Funding-Limited Submission - Centers of Excellence to Promote a Healthier Workforce (U19); November 15, 2010

The National Institute of Occupational safety and Health (NIOSH) invites applications from single institutions or consortia of institutions to establish a Center of Excellence to Promote a Healthier Workforce that will conduct trans-disciplinary research, education and translation programs to facilitate the integration of health protection and health promotion programs in the workplace. An applicant may request a budget for total costs of up to $1.3 million per year. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this funding opportunity may not exceed five years for existing Centers and three years for new Centers. NIOSH anticipates funding approximately 3-5 awards.

A Center of Excellence is expected to 1) Serve as a leader in research activities and expertise in the integration of health protection and health promotion; 2) Conduct trans-disciplinary research projects on the effects and outcomes of integrated health promotion and protection projects; 3) Conduct outreach and education activities in the region to create awareness of the value and benefits of healthy workers and workplaces and disseminate the results of research activities; 4) Establish partnerships with community agencies and organizations to encourage participation in Center projects and activities designed to promote healthy workers and healthy workplaces; and, 5) Conduct evaluation activities at the project level and at the overall Center level.

A Center of Excellence is expected to have the following components that together address the objectives of a Center:

1. Administrative, Planning and Outreach Core (about 25%of the total budget);

2. Trans-Disciplinary Exploratory, Efficacy, Effectiveness and Evaluation Research Projects (about 55% of the total budget); and

3. Education, Translation, Communication and Dissemination Projects (about 20% of the total budget).

See the complete announcement for additional requirements and guidelines:  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OH-11-001.html

Because NIOSH limits an institution to only one application, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in responding to this solicitation 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 Monday, November 15, 2010:

· Names and departments of the Project Director, key personnel, and their roles

· Names of participating agencies and institutions, if any

· Overview of the Center and a description of a proposed hypothesis-drive research project (2 pages)

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submission.  The complete application is due December 17, 2010.

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.)