NIH/DHHS: Inviting Applicants for Emerging Epidemic Virus Research Training

NIH/DHHS: Inviting Applicants for Emerging Epidemic Virus Research Training is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH). This program seeks applications from U. S.

or African research institutions for a planning grant focused on emerging epidemic virus research training for West African countries with widespread transmission of Ebola (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone).

Expired PAR-16-045: Planning Grant for Emerging Epidemic Virus Research Training for West African Countries with Widespread Transmission of Ebola- Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone (D71) 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 ) Components of Participating Fogarty International Center ( FIC ) Funding Opportunity Title Planning Grant for Emerging Epidemic Virus Research Training for West African Countries with Widespread Transmission of Ebola- Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone (D71) D71 International Research Training Planning Grant August 16, 2016 - This PAR has been reissued as PAR-16-407 .

- NIH & AHRQ Announce Upcoming Changes to Policies, Instructions and Forms for 2016 Grant Applications (November 18, 2015) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number Companion Funding Opportunity Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is programmatically distinct. III. 3.

Additional Information on Eligibility . Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) Funding Opportunity Purpose This Funding Opportunity Announcement invites applications from U.S. or African research institutions to plan research training and capacity building programs focused on emerging viral epidemics in collaboration with institutions in Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone.

The application should propose a collaborative planning process to develop training approaches that will create sustainable research capacity for the early identification, transmission prediction, testing of public health responses, and assessing and addressing long term health sequelae related to emerging viral diseases that have the potential for regional and global pandemics.

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) Letter of Intent Due Date(s) 30 days prior to the application due date February 24, 2016, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant ***This FOA is being issued with limited due dates to accommodate the transition from FORMS-C to FORMS-D application packages (NOT-OD-16-004).

This FOA will be reissued for additional due date(s) on or 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) Required Application Instructions It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in (R&R) Application Guide including the Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application , 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 Section 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 I.

Funding Opportunity Description As detailed in the WHO Report of the Ebola Interim Assessment Panel (July 2015) (http://www. who. int/csr/resources/publications/ebola/ebola-panel-report/en/), the fragile health infrastructure in West Africa, in particular, the lack of public health core capabilities in surveillance and health data required under the International Health Regulations (2005) (http://www.

who. int/ihr/publications/9789241596664/en/) contributed to the recent Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa. The report also details the inadequacy of preparatory research and development of appropriate diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines and public health evidence for best practices and tools as well as the necessary capabilities to conduct critical research during the outbreak.

Therefore, in order to begin to address the deficiencies in research capabilities, applications are invited from U.S. or African research institutions to plan research training and capacity building programs focused on emerging viral epidemics for trainees from institutions in Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea.

The proposed one year planning process is expected to lead to an application to the appropriate FIC collaborative international research training program (see Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program, http://www. fic. nih.

gov/Programs/Pages/infectious-disease. aspx; Fogarty HIV Research Training program, http://www. fic.

nih. gov/Programs/Pages/hiv-aids-research-training. aspx ; International Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development Award, http://www.

fic. nih. gov/Programs/Pages/bioethics.

aspx , and others that may become available over the period of this FOA, http://www. fic. nih.

gov/Programs/Pages/default. aspx ). More mature research training collaborations may choose to apply to these programs directly.

For planning and exploratory research projects, applicants are encouraged to apply to FIC R21 small research grant announcements (See Global Brain Disorders Research, http://www. fic. nih.

gov/Programs/Pages/brain-disorders. aspx ; and others that may become available over the period of this FOA, http://www. fic.

nih. gov/Programs/Pages/default. aspx ).

P lanning Grant Objective Sustainable research capacity requires a critical mass of scientists and health research professionals with in-depth scientific expertise and complementary skills that enable the institution to conduct independent, internationally-recognized infectious disease research relevant to the health priorities of their country.

The overall intent of this funding opportunity is to support the collaborative development of effective research training plans that will engender the scientific knowledge and skills that will lead over time to creating sustainable research capacity in Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone for the early identification, transmission prediction, testing of public health responses, and assessing and addressing long term health sequelae related to emerging viral diseases that have the potential for regional and global pandemics.

The specific objectives of the Planning Grants for Emerging Epidemic Virus Research Training are to support: 1. The assessment of existing research and research training capacity in the proposed scientific area at a collaborating institution in Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone in order to justify the need for a subsequent research training application; 2.

The collaborative development of a detailed vision and locally appropriate strategies for a future application to implement a thoughtful research training program for multiple scientists and health research professionals from Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone that will strengthen an institution's capacity to conduct independent or collaborative, sustainable research in one 3.

The identification and strengthening of specific research training curricula, appropriate trainee research projects, faculty mentors, scientific environment and administrative resources needed to undertake such a research training program; 4. The design of a recruitment and selection process to ensure participation of the best possible trainees from Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone in future research training; 5.

The definition of the roles of all individual and institutional partners for an effective organizational structure that will support the envisioned research training program; and 6. The development and submission of an application, jointly prepared by all collaborators, to the appropriate FIC international research training program grant opportunity or other support (see http://www. fic.

nih. gov/Programs/Pages/default. aspx ).

Scientific Areas for Training Applications may propose plans to design research training programs that focus on any scientific area related to emerging viral infections or the conduct of critical research in preparation before, during or after emerging viral outbreaks that is relevant to Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone.

High priority research training areas may include (but are not limited to): -Epidemiology research & predictive transmission -Public health data management research including the use of GIS mapping, information technology and informatics; -Operational and implementation research to establish best public health practices in epidemic prevention, management and clinical management of patients, including the use of mobile (mHealth) technologies and -Social science research including medical anthropology related to relevant cultural practices, health communications and -Clinical pathology and treatment research related to health sequelae in viral epidemic survivors, including mental health and trauma and other chronic conditions; -Research related to palliative care for patients and survivors of viral epidemics -Biohazard engineering research to develop better infected patient care and medical laboratory equipment, personnel protective gear for healthcare workers, disinfection and waste disposal methods appropriate for low resource -Impact on special populations, including people -Basic research and development of point of care diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics up to Phase 1 clinical trials; and -Innovative approaches to conduct research during an outbreak, including ethical issues All applications submitted by U.S. or African research-intensive institutions must include collaboration with institutions in Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone.

U.S. applicants are strongly encouraged to include other institutions in Africa with relevant expertise as training institutions in addition to institutions in the three target countries for "South-South" research training, with the long-term goal of building networks within Africa that will further increase the effectiveness and coordination of research and response to future outbreaks.

African applicants may include collaboration with institutions in the U.S. and other high income countries (HICs) or other LMIC institutions with particular expertise in the areas proposed for training. 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.

Application Types Allowed Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards FIC intends to commit $500,000 in FY 2016 to fund 10 awards.

Application budgets are limited to a maximum of $50,000 total Grantees are expected to be familiar with and comply with applicable cost policies and the NRSA Guidelines ( NIH Grants Policy Statement - Institutional Research Training Grants ).

Funds may be used only for those expenses that are directly related to and necessary for the research training planning process and must be expended in conformance with OMB Cost Principles, the NIH Grants Policy Statement , and the regulations, policies, guidelines, and conditions set forth in this document. The maximum project period is one year.

Other Award Budget Information Individuals designing, directing, and implementing research training program planning activities may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program.

Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated Limited administrative and clerical salary costs associated distinctly with the program planning activities that are not normally provided by the applicant organization may be direct charges to the grant only when they are in accordance with applicable cost principles.

For institutions covered by OMB Circular A-21, this type of training program may qualify as a major project where administrative salaries are allowable as a direct cost. When specifically identified and justified, these expenses must be itemized in Sections A and B, as appropriate, of the R&R Other Program Related Expenses Consultants may also be supported for specific contributions to research training program planning activities.

Costs associated with strengthening of specific research training curricula and appropriate trainee research projects, faculty mentors, scientific environment and administrative resources needed to undertake a future research training program may be requested.

Faculty Travel: Funds may be requested for round-trip economy airfare on U.S. carriers (to the maximum extent possible), lodging and per diem for the Principal Investigator and collaborating faculty to travel to research training program planning activities. Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement.

Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA. Section III.

Eligibility Information Higher Education Institutions Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education Private Institutions of Higher Education The following types of U.S. 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 Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program.

Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program. applicant institution must have robust and high-quality research ongoing in the area(s) proposed under this FOA and must have the requisite faculty and facilities on site to contribute to the planning process for the envisioned research training program.

It is anticipated that future participating training program faculty will have active, funded research projects in which potential trainees may gain relevant research training experiences consistent with their Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.

Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement , are allowed. For foreign institution applicants, only institutions in African low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), defined by the World Bank classification system (according to Gross National Income (GNI) per capita as low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income ) are eligible to apply ( http://data. worldbank.

org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups ). of Change in Country Eligibility for Fogarty International Training Grants and Country Eligibility for additional information.

Institutions applying as "Non-domestic components of U.S. Organizations" must apply as a U.S. institution 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.

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 must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the International applicants may obtain more information on the registrations required for grants. gov and eRA Commons at: http://grants. nih.

gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/files/Tips_for_International_Applicants. pdf . http://grants.

nih. gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/files/international_support. pdf http://grants.

nih. gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/files/international_qa. pdf http://grants.

nih. gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/preparing_grantsgov_reg. htm Guidance for International Applicants Blocked from Registration Websites: NOT-OD-11-090 .

An NIH supported webinar on Electronic Submission of Grant Applications for Foreign Institutions can be found at http://grants. nih. gov/grants/webinar_docs/webinar_20120927.

htm 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 Investigator) the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research training planning activities as the Training Program Director/Principal Investigator (Training PD/PI) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support.

Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.

The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed research training planning process. The PD/PI will be responsible for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the planning grant activities.

The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the planning activities and submit all documents and reports It is expected that the PD/PI will have a history of research or research training collaboration with the institution(s) that is the focus of the proposed research training planning activities that can be documented by joint publications, grants, previous training activities, or other activities relevant to emerging epidemic virus research.

If these are new collaborations, the applicants must provide a rationale for why such collaboration is likely to be successful. This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement . Additional Information on Eligibility Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is programmatically distinct.

The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time. This means that the NIH will A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application.

An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review (see NOT-OD-11-101 ). faculty should have strong records as researchers, including recent publications and successful competition for research support in the area of the proposed research training program.

Program faculty should also have a record of research training, including successful, former trainees who have established productive careers relevant to the NIH mission.. Relevant faculty from the proposed collaborating institution in Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone must be included as much as possible in the research training planning process. Section IV.

Application and Submission 1. Requesting an Application Package Applicants must download the SF424 (R&R) application package associated with this funding opportunity using the Apply for Grant Electronically button in this FOA or following the directions provided at Grants. gov .

Form of Application Submission It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in (R&R) Application Guide including Supplemental Grant Application Instructions except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced.

Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for For information on Application Submission and Receipt, visit Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows FIC staff to estimate the potential review workload and By the date listed in Part 1.

Overview Information , prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: Descriptive title of proposed activity Name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the PD(s)/PI(s) Names of other key personnel Participating institution(s) Number and title of this funding opportunity The letter of intent should be sent to: All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

Instructions for Application The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and should be used for preparing an Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).

SF424(R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA). Include the applicant institution and all of the collaborating institutions, both U.S. and foreign, as performance sites.

SF424 (R&R) Other Project Information Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA), with the following additional modifications: Summary/Abstract. Provide an abstract of the entire application.

Include the objectives, rationale and design of the research training program planning process, as well as key activities. Include the name of the Sub-Saharan institution(s) and the viral emerging disease related focus of the research training that will be developed during the proposed planning process. Describe the relevance of the research training envisioned to the public health priorities of Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone.

and Other Resources. Include descriptions of facilities and other resources to be used for the planned research training at all U.S. and foreign performance sites. SF424(R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile Expanded Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L.

Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA). PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).

PHS 398 Training Subaward Budget Attachment(s) Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L.

Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA), Research & Related (R&R) Budget Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following additional modifications: Personnel section to submit costs for salary support for section to submit costs for key personnel and faculty travel Direct Costs section to submit costs for other direct costs related to research training planning activities.

Describe fully in the budget PHS 398 Research Training Program Plan All Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application must be followed, with the following additional Administration. Describe the acknowledged strengths, leadership and administrative skills, training experience, scientific expertise, and active research of the PD/PI.

Relate these strengths to the proposed management of the research training program planning planned strategy and administrative structure to be used to oversee and monitor the proposed planning activities. If there are multiple PDs/PIs, then the plan for Program Administration is expected to synergize with the Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan section of the application.

application must include information about the program faculty from all collaborating institutions who will be available to contribute to the proposed research training planning process. Describe the complementary expertise and experiences of the proposed Program Faculty, including active research and other scholarly activities in which the faculty are engaged, as well as experience mentoring and training individuals.

an overview of the proposed research training program planning process. Outline the objectives of the envisioned research training program and the planning activities that will be used to determine the research training strategies, processes and resources to address these objectives.

Describe for whom the training program will be intended, including the training level(s) of the trainees, the academic and research background needed to pursue the envisioned training, and, as appropriate, planning activities needed to accommodate differences in preparation among trainees.

Include information about the process for developing courses, mentored research experiences, and any activities designed to develop specific technical skills or other competencies essential for the envisioned research training. Applicants are encouraged to include a time line for all the proposed planning activities.

While research training cannot be supported by this planning grant, applicants may propose activities to identify and strengthen specific research training curricula and appropriate trainee research projects, faculty mentors, scientific environment and administrative resources needed to undertake a future research training program.

Training Planning Needs Justification Applicants must provide a specific justification for the need for support for a one year planning process and proposed activities to develop a research training program application. Applicants should explain in detail what planning activities are proposed that could not be possible without support from a planning grant.

The rationale for the scientific focus should include a description of the expected impact of research training on epidemic viral disease in the institution and country proposed for training. Applications must identify a scientific focus directly relevant to the health priorities for which research capacity is limited at the collaborating institution in Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone.

Applicants should describe the current level of research and expertise at this collaborating institution in the proposed scientific focus area and justify the need for more research training in this field. Applicants should explain how relevant research grant support and activities of the PD/PI(s) and proposed faculty are envisioned to provide mentored research training experience for participants in the program that will be planned.

of Training to be Planned Activities may be proposed to plan research training in basic biomedical or clinical sciences; behavioral or social sciences; prevention research; health services, operations and implementation research. Applicants are encouraged to design multidisciplinary research training programs, as appropriate to the training focus.

Applicants should propose planning activities to create research training opportunities that instill in-depth scientific expertise and research leadership capabilities.

The proposed planning process should consider how to incorporate an appropriate mix of advanced degree and non-degree research training opportunities to address the research training capacity needs identified at the proposed collaborating institution in Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone.

While planning may consider including training experiences at a U.S. or foreign institution, mentored training-related research should be carried out as much as possible in the trainees' home Applicants may propose planning research training programs in which trainees are supported to participate in conducting research or analyses associated with clinical trials supported by other research grants.

Applicants are also encouraged to design plans for strengthening skills and knowledge necessary for long-term research career sustainability, such as scientific writing and presentation, grant writing, and expertise in bioinformatics, bioethics, good clinical practice, good laboratory practice, biosafety, research administration and the management of intellectual property.

Training in English as a second language may be supported, if needed. The proposed planning process may consider designing short term training that provides selected trainees a thorough exposure to the principles and skills of specific research methods or research related competencies to enable immediate incorporation into current trainee research or career development activities.

Applicants may wish to consider the use of distance learning technology for research training, if appropriate and sustainable for the collaborating institution(s) in Africa. Planning grants that propose the development of distance learning may include pilot training activities to explore the effective use of this approach in the specific institutions involved.

The availability of appropriate connectivity infrastructure should be All applicants are encouraged to develop research training in the use of information technology to facilitate trainee data management, access to online scientific information and collaborative It is expected that the types of long and short term research training activities to be planned will accommodate the time constraints and potentially conflicting obligations of the collaborating scientists and health professionals from these countries, particularly during this epidemic recovery of Activities to Be Planned Applicants must propose how the existing research and research training capacity in the proposed scientific area at the collaborating institution in Guinea, Liberia, and/or Sierra Leone will be assessed in order to generate the information required to justify the need for future research Applicants must propose a process and identify faculty to create a detailed vision and strategies for implementing an innovative research training program for multiple scientists and health research professionals that will strengthen the collaborating institution's capacity to conduct independent and collaborative, sustainable emerging Applications should include a planning process to identify the research training, faculty, scientific environment and administrative resources that will be required to undertake the envisioned research training program and activities to assemble these resources as part of an effort to submit a future research training grant application.

The proposed planning process should define a pool of the best potential trainees that could be recruited and the trainee selection criteria and process for future research training.

The proposed planning process should define the collaborations and roles of all individual and institutional partners for an effective organizational structure that will support the envisioned research Applicants must plan a process by which all training-related research projects will be independently peer-reviewed through an existing scientific review procedure or training advisory committee that Applicants must plan how faculty mentors and trainees will be provided with education in the protection of human subjects and ethical review of the proposed research by institutional (or ethical) review board or committee for anticipated trainee research that involves human subjects.

Where there are other training activities relevant to the scientific focus or associated competencies at the participating African institutions outside the three target countries, planning activities may consider how to create opportunities for joint training activities with trainees from those countries so that trainees from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone may develop peer relationships and networks within Africa that may be of mutual benefit throughout their careers and in response to outbreaks in any of Evaluation.

Describe a plan to develop an evaluation process to determine the quality and effectiveness of the training program.

This plan should include a process for determining the metrics to be evaluated (including program activities completed, degree completion (if applicable), publications, fellowships/honors, and subsequent positions) as well as a process to obtain feedback from current and former trainees to help identify weaknesses and to provide suggestions for program improvements.

Specified evaluation metrics should be tied to the goals of the program. Trainee Candidates. Program plans must be designed only for individuals who are citizens of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone who are eligible for pre-doctoral or postdoctoral training support or other training activities.

Trainees cannot hold U.S. dual citizenship or dual citizenship from another high-income country. Applicants may plan to train a wide range of scientists, including laboratory scientists, clinicians, social scientists, and other health professionals, veterinarians, computer scientists, and others as appropriate, as well as technical and administrative staff Environment and Commitment to the Program.

The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program including assurance that sufficient time will be allowed for the PDs/PIs and other Program Faculty to contribute to the proposed planning process . The application must include a signed letter, on institutional letterhead, that describes the applicant institution’s commitment to the planned program.

Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities,