BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Multiple Institutes and Centers (e.g., NIMH). This program aims to enhance diversity in the neuroscience workforce by supporting outstanding postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds to transition to independent, tenure-track faculty positions in BRAIN Initiative research areas.

Expired PAR-18-813: BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Required) This notice has expired. Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices. Department of Health and Human Services Part 1.

Overview Information Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) of Participating Organizations National Eye Institute ( NEI ) National Institute on Aging ( NIA ) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ( NIAAA ) National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering ( NIBIB ) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ( NIDCD ) National Institute on Drug Abuse ( NIDA ) National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ( NINDS ) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health ( NCCIH ) Office of Research on Women's Health ( ORWH ) Funding Opportunity Title BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Required) K99 / R00 Career Transition Award/Research Transition Award November 14, 2019 - This PA has been reissued as RFA-NS-19-044 .

Clarifying Competing Application Instructions and Notice of Publication of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Proposed Human Fetal Tissue Research. See Notice Changes to NIH Requirements Regarding Proposed Human Fetal Tissue Research. See Notice NOT-OD-19-128 .

July 22, 2019 - Requirement for ORCID iDs for Individuals Supported by Research Training, Fellowship, Research Education, and Career Development Awards Beginning in FY 2020. See Notice NOT-OD-19-109 . November 26, 2018 - NIH & AHRQ Announce Upcoming Updates to Application Instructions and Review Criteria for Career Development Award Applications.

See Notice NOT-OD-18-229 . Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number Companion Funding Opportunity PAR-18-814 , K99 / R00 Career Transition Award/Research Transition Award (Independent Clinical Trial Additional Information on Eligibility . Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 93.

867, 93. 866, 93. 273, 93.

286, 93. 865, 93. 173, 93.

279, 93. 242, Funding Opportunity Purpose The purpose of the NIH BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00) program is to enhance workforce diversity in the neuroscience workforce and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NIH-supported, independent investigators from diverse backgrounds in BRAIN Initiative research areas .

This program is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding postdoctoral researchers with a research and/or clinical doctorate degree from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions. The program will provide independent NIH research support during this transition in order to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary study to an existing trial, as part of their research and career development.

Applicants not planning an independent clinical trial, or proposing to gain research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator, must apply to companion FOA. Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) Letter of Intent Due Date(s) The first due date is August 1, 2018; Standard dates apply after that, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on these dates. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date. AIDS Application Due Date(s) dates apply, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

All types of AIDS and AIDS-related applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on these dates. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date. New Date November 14, 2019 per issuance of RFA-NS-19-044 .

(Original Expiration Date: May 8, 2021 ) It is critical that applicants follow the Career Development (K) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide , except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts ). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced.

Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV . When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

Part 1. Overview Information Part 2. Full Text of the Announcement I.

Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Section III. Eligibility Information Section IV.

Application and Submission Section V. Application Review Information Section VI. Award Administration Information Section VII.

Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description overall goal of the NIH Research Career Development program is to help ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available in appropriate scientific disciplines to address the Nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs.

NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) support a variety of mentored and non-mentored career development award programs designed to foster the transition of new investigators to research independence and to support established investigators in achieving specific objectives. Candidates should review the different career development (K) award programs to determine the best program to support their goals.

More information about Career programs may be found at the NIH Extramural Training Mechanisms website.

The objective of the NIH BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00) is to help outstanding postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to complete needed, mentored training and transition in a timely manner to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions.

The BRAIN Initiative Diversity K99/R00 program is intended to foster the development of a creative, independent researcher that will be competitive for subsequent independent funding and that will help advance the mission of the NIH and BRAIN Initiative research areas in particular. Applicants must have no more than 5 years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of the initial or the subsequent resubmission application.

The K99/R00 award is intended for individuals who require at least 12 months of mentored research training and career development (K99 phase) before transitioning to the R00 award phase of the program.

Consequently, the strongest applicants will require, and will propose, a well-conceived plan for 1 2 years of substantive mentored research training and career development that will help them become competitive candidates for tenure-track faculty positions and prepare them to launch robust, independent research programs.

An individual who cannot provide a compelling rationale for at least one year of additional mentored research training at the time of award is not a strong candidate for this award. and BRAIN Initiative Interest in Diversity Fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key component of the NIH strategy to identify, develop, support and maintain the quality of our scientific human capital.

Promoting diversity in the extramural scientific workforce by enhancing the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, is critical to the success of the NIH mission and is consistent with the mandates of the 21st Century Cures Act. See Policy Supporting the Next Generation Researchers Initiative, NOT-OD-17-101 .

Every facet of the United States scientific research enterprise from basic laboratory research to clinical and translational research to policy formation requires superior intellect, creativity and a wide range of skill sets and viewpoints.

NIH's ability to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, backgrounds who will help to further NIH's mission. In spite of tremendous advancements in scientific research, information, educational and research opportunities are not equally available to all.

NIH encourages institutions to diversify their student and faculty populations to enhance the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social science. Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity, NOT-OD-18-129 .

The Next Generation of Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences Researchers: Breaking Through (NASEM, 2018) encourages NIH and research institutions to diversify their postdoctorate and faculty populations to enhance the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups identified as underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences.

In addition, women have been shown to be underrepresented in doctorate-granting research institutions at senior faculty levels in most biomedical-relevant disciplines including those relevant to the BRAIN Intiative (See data from the National Science Foundation National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, special report available at https://www. nsf.

gov/statistics/2017/nsf17310/ , especially the table describing science, engineering, and health doctorate holders employed in universities and 4-year colleges, by broad occupation, sex, years since doctorate, and faculty rank (Table 9-23 of Special Report NSF 13-304 from 2013.) For more information, see NOT-OD-18-129 .

There is a large loss of talented researchers during the transition from postdoctoral training to junior faculty positions, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Evidence from several reports demonstrates that an intervention designed to facilitate successful transition at this point would benefit the research community and scientific teaching environment and would provide, in particular, needed role models for students from underrepresented groups ( Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America's Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads, National Academy of Sciences, 2011 ; Beyond Bias and Barriers: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering, NASEM, 2007; Bridges to Independence: Fostering the Independence of New Investigators in Biomedical Research, National Research Council, 2005 ; and Advancing the Nation's Health Needs: NIH Research Training Programs, National Academy of Sciences, 2005 ).

In addition to growing the pool of diverse trainees, including those from underrepresented groups, targeted programs that focus on transition points along the postdoctorate to junior faculty career path could prevent the loss of highly trained scientists ( The Next Generation of Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences Researchers: Breaking Through ).

For example, females make up more than half of biomedical science undergraduate (58%) and postgraduate (53%) degrees but only 18% of full professors in the biomedical sciences ( www. nces. ed.

gov/programs/digest/2013menu_tables. asp ; https://www. nsf.

gov/statistics/2017/nsf17310/static/downloads/nsf17310-digest. pdf ). Specifically for underrepresented minority neuroscience early career researchers, there is a decrease in the proportion of trainees from underrepresented groups from postdoctoral (9%) to tenure-stream neuroscience faculty (5%); 2011 Survey Report Neuroscience Departments and Programs .

A diverse faculty is critical for providing role models for aspiring scientists from all backgrounds and achieving a research agenda that benefits the nation.

Moreover, surveys reveal that a diverse faculty is important for attracting diverse students to research and has a positive impact on retention and career mentoring for diverse This FOA is designed to assist transition to secure faculty positions, enhance the diversity of faculty researchers, and enhance the skills needed to progress to independent NIH or other independent research support.

As demonstrated in a 2011 NIH Individual Mentored Career Development Awards Program Evaluation, receipt of an individual mentored career development award had a measurable and significant impact on program participants, as seen in their publication records and subsequent applications for and receipt of NIH grants.

Collectively, researchers who participated in a NIH K program had a significantly higher R01 success rate than those with no prior career development support.

The BRAIN Initiative Diversity K99/R00 also aligns with the vision of NIH Leadership to "focus on the system's nodes where attrition is most common, which means focusing on retention, continuity, flexibility, and innovation across branch points in the career pathway" CBE Life Sci Educ . 2016 Fall; v. 15(3).

It is envisioned that funding support from this K99/R00 will enhance the pool of well-trained researchers who are available to compete competitively for research opportunities available under the auspices of the Generation Researchers in the BRAIN Initiative The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is aimed at revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain.

By accelerating the development and application of innovative technologies, researchers will be able to produce a new dynamic picture of the brain that, for the first time, will show how individual cells and complex neural circuits interact in both time and space. It is expected that the application of these new tools and technologies will ultimately lead to new ways to treat and prevent brain disorders.

NIH is one of several federal agencies involved in the BRAIN Initiative. Planning for the NIH component of the BRAIN Initiative is guided by the long-term scientific plan, " BRAIN 2025: A Scientific Vision, " which details seven high-priority research areas and calls for a sustained federal commitment of $4. 5 billion over 12 years.

The BRAIN Initiative will require a high level of coordination and sharing between investigators. It is expected that BRAIN Initiative awardees will cooperate and coordinate their activities after awards are made by participating in Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) meetings and in other activities. Postdoctoral scientists are a critical component of the U.S. workforce.

Trained in the latest research practices, they bring new knowledge and techniques into the research workforce. This FOA is related to the education recommendations in Section II. 7 of the BRAIN 2025 Report.

Specifically, this FOA solicits applications from advanced-stage postdoctorates to acquire mentored research training using cutting-edge tools, theories and/or approaches in one or more of the seven, high-priority areas of the BRAIN Initiative, including neuroethics.

The NIH BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00) is a trans-NIH effort to promote retention and advancement of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with disabilities in BRAIN Intiative research The BRAIN 2025 Report strongly encourages scientists to cross traditional areas of expertise to conduct interdisciplinary research, and acknowledges the need to attract investigators and faculty recruits to neuroscience from quantitative disciplines, e.g., statistics, computer science, physics, mathematics, and engineering.

Given the expressed need to bring those trained in quantitative disciplines to neuroscience research, applications from individuals in quantitative disciplines are strongly encouraged. In addition to the National BRAIN Initiative, the NIH continues to have a substantial annual investment in neuroscience research and research training. The Institutes and Centers contributing to the NIH BRAIN Initiative ( http://braininitiative.

nih. gov/ ) support those research and research training efforts through investigator-initiated applications as well as through specific FOAs. Potential applicants to this FOA are strongly encouraged to contact Scientific/Program staff if they have any questions about the best FOA for their research For BRAIN Initiative awards to date and examples of research areas funded, see: http://www.

braininitiative. nih. gov/funding/fundedAwards.

htm . Objectives of the Career/Research Transition Opportunity Individuals must be in mentored, postdoctoral training positions to be eligible to apply to the K99/R00 program. If an applicant achieves independence (any faculty or non-mentored research position) before a K99 award is made, neither the K99, nor the R00 award, will be made.

The K99/R00 award will provide up to 5 years of support in two phases. The initial (K99) phase will provide support for up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research training and career development. The second (R00) phase will provide up to 3 years of independent research support, which is contingent on satisfactory progress during the K99 phase and an approved, independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position.

The two award phases are intended to be continuous in time. Therefore, although exceptions may be possible in limited circumstances, R00 awards will generally only be made to those K99 PDs/PIs who accept independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions by the end of the K99 award period.

Applicants for the the NIH BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00) program are expected to propose a research project and training plan in a scientific area relevant to one or more of the goals of the BRAIN Initiative, including neuroethics (see http://braininitiative. nih. gov ).

The integrated program of research and training is expected to provide applicants with training using cutting-edge tools, theories and/or approaches that will prepare them to launch independent research careers in areas that will advance the goals of the BRAIN Initiative. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with NIH scientific/research staff when planning an application.

Early contact provides an opportunity for NIH scientific/research staff to provide guidance on program scope and appropriateness of the proposed research and training for potential funding in response to this FOA. Applicants should contact NIH scientific/research staff as early as possible before the due date.

NIH defines a clinical trial as "A research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include placebo or other control) to evaluate the effects of those interventions on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes." ( NOT-OD-15-015 ).

NIH not only supports trials of safety and efficacy, it also supports mechanistic exploratory studies that meet the definition of a clinical trial and are designed to explore or understand a biological or behavioral process, the pathophysiology of a disease, or the mechanism of action of an intervention.

These studies may focus on basic and/or translational discovery research in healthy human subjects and in human subjects who are affected by the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders. By addressing basic questions and concepts in biology, behavior, and pathophysiology, these studies may provide insight into understanding human diseases and disorders along with potential treatments or preventive strategies.

NIH also supports biomarker studies that meet the definition of a clinical trial and that may provide information about physiological function, target engagement of novel therapeutics, and/or the impact of therapeutics on treatment response.

NIH thus supports studies that meet the definition of clinical trials (as noted above) but do not seek to establish safety, clinical efficacy, effectiveness, clinical management, and/or implementation of preventive, therapeutic, and services interventions.

Note: This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary study to an existing trial, as part of their research and career development.

Applicants not planning an independent clinical trial, or proposing to gain research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator, must apply to companion FOA. Information for award authorities and regulations. Section II.

Award Information Grant: A support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity. Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on Required: Only accepting applications that propose an independent clinical trial(s) help determining whether you are doing a clinical trial?

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Award budgets are composed of salary and other program-related expenses, as described below. The total project period may not exceed 5 years.

Support: The NIH BRAIN Initiative will provide K99 salary support commensurate with the applicant institution's salary structure for persons of equivalent qualifications, experience, and rank. Support: Up to $25,000 per year for K99 phase. Mentored candidates in the NIH intramural program will be supported by intramural funds provided by the NIH Institute/Center intramural laboratory in which they are conducting their research.

Budget details for the mentored phase will be negotiated with the sponsoring intramural laboratory. Salary will be consistent with that offered scientists in similar, intramural NIH Extramural: Mentored candidates at an extramural sponsoring institution/organization will be supported by NIH extramural funds.

The requested salary must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members with equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. Further guidance on budgeting for career development salaries is provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

The total salary may not exceed the legislatively mandated salary cap. See: https://grants. nih.

gov/grants/policy/salcap_summary. htm . The total cost for the independent phase (R00) may not exceed $249,000 per year.

This amount includes salary, fringe benefits, research costs, and applicable indirect costs. Indirect costs will be reimbursed at the extramural sponsoring institution's indirect cost rate.

Indirect costs requested by consortium participants are included in the total Other Program-Related Expenses Research expenses may include (a) tuition and fees related to career development activities; (b) supplies, equipment and technical personnel;and (c) statistical services including personnel and computer time.

The application may request up to $5,000 annually to defray the cost of participation in meetings including annual BRAIN Initiative meetings. Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistants, etc. is not allowed. For the extramural K99 phase, Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.

For the R00 phase, indirect costs will be reimbursed at the extramural sponsoring institution's indirect cost rate. Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this FOA.

Higher Education Institutions Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education Private Institutions of Higher Education The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education: Hispanic-serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses) City or Township Governments Special District Governments Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government U.S. Territory or Possession Independent School Districts Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Faith-based or Community-based Organizations The sponsoring institution may be private (profit or nonprofit) or public, including the NIH Intramural Programs and other Federal The applicant institution will be the mentored phase (K99) institution.

All institution/organization types listed above are eligible for both the mentored (K99) and independent (R00) phase, with the following exceptions: (1) Eligible agencies of the Federal government, such as the NIH intramural program, are eligible only for the mentored phase; and (2) Eligibility of organizations, other than institutions of higher education, for the R00 phase depends on the nature of the appointment, and the ability of the PD/PI to conduct independent research and apply for NIH research (R01 or Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement , are allowed.

Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted.

Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications states that failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a Universal Numbering System (DUNS) - All registrations require that applicants be issued a DUNS number.

After obtaining a DUNS number, applicants can begin both SAM and eRA Commons registrations. The same DUNS number must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application. System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly CCR) Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually .

The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code. Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code Foreign organizations must obtain an NCAGE code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM.

eRA Commons - Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the eRA Commons registration. Organizations can register with the eRA Commons as they are working through their SAM or Grants. gov registration.

eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application. Grants. gov Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.

gov registration. Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons.

If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.

Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Any candidate who meets the eligibility criteria and who posesses the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) is invited to work with his/her mentor and organization to develop an application for support. Multiple PDs/PIs are not allowed.

By the time of award, the individual must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., possess a currently valid Permanent Resident Card USCIS Form I-551, or other legal verification of such status). The overarching goal of this program is to enhance the diversity of independent BRAIN Initiative research area investigators.

NIH encourages participation by investigators from groups underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences. For the purpose of this announcement, institutions must identify applicants who will enhance diversity as defined below: ( NOT-OD-18-129 ) A.

Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (see data at http://www. nsf. gov/statistics/showpub.

cfm? TopID=2&SubID=27 ) Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering ). The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

In addition, it is recognized that underrepresentation can vary from setting to setting; individuals from racial or ethnic groups that can be demonstrated convincingly to be underrepresented by the grantee institution should be encouraged to participate in this program. For more information on racial and ethnic categories and definitions, see NOT-OD-15-089 . B.

Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended . See NSF data at, http://www. nsf.

gov/statistics/wmpd/2013/pdf/tab7-5_updated_2014_10. pdf . Women have been shown to be underrepresented in doctorate-granting research institutions at senior faculty levels in most biomedical-relevant disciplines and specifically in BRAIN Initiative research areas by the National Science Foundation .

Literature also shows that women from the above backgrounds (categories A, B, and C) face particular challenges at the graduate level and beyond in scientific fields. (See, e.g., Inside the Double Bind, A Synthesis of Empirical Research on Undergraduate and Graduate Women of Color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics http://her. hepg.

org/content/t022245n7x4752v2/fulltext. pdf ). For the purposes of this FOA, we consider women underrepresented in the disciplines pertinent to the BRAIN initiative (underrepresented in the neurosciences/biomedical sciences).

K99/R00 applicants for this specific FOA must have no more than 5 years of postdoctoral research experience as of the relevant application due date regardless of whether it is a new or resubmission application. Individuals must be in mentored, postdoctoral training positions to be eligible to apply to the K99/R00 program.

If an applicant achieves independence (i.e., any faculty or non-mentored research position) before a K99 award is made, neither the K99 award, nor the R00 award, will be issued. Parental leave or other well-justified leave for personal or family situations of generally less than 12 months duration (e.g., family care responsibilities, disability or illness, active military duty) is not included in the 5-year eligibility limit.

In addition, time spent conducting postgraduate clinical training that does not involve research is not considered as part of the 5-year research training eligibility limit. Only time dedicated to research activities would count toward the 5-year limit. Additional clarifications are provided under Frequently Asked Questions .

Potential candidates are encouraged to discuss their individual situation with an NIH Institute or Center Scientific Program Contact before applying. - See more at: NOT-OD-15-013 , and NOT-OD-15-153 . Candidates for the K99/R00 award must have a clinical or research doctorate (including PhD, MD, DO, DC, ND, DDS, DMD, DVM, ScD, DNS, PharmD or equivalent doctoral degrees).

Clinicians (including those with MD, DDS, DVM and other licensed health professionals) in a clinical faculty position that denotes independence in clinical responsibilities but not in research may also be eligible for the K99/R00 award.

Individuals are NOT eligible if they: Have currently or previously held an independent research faculty or tenure-track faculty position, or its equivalent, in academia, industry or Have more than 5 years of related postdoctoral research training at the time of initial application or resubmission; or Have been an independent PD/PI on NIH research grants (e.g. R01, R03, R21), NIH career development awards (e.g., K01, K07, K08, K23, K25), or other peer-reviewed NIH or non-NIH research grants over $100,000 direct costs per year, or project leaders on sub-projects of program project (P01) or center Ph.

D. (or equivalent research doctorate degree) candidates in positions other than postdoctoral fellow positions: It is recognized that some institutions appoint postdoctoral fellows in positions with other titles although they are still in non-independent, mentored training positions.

Candidates in such positions are encouraged to obtain confirmation of their eligibility from the relevant IC before they begin to prepare their applications. It is incumbent upon the candidate to provide evidence that his or her position complies with the intent of this eligibility requirement. If a potential