World Trade Center Health Program Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program K01 Award supports early-career investigators in developing independent research careers focused on improving the health and well-being of populations affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (9/11). This award provides up to three years of mentored research and career development support, including at least 75 percent protected time. The program supports research that improves understanding of physical and mental health effects associated with 9/11 exposures, addresses diagnostic or treatment uncertainty, identifies emerging health concerns, examines aging among exposed populations, and informs improvements in clinical care, public health practice, and long-term health outcomes. Research that helps translate scientific findings into improved care and public health practice is encouraged. Responsive research may include epidemiologic, clinical, translational, preclinical, health services, health outcomes, diagnostic, treatment, prevention, quality-of-life, and implementation research. Generalizability to other populations is not required. The award also supports the development of the next generation of investigators needed to address health needs related to 9/11 exposure. More information, including the WTC Health Program Research Agenda and previously funded projects, is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/researchagenda.html and https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/fundingdashboard.html.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the HHS Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. Applicants may not include collaborators or consultants from foreign institutions.

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. Training Grants: Criteria used in evaluating training proposals include: (1) Overall potential contribution of the project toward meeting program objectives; (2) the need for training in the areas outlined in the application; (3) curriculum content and design; (4) previous record of training; (5) evaluation methods; (6) experience and training of the project director and staff; (7) institutional commitment; (8) academic and physical environment; (9) past performance; and (10) appropriateness of budget. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR 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...