NIH Announces the Availability of Adobe-Based Grant Application Forms
The purpose of this notice is to alert users to the availability of the first set of Adobe-based grant application forms to transition from PureEdge-based forms. Adobe forms for most small business (R41, R42, R43, R44) applications and conference (R13/U13) applications will be posted in early February 2009.   Click here for detail

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Postdoctoral Researchers - Mentoring
Effective January 5, 2009, the National Science Foundation will implement a new policy regarding mentoring of postdoctoral researchers.  Each proposal that requests funding to support postdoctoral researchers must include, as a separate section within the 15-page project description, a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals.

Examples of mentoring activities include, but are not limited to: career counseling; training in preparation of grant proposals, publications and presentations; guidance on ways to improve teaching and mentoring skills; guidance on how to effectively collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary areas; and training in responsible professional practices.

The proposed mentoring activities will be evaluated as part of the merit review process under the Foundation's broader impacts merit review criterion. Proposals that do not include a separate section on mentoring activities within the Project Description will be returned without review.

NSF to Revise Salary Limits
Effective Jan. 5, 2009, the National Science Foundation will revise its limitation on salary paid to senior faculty from two summer months and allow reimbursement for up to two months over a one year period.  Salary support exceeding two months per year must be requested and approved by NSF.

NIH Publishes Policy on 'Early Stage Investigators'
NIH announced a new policy on Sept. 26 that will place certain researchers in a new category called "early stage investigators (ESI). Under this policy, new investigators who are within 10 years of their terminal research degree or within 10 years of completing a medical residency will be identified as early stage investigators. Their applications will be identified and their career stage will be considered at the time of review and award. The aim is to encourage earlier application for NIH grant support by ESIs.

New NIH Policy on Resubmission (Amended) Applications
NIH announces a change in the existing policy on resubmission (amended applications).  Beginning with original new applications (i.e., never submitted) and competing renewal applications submitted for the January 25, 2009 due dates and beyond, the NIH will accept only a single amendment to the original application.  Failure to receive funding after two submissions (i.e., the original and the single amendment) will mean that the applicant should substantially re-design the project rather than simply change the application in response to previous reviews.  It is expected that this policy will lead to funding high quality applications earlier, with fewer resubmissions.