NIH Update: FY19 Fiscal Policies, Changes to AREA Program, New FCOI Training Module

Changes to the R15 Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA), and Introducing the R15 Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP)
By Jon Lorsch, Alexandra Ainsztein, and Michael Lauer
Students in institutions with significant amounts of NIH funding, whether they be undergraduate or graduate students, generally have plenty of opportunities to gain exposure to biomedical research. This early exposure is key to engendering interest in exploring careers in science and enhancing understanding of the value of the research process. Institutions with little NIH funding often offer significantly fewer opportunities for students to do hands-on research. That’s where NIH’s AREA program comes in.

Comments Welcomed on the Draft Report Recommending How to Reduce Administrative Burden in Research with Laboratory Animals: A Next Step in Implementing the 21st Century Cures Act
By Mike Lauer
The 21st Century Cures Act requires federal agencies to “review applicable regulations and policies for the care and use of laboratory animals and make revisions, as appropriate, to reduce administrative burden on investigators while maintaining the integrity and credibility of research finding and protection of research animals.” This past March we requested feedback from the public on ways to reduce regulatory burden while also maintaining the highest standards for protecting animal welfare and scientific integrity. You responded with constructive and helpful feedback with more than19,000 comments. Generally, many responses supported the actions initially proposed in the request, but they were balanced with concerns from animal advocacy and other groups.

New Funding Opportunities for Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans
By Mike Lauer and William T. Riley
Over the past year, since we published an essay in Nature Human Behaviour on “NIH policies on experimental studies with humans,” NIH has engaged in a discussion with the basic science community to find ways to meet our shared obligations to study participants and taxpayers, while respecting the unique goals and outcomes of basic science. While we are still in the midst of that conversation, we are pleased to announce real progress in the form of new funding opportunity announcements for Basic Experimental Studies involving Humans.

Top Stories

FY 2019 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipends, Tuition/Fees, and Other Budgetary Levels
Looking for the latest on Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend levels, tuition/fees, and training related expenses? Check out the recent NIH Guide Notice.

FY 2019 Fiscal Policies for Grant Awards: Funding Levels, Salary Limits, and Stipend Levels
NIH issued guidance for NIH Fiscal Operations for FY 2019 including the following new policies on funding levels, salary limits, and stipend levels.

Always Check Your FOA for New Related Notices 30 Days Before Submission
You found a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) that fits your research, you’ve read it carefully, and have been working for months perfecting your application. Don’t forget to return to the FOA within 30 days of the due date to check for any new related notices which could impact your submission.

Resources

New Financial Conflict of Interest Training Module Available
Looking for a training to satisfy the requirement for investigators to complete training in financial conflict of interest (FCOI) regulations? NIH has developed a new training that institutions can use to help satisfy this need.

You Ask, We Answer

Can My Application be Considered a Resubmission Even if I am Not Re-Submitting to the Same FOA?
It depends on whether the FOAs are Program Announcements (PA, PAR, PAS or Parent) or Requests for Applications (RFA).