Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance its mission through the continued support of the Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers (AADCRC). The AADCRC program serves as the cornerstone of NIAID's efforts to promote clinical and basic research in diseases including asthma, upper airway allergic/inflammatory diseases, food and drug allergies, atopic dermatitis, and other allergic diseases. The overarching goals of this program are to investigate mechanisms underlying the onset, progression, treatment modalities, and mechanisms of treatment response for the diseases of interest. Goals of the program may include exploring disease mechanisms and/or treatment modalities in small clinical trials/observational studies or immune pathway-focused projects using primarily human materials. The AADCRC is the only NIAID program that is designed to promote multi-center, multidisciplinary, translational research in asthma and allergic diseases. Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.

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 announced 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...