Forecast for NIH Blueprint and BRAIN Initiative ACTION Potential Program (F99/K00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, on behalf of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research (NIH Blueprint) and BRAIN Intitiative, intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the ACTION (Academic Career Transition Initiative for Opportunities in Neuroscience) Potential F99/K00 award to support a defined pathway across career stages for skilled neuroscience graduate students performing neuroscience research within the missions of the NIH Blueprint and/or BRAIN Initiative. This two-phase award will facilitate completion of the doctoral dissertation and transition of talented graduate students to strong neuroscience research postdoctoral positions, and will provide career development opportunities relevant to their long-term career goal of becoming independent neuroscience researchers. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the F99/K00 activity code. Graduate students with expertise and insights into these areas of neuroscience are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.

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...

This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Not Applicable.