Funding-Limited Submission – NIH/NCRR Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25); March 9, 2012

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) encourages applications to its Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program for the development and evaluation of innovative research education programs to improve PreK-12 research career opportunities and the community's understanding of the health science advances supported by the NIH-funded clinical and basic research. SEPA encourages dynamic partnerships between biomedical and clinical researchers and PreK-12 teachers and schools and other interested organizations. Particular importance will be given to applications that target PreK-12 and/or ISE/media topics that may not be addressed by existing curriculum, community-based or ISE/media activities. Although research education grants are not typical research instruments, they do involve experiments in education and/or dissemination of research knowledge that require an evaluation plan in order to determine their effectiveness. A plan must be provided for program evaluation and/or dissemination. Proposed projects for SEPA awards may focus on any area of NIH-funded basic, behavioral or clinical research.

NCRR intends to fund approximately 10 new awards per year in FY 2011 – 2013 in response to this PAR. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this FOA is five years. Although the size of award may vary with the scope of the research education program proposal, the total direct costs are limited to $250,000 annually.

Additional information and guidelines: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-206.html

Because NCRR limits an institution to one application, UK has established an internal selection process and a deadline. Prospective applicants interested in responding to this opportunity are to send the following material 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 Friday, March 9, 2012:

1. Names and departments of the Project Director(s) and other key personnel of the project team

2. Provide a 1-2 page overview of the proposed research education program including proposed classroom/lab projects, workshops/courses, and outreach and dissemination activities.

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review the material and make recommendations as to the University’s applicant. The NIH deadlines are May 22, 2012 for the letter of intent (optional) and June 22, 2012 for the full application.

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.)