Health and Extreme Weather Solutions-Focused Research Hubs (U54 - Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications that propose translational research hubs with multiple highly integrated components focused on research, capacity building, and community/public health translation for regionally relevant topics related to the health impacts of extreme weather and cumulative exposures, including but not limited to wildfire smoke, extreme heat, flooding, hurricanes, drought, and other climate-related hazards affecting populations at heightened risk across the lifespan. Responsive applications will be led by a multidisciplinary team of investigators with non-academic partners, such as state and local public health departments, community-based organizations, Tribal entities, health care systems, and emergency preparedness agencies. Consortia of multiple institutions are encouraged, particularly those that demonstrate meaningful community engagement and balanced, mutually beneficial partnership structures. Research can be situated at different nodes on the translational research continuum, spanning from fundamental to implementation research with a focus on being problem-based and solutions oriented, and should clearly inform pathways to support implementation, scalability, and measurable public health impact. Award recipients will be expected to collaborate with the HEW Research Coordination and Data Center(s) and other members of the HEW Community of Practice, including participation in data harmonization efforts, shared metrics development, and cross-site dissemination activities. This NOFO will utilize the U54 activity code, that supports specialized centers that function as regional resources for targeted research initiatives, including support for infrastructure development, pilot projects, and partnerships with affected communities throughout the research lifecycle. The U54 is a cooperative agreement that anticipates substantial federal programmatic staff involvement to assist investigators in the achievement of project objectives, including coordination across funded hubs, strategic alignment with NIH priorities, and facilitation of cross-institute collaboration. Grant authorities that allow NIEHS to forecast this opportunity are as follows: 42 USC 285l (NIEHS specific); 42 USC sections 241 (NIH grant authorities).

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to stated program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and...