert Committees in areas such as Nomenclature, Small Molecules, Biologics and Biotechnology, Excipients, General Chapters, Reference Standards, Compounding, Food Ingredients, and Dietary Supplements. USP also is seeking candidates for Expert Panels, which will be formed to provide additional expertise in specific areas. The deadlines for applications are December 31, 2009 for Council of Experts members and May 15, 2010 for Expert Committee members.
GAO Report Criticizes Federal Oversight of Dietary Supplements.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report critical of the federal government oversight of dietary supplements. "Dietary Supplements: FDA Should Take Further Actions to Improve Oversight and Consumer Understanding," can be viewed at: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-250
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET has developed an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. There is no registration or fee required. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses (Univ North Carolina, Michigan State, Univ Nebraska, and Vanderbilt) that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. For additional information contact Jim Bernstein at 301-634-7062; jbernstein@aspet.org; http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html.
NAS Publishes Guide for Responsible Research
A new edition of "On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research," offers researchers -- particularly early-career scientists and their mentors -- guidance on how to conduct research responsibly and avoid misconduct such as fabrication and plagiarism. The guide includes new case studies and has been updated to reflect the emergence of electronic publishing and globalization of research. http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12192
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.
Funding Opportunities
Developmental Psychopharmacology: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-111.html> <http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-112.html
Participation of NIAAA Developmental Psychopharmacology: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AA-09-002.html
NIH Challenge Grants: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-003.html
NIH-RAID Administrative Supplements for Preclinical Efficacy Testing of Candidate Therapeutics: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-RM-09-010.html
Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-10-002.html
March, 2009
House, Senate Economic Stimulus Bills Adds Funds for Biomedical Research
The economic stimulus bill is now law and provides NIH with $10.4 billion. All funds are intended to be spent through September 2010. $8.2 billion supports scientific research with $800 million to the Office of the Director and $7.4 billion transferred to ICs and the Common Fund. $1 billion allocated to NCRR to support extramural construction and $300 million for Shared Instrumentation and other capital equipment. An additional $500 million is for NIH buildings and facilities. $400 million is for Comparative Effectiveness Research. Stimulus funds will help support different mechanisms, including R01s for two years as well as provide supplements to current grants. New Challenge Grants, aimed to address research problems that can be addressed in two years, will provide $500k per year. NIH plans to fund a total of $100-$200 million in Challenge grants if the scientific demand warrants that support. View NIH statement at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/news.htm#20090226. NIH hopes to move stimulus funds out to the extramural community in the next 30-60 days.
The Obama Administration released its FY 2010 budget that includes more than $6 billion for NIH to support cancer research.
The full document is available at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/usbudget/fy10/pdf/fy10-newera.pdf. The Department of Health and Human Services section about NIH reads: “…This funding is central to the President's sustained, multi-year plan to double cancer research. These resources will be committed strategically to have the greatest impact on developing innovative diagnostics, treatments and cures for cancer. This initiative will build upon the unprecedented $10 billion provided in the Recovery Act, which will support new NIH research in 2009 and 2010." The proposed budget is only a blueprint and does not guarantee NIH these funds. It is not clear if these funds are intended solely/largely for NCI or will be more broadly distributed among ICs.
However, the FY’09 bill was finally passed as an omnibus bill by the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration. This bill provides a $937 million increase for NIH above the FY’08 level. By most measures, it has been a good couple of weeks regarding NIH’s near-term funding outlook. The larger issue remains on how the agency will continue this momentum beyond the stimulus years with sustainable, predictable increases in an increasingly difficult economic climate.
FDA Appropriations
While the economic stimulus package contained no funds for FDA, the FY’09 omnibus bill provides FDA a $325 million increase over the FY 08 appropriation (roughly half for food safety). For the first time, FDA will receive $2 billion in appropriated funds. Senate action is pending. The FDA will have been provided with $620 million in new funds over the last 16 months.
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET has developed an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
Special NIGMS Evolution Issue of Findings
In honor of the year-long celebration of Charles Darwin's work and impact, NIGMS has produced a special, evolution-themed issue of their science education magazine Findings: http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/findings/
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. For additional information contact Jim Bernstein at 301-634-7062; jbernstein@aspet.org; http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html
AAMC/Graduate Student- Research Advisor Document
The AAM has published the Compact Between Biomedical Graduate Students and Their Research Advisors, intended to initiate discussions at the local and national levels about the pre-doctoral student research advisor relationships. View the Compact on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org/gradcompact.
USMLE Seeks Clinical Pharmacologists for Committee
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is trying to identify clinical pharmacologists who might be interested in participating in USMLE test material development committees. USMLE is interested in identifying people who have experience teaching clinical pharmacology within the context of undergraduate medical education in the United States. To nominate, please forward names to jbernstein@aspet.org. You can self nominate. USMLE We will follow up by contacting these people to let them know they have been nominated. Nominees should possess the MD or DO degree, although other graduate degrees are appropriate.
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.
Funding Opportunities
Pharmacogenomics Research Network: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-10-001.html
Pre-Application for Dietary Supplement Research Centers: Botanicals:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-09-091.html
Notice of Availability of Administrative Supplements for Research on Outcome Measures for Pediatric Clinical Trials in support of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-RR-09-005.html
February, 2009
House, Senate Economic Stimulus Bills Adds Funds for Biomedical Research
The House passed its economic stimulus package providing $3.5 billion to the NIH. Of that amount, $2.7 billion is for the Office of the Director of which $1.35 billion will be transferred to the ICs and the Common Fund in proportion to the FY’09 appropriations. $300 million is for NCRR shared instrumentation and capital equipment and $500 million for intramural buildings and facilities. The Senate will vote shortly on its stimulus package. The Senate bill’s NIH provisions mirror the House bill. An amendment may be offered to the Senate bill by Arlen Specter (R-PA) that would provide an additional $6.5 billion in the economic stimulus package for NIH. This would bring NIH’s total in the Senate bill to $10 billion over two years. At the moment it is not clear if Senator Specter will offer his amendment or if it will pass. Both the House and Senate bills will be reconcile differences between the two bills shortly after the Senate passes its bill.
ASPET Co-signs Letter to Obama Transition Team
Late last year, ASPET joined 200 patient groups, academic health centers, and other research organizations in a letter to the Obama transition team endorsing a recommendation to include at least $1.2 billion in NIH funding in any immediate economic-stimulus effort. View the letter sent to the Obama Transition Team at: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html
FDA Appropriations
The economic stimulus package contains no funds for FDA. It is possible that the FY’09 omnibus bill will contain increases for FDA. Congressional supporters understand that FDA still has many budget needs and Congress has worked to remedy these problems. In FY’04,’05, and ’06, FDA received a total of $103 million in yearly increases. For FY’07,’08 and ’09, the FDA will have received an aggregate of $522 million in new funds (with more possible from the omnibus).
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET is currently developing an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
NIH Provides Funding Data Information
The NIH is providing detailed funding information for 215 major areas, called the Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system. The public can use this information to view the total funds spent in each category for the current and previous fiscal years based on grants, contracts, and intramural research. http://report.nih.gov/rcdc
Research!America Report Cites Limited Health Research Investment in U.S.
A Research!America report released Dec. 11 estimates that the United States invested 5.5 percent of its total health spending on medical and health research in 2007. According to the report, government and private sources spent about $122.4 billion on medical research, or just more than 5 percent of the $2.25 trillion projected for 2007 health spending overall in the United States. Research!America called this amount a “stagnation” relative to total health costs. The full report is available at: http://www.researchamerica.org/research_investment
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html
White Paper Calls for Reversal of Restrictions on Embyronic Stem Cell Research
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) released a white paper, Catalyst For Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research, which outlines the views of nine of the nation’s leading scientists on the promises and challenges of embryonic stem cell research and calls for reversal of the current restrictions on funding for stem cell research. The full text of Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research is available on the CAMR web site at www.camradvocacy.com
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/
Funding Opportunities
New Methodologies for Natural Products Chemistry: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-09-005.html
Medication Discovery Using Rat Models of Relapse http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-09-024.html
Pre-Application Meeting for: RFA-HD-09-002 Obstetric Pharmacology Research Units http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HD-09-007.html Obstetric Pharmacology Research Units: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-09-002.html
Dietary Supplement Research Centers: Botanicals http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-001.html
RFA available for the Botanical Research Centers Program: http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/News/ODS_Update_-_January_2009.aspx#news1
December 2008/January 2009
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report
Pending Economic Stimulus Could Include Additional Funds for NIH
Congress continues to work toward completion of an economic stimulus package that President-elect Obama could sign after he takes office. The new Congress is expected to reconvene on or around January 6. A short term stimulus package might also be passed shortly. This will include immediate relief for food stamp recipients, unemployment and Medicaid beneficiaries. Another economic stimulus package, most likely in excess of $600 billion, will be considered this winter. This second stimulus package will aim to boast economic infrastructure, green technology, etc. The second stimulus package could be an opportunity for NIH to receive at least $1 billion in additional funding. This funding would provide immediate support to several thousand competitively awarded research grants.
FDA Appropriations
FDA
In the last 12 months Congress has had three opportunities to flat fund FDA or allow inflation only increases. Each time FDA was given special consideration and enhanced funding. $150 million was added to the FDA’s budget through the 2008 supplemental bill. And another $150 million was addressed to the agency’s base through passage of the FY’09 Continuing Resolution. The above increases were on top of a $145 million increase to the FDA that Congress provided this December. FDA is still seriously under-funded but for the first time it appears that Congress has accepted that FDA cannot carry out its mission adequately without a significant increase in funding. With these increased funds Congress has provided guidance on how these and additional resources could be used. They include a host of food safety issues and 1) use new science and analysis to improve the safety of medical products, 2) develop and implement quantitative decision-making tools to assess the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biologics, and devices, 3) enhance science programs across the agency and establish mechanisms to access the best scientific knowledge and expertise to modernize its regulatory science, 4) strengthen FDA capacity to support emerging areas of science, 5) upgrade FDA science capacity by providing more training and professional development support for FDA science staff.
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET is currently developing an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. For more information or If there is an opportunity for ASPET to visit your institution contact Jim Bernstein at (tel: 301-634-7062) jbernstein@aspet.org.
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009 “The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html .
NIGMS Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics
Expands An announcement of five new collaborative projects in the Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics can be viewed at: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/News/Results/RIKENII_11102008.htm
FASEB News
FASEB has published “Building Electronic Bridges to Bionics: The Basic Science of Neural Prosthetics,” the latest edition in FASEB’s Breakthrough in Bioscience series. This article explores the cutting-edge science of neural prosthetics, from cochlear implants to artificial retinas to bionic limbs, and describes the roots of these devices in centuries of fundamental research. To obtain a free copy of these publications, visit the Breakthroughs in Bioscience Web site http://opa.faseb.org/pages/Publications/breakthroughs.htm or contact FASEB’s Office of Public Affairs at (301) 634-7650. The new article may be accessed here: http://opa.faseb.org/pdf/BuildingElectronicBT.pdf
FASEB also launched a new website to provide the research community with information and resources on animal rights extremism www.animalrightsextremism.org.
FASEB has also updated the online data compilation related to education and employment of biological and medical scientists. FASEB encourages others to use the graphs and resources available in publications and presentations of their own. The site can be accessed at: http://opa.faseb.org/pages/PolicyIssues/training_datappt.htm
May 2009
Congress Begins Moves on NIH FY 2010 Budget
The House and Senate approved a conference agreement for the FY 2010 budget resolution that paves the way for Appropriations Committees to begin consideration of the FY 2010 NIH and other federal agencies budgets. The $3.56 trillion budget resolution provides a framework for unspecified funding increases for the NIH and other health related agencies. ASPET and many other organizations in the biomedical research community are supporting a 7% increase in NIH's FY 2010 budget. Read ASPET's written statement of support to the House Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee here: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), the former ranking member of the Senate Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, and one of NIH's biggest supporters, left the Republican Party and became a Democrat. Specter noted that the political situation in his home state would have made it difficult to win the Republican primary. But significantly he stated that, "I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania's economy." Sen. Specter has also introduced legislation that would provide federal funds to accelerate 'cures and treatments' and remove barriers to translational research by establishing an independent agency, the Cures Acceleration Network (CAN) to fund promising research. The bill also authorizes appropriations for NIH at $40 billion for FY 2010, requires NIH to develop a conflict of interest policy, and gives the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities institute status. CAN proposes to make awards outside of traditional funding streams and Specter's office indicates the goal is for CAN funding to be complementary to and not competitive with NIH funding. How this might play out is unclear. Information on CAN will be found at: http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=ed5151e2-a18a-36de-f7d6-725a233f8625
ASPET members are encouraged to visit http://www.researchmeanshope.org to send a message to Congress about the need for significant annual increases for NIH. ResearchMeansHope.Org is a campaign/coalition of medical schools, teaching hospitals and other interested organizations advocating to Congress in support of NIH. The campaign will use all media to raise public awareness of the critical need for sustained growth in federal funding for biomedical research.
FDA Appropriations
The Alliance for a Stronger FDA has recommended a 20% increase for all centers and programs at FDA for FY 2010. This is a $386 million increase above the FY 2009 level. The Alliance's congressional testimony notes that the FDA is still greatly under-resourced and that "There cannot be many agencies in the US government that have such a vast scope of responsibilities and so few dollars to get the job done." The Alliance then notes ASPET's discovery of the fact that the FDA's budget is less than the school district in which it resides (Montgomery County, MD), ?When the Superintendent (of schools) looks out his window, he reflects on the educational needs between Takoma Park and Germantown. When the (FDA) Commissioner looks out his window, he reflects on the food and medical product needs of the entire world. Yet until this year, the Superintendent had a significantly larger budget to spend than the Commissioner.? Read the Alliance for a Stronger FDA congressional testimony at: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_botanical_res.html
NIH Increases NRSA Stipend Level
NIH issued the FY 2009 stipend levels for trainees and fellows receiving Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA). The published stipend level for predoctoral fellows is 20,976, and the stipend level for postdoctoral fellows with zero years of experience is $37, 368. For both predocs and postdocs, this represents about a 1% increase above FY 2007 levels. The FY 2009 stipend levels are retroactive for all Kirschstein-NRSA awards made on or after Oct. 1, 2008. For more information, please see: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-057.html
NIH Request Comments on Stem Cell Guidelines NIH is requesting public comment on draft guidelines entitled "National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research." The purpose is to implement the President's executive order as it pertains to extramural NIH funded research, to establish policy and procedures under which NIH will fund research in this area, and to help ensure that NIH funded research in this area is ethically responsible, scientifically worthy, and conducted in accordance with applicable law. For more information: http://www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2009-04-23-E9-9313
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET has developed an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. T date, ASPET has visited UT Southwestern and will be at Emory on May 12 and Wayne State on June 19 for their 36th Annual Pharmacology Research Colloquium. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology at Michigan State, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Vanderbilt
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. For additional information contact Jim Bernstein at 301-634-7062; jbernstein@aspet.org; http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: <http://opa.faseb.org/>.
Funding Opportunities
AREA Grant Funding Opportunity: Recovery Act Limited Competition: Academic Research Enhancement Award: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-007.html
Recovery Act Grand Opportunities GO Grant Submission Deadline Moved to May 29, 2009: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-090.html
Website for RFA-RR-09-009: Recovery Act 2009 Limited Competition: Enabling National Networking of Scientists and Resource: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-RR-09-012.html
April, 2009
Omnibus Bill Adds FY’09 Funds to NIH
The NIH will receive a $937 million increase for FY’09 above its FY’08 level. This brings the NIH budget up to $30.4 billion, not including the $10.4 billion from economic stimulus funds. The FY’10 appropriations process is already underway. For FY 2010, the research community is advocating for an increase of 7% in the NIH budget. This increase will help NIH sustain current and future research infrastructure and help to prevent any disruption from a decline in funding following the infusion of stimulus funds.
FDA Appropriations
The FY’09 omnibus bill provided FDA a $325 million increase over the FY 08 appropriation. This was an increase of almost 20% from the prior year and the first time that the agency’s appropriated budget will exceed $2B. The Alliance for a Stronger FDA (of which ASPET is a member) will recommend a $386 million increase over FY’09 for a FY2010 FDA budget of $2.4 billion. View: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html
Incredibly, FDA’s budget still is less than several local school districts, including the county that FDA resides (Montgomery County, MD). Budgets for the FDA and CDC compared favorably in FY 1985, but CDC is now at $6.6 billion compared to FDA’s $2.0 billion. This represents about a 13% compound annual growth rate for CDC compared to half that for the FDA.
Information on NIH Stimulus Funds Now Available
Complete information about NIH stimulus funding opportunities can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/recovery/. NIH is also interesting in letting the research community about the following opportunities:
Funding for administrative supplements to existing NIH grants and $21 million over two years has been allocated for educational opportunities in NIH-funded laboratories for students and science educators. Investigators and institutions that already have research grants funded by NIH will be able to apply for administrative supplements from ARRA funds to support summer students and science educators. The goal is to encourage students to pursue research careers in health-related sciences, as well as provide elementary, middle and high school, and college-level science educators with short-term research experiences in NIH-funded laboratories. NIH will extend funding to those projects best able to provide meaningful research experiences for students and educators. For information, view: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-060.html
NIGMS will consider applications from institutions to hire--and help support start-up packages for newly independent investigators doing research related to the NIGMS mission. NIGMS is particularly interested in helping to restart faculty searches that were discontinued due to economic constraints. The request for applications is at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-005.html. For details on specific NIGMS interests and instructions, view: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Research/FacultyHiring.htm.
NIH “Grand Opportunities,” or “GO" grants will support projects that will benefit from 2 year funds without the expectation of continued NIH funding beyond two years. Applications with budgets greater than $500,000 total costs per year will be considered. GO grants will support high-impact ideas that lend themselves to short-term, non-renewable funding and may lay the foundation for new areas of investigation. Applicants may propose to address a specific research question or to create a unique infrastructure/resource designed to accelerate scientific progress in the future. For important details about the project scope and specific requirements for these grants, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-004.html
AAMC New Career Information Website
The AAMC GREAT Group (Group on Graduate Research, Education, and Training) has developed new informational websites for students considering biomedical science careers. The websites can be accessed at: www.aamc.org/phd and www.aamc.org/mdphd. The sites are linked through a "Considering a Career in Medical Research" hub which can be accessed at: http://www.aamc.org/students/considering/research/start.htm.
AAMC/Graduate Student- Research Advisor Document
The AAM has published the Compact Between Biomedical Graduate Students and Their Research Advisors, intended to initiate discussions at the local and national levels about the pre-doctoral student research advisor relationships. View the Compact on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org/gradcompact
USP Council of Experts
The USP is seeking qualified candidates to serve as scientific decision makers on the 20010-2015 Council of Experts and its Expert Committees. Individuals may nominate themselves or a colleague at www.usp.org/goto/nominate. Members of the Council of Experts will chair 20 Expert Committees in areas such as Nomenclature, Small Molecules, Biologics and Biotechnology, Excipients, General Chapters, Reference Standards, Compounding, Food Ingredients, and Dietary Supplements. USP also is seeking candidates for Expert Panels, which will be formed to provide additional expertise in specific areas. The deadlines for applications are December 31, 2009 for Council of Experts members and May 15, 2010 for Expert Committee members.
GAO Report Criticizes Federal Oversight of Dietary Supplements.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report critical of the federal government oversight of dietary supplements. "Dietary Supplements: FDA Should Take Further Actions to Improve Oversight and Consumer Understanding," can be viewed at: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-250
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET has developed an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. There is no registration or fee required. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses (Univ North Carolina, Michigan State, Univ Nebraska, and Vanderbilt) that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. For additional information contact Jim Bernstein at 301-634-7062; jbernstein@aspet.org; http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html.
NAS Publishes Guide for Responsible Research
A new edition of "On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research," offers researchers -- particularly early-career scientists and their mentors -- guidance on how to conduct research responsibly and avoid misconduct such as fabrication and plagiarism. The guide includes new case studies and has been updated to reflect the emergence of electronic publishing and globalization of research. http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12192
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.
Funding Opportunities
Developmental Psychopharmacology: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-111.html> <http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-112.html
Participation of NIAAA Developmental Psychopharmacology: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AA-09-002.html
NIH Challenge Grants: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-003.html
NIH-RAID Administrative Supplements for Preclinical Efficacy Testing of Candidate Therapeutics: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-RM-09-010.html
Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-10-002.html
March, 2009
House, Senate Economic Stimulus Bills Adds Funds for Biomedical Research
The economic stimulus bill is now law and provides NIH with $10.4 billion. All funds are intended to be spent through September 2010. $8.2 billion supports scientific research with $800 million to the Office of the Director and $7.4 billion transferred to ICs and the Common Fund. $1 billion allocated to NCRR to support extramural construction and $300 million for Shared Instrumentation and other capital equipment. An additional $500 million is for NIH buildings and facilities. $400 million is for Comparative Effectiveness Research. Stimulus funds will help support different mechanisms, including R01s for two years as well as provide supplements to current grants. New Challenge Grants, aimed to address research problems that can be addressed in two years, will provide $500k per year. NIH plans to fund a total of $100-$200 million in Challenge grants if the scientific demand warrants that support. View NIH statement at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/news.htm#20090226. NIH hopes to move stimulus funds out to the extramural community in the next 30-60 days.
The Obama Administration released its FY 2010 budget that includes more than $6 billion for NIH to support cancer research.
The full document is available at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/usbudget/fy10/pdf/fy10-newera.pdf. The Department of Health and Human Services section about NIH reads: “…This funding is central to the President's sustained, multi-year plan to double cancer research. These resources will be committed strategically to have the greatest impact on developing innovative diagnostics, treatments and cures for cancer. This initiative will build upon the unprecedented $10 billion provided in the Recovery Act, which will support new NIH research in 2009 and 2010." The proposed budget is only a blueprint and does not guarantee NIH these funds. It is not clear if these funds are intended solely/largely for NCI or will be more broadly distributed among ICs.
However, the FY’09 bill was finally passed as an omnibus bill by the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration. This bill provides a $937 million increase for NIH above the FY’08 level. By most measures, it has been a good couple of weeks regarding NIH’s near-term funding outlook. The larger issue remains on how the agency will continue this momentum beyond the stimulus years with sustainable, predictable increases in an increasingly difficult economic climate.
FDA Appropriations
While the economic stimulus package contained no funds for FDA, the FY’09 omnibus bill provides FDA a $325 million increase over the FY 08 appropriation (roughly half for food safety). For the first time, FDA will receive $2 billion in appropriated funds. Senate action is pending. The FDA will have been provided with $620 million in new funds over the last 16 months.
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET has developed an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
Special NIGMS Evolution Issue of Findings
In honor of the year-long celebration of Charles Darwin's work and impact, NIGMS has produced a special, evolution-themed issue of their science education magazine Findings: http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/findings/
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. For additional information contact Jim Bernstein at 301-634-7062; jbernstein@aspet.org; http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html
AAMC/Graduate Student- Research Advisor Document
The AAM has published the Compact Between Biomedical Graduate Students and Their Research Advisors, intended to initiate discussions at the local and national levels about the pre-doctoral student research advisor relationships. View the Compact on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org/gradcompact.
USMLE Seeks Clinical Pharmacologists for Committee
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is trying to identify clinical pharmacologists who might be interested in participating in USMLE test material development committees. USMLE is interested in identifying people who have experience teaching clinical pharmacology within the context of undergraduate medical education in the United States. To nominate, please forward names to jbernstein@aspet.org. You can self nominate. USMLE We will follow up by contacting these people to let them know they have been nominated. Nominees should possess the MD or DO degree, although other graduate degrees are appropriate.
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.
Funding Opportunities
Pharmacogenomics Research Network: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-10-001.html
Pre-Application for Dietary Supplement Research Centers: Botanicals:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-09-091.html
Notice of Availability of Administrative Supplements for Research on Outcome Measures for Pediatric Clinical Trials in support of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-RR-09-005.html
February, 2009
House, Senate Economic Stimulus Bills Adds Funds for Biomedical Research
The House passed its economic stimulus package providing $3.5 billion to the NIH. Of that amount, $2.7 billion is for the Office of the Director of which $1.35 billion will be transferred to the ICs and the Common Fund in proportion to the FY’09 appropriations. $300 million is for NCRR shared instrumentation and capital equipment and $500 million for intramural buildings and facilities. The Senate will vote shortly on its stimulus package. The Senate bill’s NIH provisions mirror the House bill. An amendment may be offered to the Senate bill by Arlen Specter (R-PA) that would provide an additional $6.5 billion in the economic stimulus package for NIH. This would bring NIH’s total in the Senate bill to $10 billion over two years. At the moment it is not clear if Senator Specter will offer his amendment or if it will pass. Both the House and Senate bills will be reconcile differences between the two bills shortly after the Senate passes its bill.
ASPET Co-signs Letter to Obama Transition Team
Late last year, ASPET joined 200 patient groups, academic health centers, and other research organizations in a letter to the Obama transition team endorsing a recommendation to include at least $1.2 billion in NIH funding in any immediate economic-stimulus effort. View the letter sent to the Obama Transition Team at: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html
FDA Appropriations
The economic stimulus package contains no funds for FDA. It is possible that the FY’09 omnibus bill will contain increases for FDA. Congressional supporters understand that FDA still has many budget needs and Congress has worked to remedy these problems. In FY’04,’05, and ’06, FDA received a total of $103 million in yearly increases. For FY’07,’08 and ’09, the FDA will have received an aggregate of $522 million in new funds (with more possible from the omnibus).
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET is currently developing an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. If there is an opportunity for ASPET to make such a presentation in 2009 at your institution please contact Jim Bernstein at jbernstein@aspet.org.
NIH Provides Funding Data Information
The NIH is providing detailed funding information for 215 major areas, called the Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system. The public can use this information to view the total funds spent in each category for the current and previous fiscal years based on grants, contracts, and intramural research. http://report.nih.gov/rcdc
Research!America Report Cites Limited Health Research Investment in U.S.
A Research!America report released Dec. 11 estimates that the United States invested 5.5 percent of its total health spending on medical and health research in 2007. According to the report, government and private sources spent about $122.4 billion on medical research, or just more than 5 percent of the $2.25 trillion projected for 2007 health spending overall in the United States. Research!America called this amount a “stagnation” relative to total health costs. The full report is available at: http://www.researchamerica.org/research_investment
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For additional information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html
White Paper Calls for Reversal of Restrictions on Embyronic Stem Cell Research
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) released a white paper, Catalyst For Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research, which outlines the views of nine of the nation’s leading scientists on the promises and challenges of embryonic stem cell research and calls for reversal of the current restrictions on funding for stem cell research. The full text of Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research is available on the CAMR web site at www.camradvocacy.com
FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/
Funding Opportunities
New Methodologies for Natural Products Chemistry: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-09-005.html
Medication Discovery Using Rat Models of Relapse http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-09-024.html
Pre-Application Meeting for: RFA-HD-09-002 Obstetric Pharmacology Research Units http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HD-09-007.html Obstetric Pharmacology Research Units: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-09-002.html
Dietary Supplement Research Centers: Botanicals http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OD-09-001.html
RFA available for the Botanical Research Centers Program: http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/News/ODS_Update_-_January_2009.aspx#news1
December 2008/January 2009
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report
Pending Economic Stimulus Could Include Additional Funds for NIH
Congress continues to work toward completion of an economic stimulus package that President-elect Obama could sign after he takes office. The new Congress is expected to reconvene on or around January 6. A short term stimulus package might also be passed shortly. This will include immediate relief for food stamp recipients, unemployment and Medicaid beneficiaries. Another economic stimulus package, most likely in excess of $600 billion, will be considered this winter. This second stimulus package will aim to boast economic infrastructure, green technology, etc. The second stimulus package could be an opportunity for NIH to receive at least $1 billion in additional funding. This funding would provide immediate support to several thousand competitively awarded research grants.
FDA Appropriations
FDA
In the last 12 months Congress has had three opportunities to flat fund FDA or allow inflation only increases. Each time FDA was given special consideration and enhanced funding. $150 million was added to the FDA’s budget through the 2008 supplemental bill. And another $150 million was addressed to the agency’s base through passage of the FY’09 Continuing Resolution. The above increases were on top of a $145 million increase to the FDA that Congress provided this December. FDA is still seriously under-funded but for the first time it appears that Congress has accepted that FDA cannot carry out its mission adequately without a significant increase in funding. With these increased funds Congress has provided guidance on how these and additional resources could be used. They include a host of food safety issues and 1) use new science and analysis to improve the safety of medical products, 2) develop and implement quantitative decision-making tools to assess the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biologics, and devices, 3) enhance science programs across the agency and establish mechanisms to access the best scientific knowledge and expertise to modernize its regulatory science, 4) strengthen FDA capacity to support emerging areas of science, 5) upgrade FDA science capacity by providing more training and professional development support for FDA science staff.
ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET is currently developing an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. For more information or If there is an opportunity for ASPET to visit your institution contact Jim Bernstein at (tel: 301-634-7062) jbernstein@aspet.org.
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009 “The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.
ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html
Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html .
NIGMS Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics
Expands An announcement of five new collaborative projects in the Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics can be viewed at: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/News/Results/RIKENII_11102008.htm
FASEB News
FASEB has published “Building Electronic Bridges to Bionics: The Basic Science of Neural Prosthetics,” the latest edition in FASEB’s Breakthrough in Bioscience series. This article explores the cutting-edge science of neural prosthetics, from cochlear implants to artificial retinas to bionic limbs, and describes the roots of these devices in centuries of fundamental research. To obtain a free copy of these publications, visit the Breakthroughs in Bioscience Web site http://opa.faseb.org/pages/Publications/breakthroughs.htm or contact FASEB’s Office of Public Affairs at (301) 634-7650. The new article may be accessed here: http://opa.faseb.org/pdf/BuildingElectronicBT.pdf
FASEB also launched a new website to provide the research community with information and resources on animal rights extremism www.animalrightsextremism.org.
FASEB has also updated the online data compilation related to education and employment of biological and medical scientists. FASEB encourages others to use the graphs and resources available in publications and presentations of their own. The site can be accessed at: http://opa.faseb.org/pages/PolicyIssues/training_datappt.htm