Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training (U2C - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Responding to the needs of the scientific community to bolster a vibrant and sustainable research workforce, the Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases (KUH) at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has incorporated additional flexibilities for institutional training programs serving the mission interests of non-malignant kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, encompassing both adult and pediatric conditions. The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity is to invite applications for Institutional Network Awards (U2C-TL1) to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of researchers and provide them with the coordinated support, resources, and networks they need to succeed and lead. To maximize integration and promote a highly connected trainee community, institutions are invited to submit a single, unified U2C-TL1 application. Representation across all kidney, urologic, and hematologic disciplines is not expected or required. If feasible, applications may include multiple departments within and across institutions. It is expected that each U2C-TL1 award will actively participate in the Kidney, Urology and Hematology Research-Training Network (KUHR-TN), a nationwide coalition of individual U2C-TL1 awards.

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility. Foreign Organizations/International CollaborationsNon-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organization) 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 NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.NIH will no longer issue awards (i.e., new, renewal, or non-competing continuation) to domestic or foreign entities that involve foreign subawards/subcontracts. All NIH-funded research involving foreign subawards/subcontracts must be submitted in response to a NOFO that is specifically designated for funded international collaborations. This new requirement was effective, May 1, 2025.Applications involving foreign subawards/subcontracts submitted in response to this NOFO will be deemed noncompliant and will not be considered for funding. This policy applies to all monetary international collaborations resulting in foreign subawards/subcontracts, however, it does not preclude unfunded international collaborations or foreign components, funding for foreign consultants, or procurement of unique equipment or supplies from foreign vendors.

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...