The NIH recently released changes to their policies, instructions and forms for grant applications.  The changes will be effective in two phases.  The planned changes focus on: rigor & transparency in research, vertebrate animals, inclusion reporting, data safety monitoring, research training, appendices, font requirements and biosketch clarifications.

Phase 1 changes are effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after January 25, 2016.  This phase implements a subset of policy changes using the existing FORMS-C and updated instructions.

Phase 2 changes are effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2016.  This phase will require the use of new FORMS-D.

Anyone submitting a proposal to the National Institutes of Health for programs with due dates after January 25 and/or May 25, 2016 should review the updated requirements carefully prior to preparation.  Be sure to use the correct application guide when preparing your proposal.  You should plan additional time to make changes from previous submissions.

The Bureau of Workers Compensation will conduct Lab Safety classes covering the following topics:

• Introduction to why we have the class…accidents, injuries and regulations
• Proper chemical storage and labeling
• General lab safety procedures
• Flammables, ground and bonding and handling and fires
• Lab Hoods
• Recognizing the hazards in labs  and Glassware safety
• Chemical Disposal

Two identical sessions will be held from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with a break for lunch.

The January 14^th session will be held in Shrank Hall South, 145.

The February 4^th session will be conducted in Simmons Lecture Hall, Room 111.

Questions about this training opportunity should be directed to:

David E Tiller                                                       330-972-2810

This comprehensive workshop is geared for those who wish to submit winning research proposals to the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

You will learn how to:

• Navigate the NSF website
• Read and interpret RFAs
• Compose the pieces of the NSF proposal
• Develop and write the Intellectual Merit and Broader Impact statements
• Understand the scoring and review process
• Submit proposals that reach the top of competitions

Location: Case Western Reserve University (There is also an online version of the workshop for those who can not make it to the University).

January 26, 2016 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Registration fee: $375

Learn more about the workshop at the Grant Training Center webpage!

Kaplan Sponsored Research Strategies Staff Writers offer advice for winning NSF CAREER Awards:

Bethesda, MD – Winter is almost here and Spring cannot be far behind. The mention of Spring brings with it a reminder that we are getting closer to that time of year when young faculty start thinking about applying for NSF Early Faculty Development (CAREER) awards. The NSF CAREER Program offers the Foundation’s most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. NSF especially encourages submission of CAREER proposals from women, members of underrepresented minority groups and persons with disabilities.

To put it bluntly, as soon as new assistant professors move into their offices and get settled in, they are often encouraged to begin work on developing CAREER proposals. If they don’t make it on the first attempt they are encouraged to keep trying until they either win an award or are no longer eligible. To help relieve some of this pressure and guide you in working smarter, KSRS has gathered a few tips on how to increase your chances of winning a CAREER award.

Continue reading →

Request for Proposals from Christopher J. Winslow, PhD. of The Ohio State University:

On behalf of the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), the Ohio Sea Grant College Program is requesting pre-proposals for one- to two-year research projects from Ohio colleges and universities seeking solutions to reduce nutrient loading to Lake Erie and the problems it causes, including harmful algal blooms and the associated ecosystem and human health problems created by the blooms. We anticipate $1.9 million to be available for this competition (funding between 10-20 projects).

More information at ohioseagrant.osu.edu/research/funding

If you have any questions please contact Dr. Kristen Fussell at fussell.10@osu.edu