Funding-Limited Submission - Heart Failure Clinical Research Network Regional Clinical Centers; October 4, 2010

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) requests applications for participation in the continuation of the Heart Failure Clinical Research Network as a Regional Clinical Center. The original network was established to provide a mechanism to expedite clinical research that evaluates strategies to diagnose, manage and treat all forms of heart failure (HF). The renewal program will continue to provide support to develop, coordinate, and conduct multiple collaborative randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to improve HF outcomes. The focus is on small to intermediate-sized concurrent RCTs that can be completed within 2-5 years and the program is not designed to fund large, Phase III definitive studies. Proposed studies should provide clinically relevant pathophysiologic information and move the field of HF treatment forward.  Regional Clinical Centers will provide scientific leadership in the collaborative development of the Network’s scientific agenda.  Regional Clinical Centers may propose a structure that includes geographically or organizationally linked partners or satellites for efficient trial implementation and patient recruitment. The solicitation is open to new and currently participating centers. 

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HL-12-001.html. In addition, NHLBI has posted a Q & A website for this RFA:  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/inits/hfclinres-faq.htm

Because NHLBI limits an institution to one application, UK has established an internal selection process and a deadline. Researchers wanting to submit an application 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 Monday, October 4, 2010:

1. Names and departments of the Project Director(s) and other key personnel of the project team
2. Participating institutions, hospitals, clinics, or satellite sites (if applicable)
3. Provide a 1-2 page overview of the team’s expertise in HF management, HF research, and record of success in previous HF clinical trials, especially enrollment and proper trial conduct

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 November 1, 2010 (letter of intent) and December 1, 2010 (complete 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.)