Funding-NIA Claude Pepper Older American Centers grants; deadline Feb. 11, 2009

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) supports new and renewal applications for Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) (centers of excellence in geriatrics research and training). Direct costs are limited to $800,000 per year for a five year period; NIA anticipates awarding four new and/or renewal OAICs.

NIA's expectation is that an OAIC, in a given area of focus, will:

• Provide intellectual leadership and innovation;
• Stimulate translation between basic and clinical research, e.g., research to develop or test interventions or diagnostic tests based on new findings from basic aging research or other basic research, or studies to improve understanding of mechanisms contributing to clinical or functional findings;
• Facilitate and develop novel multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research strategies;
• Stimulate incorporation of emerging technologies, methods and scientific advances into research designs as appropriate;
• Serve as a source of advice and collaboration to other institutions regarding technology, methodology, analysis, or other expertise; and
• Provide career development for future research leaders.

Each Center award will support the following components and activities:

1) A Leadership/Administrative Core (required)
2) A Research Career Development Core (required)
3) One or more Resource Cores (required) and
4) A Pilot/Exploratory Studies Cores (optional)

Guidelines and additional information are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-10-003.html

Because NIH limits an institution to only one application for a Center, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to send the following information electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Wednesday, February 11, 2009:

· Names and departments of Project Director and other key personnel

· Project narrative (2-3 pages) - identify the central theme or focus of the center, the proposed aims, the Research Career Development Core area(s) of focus and proposed activities; the Resource Core(s) and projects supported; and Pilot/Exploratory Studies if planned

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission. NIH requests a letter of intent by February 24, 2009 and a full application by March 24, 2009.

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663.)