DBSR

Should I write a cover memo with my application?

Answer:

It is a good idea to write a cover memo if your application is not responding to a Request for Applications and 1) you want to point out to the Assignment & Referral Officer particular types of expertise that would be needed for appropriate scientific review that may not be obvious from the abstract, or 2) you have discussed the application with a program officer from NIA and she or he feels it would be relevant to NIA program emphases.

What should I do if I cannot find a Funding Opportunity Announcement dealing with my topic?

Answer:

Most NIH applications are investigator-initiated, not responding to a specific, tailored FOA.  Since the grants.gov website requires every applicant to enter an FOA number, investigator-initiated applications typically cite one of the “parent” FOAs, which can be found here: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding_program.htm (in the chart called Research Grants, look for the "See parent FOA" link for each grant type (e.g., R01, etc.))

RAND Survey Meta Data Repository

The RAND Survey Meta Data Repository provides researchers with information on survey content from the international collection of longitudinal aging studies harmonized to the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. It includes a digital library of survey questions, a search engine for finding comparable questions across the surveys, and a set of identically defined variables for cross-country analysis for over ten studies (and growing). For more information, please visit the Mega Meta homepage.

Availability of GWAS data for HRS

Investigators interested in using the Health and Retirement Study genotype data can find further information on the HRS website. Genotype and limited phenotype data will be available via the dbGaP application process. If investigators are interested in linking the genotype data with other HRS measures not in dbGaP they will be able to apply for access from HRS directly. A National Academy of Sciences Expert meeting was held to discuss the use of HRS GWA data.

Where can I find information about NIA grants and funding opportunities for research?

Information about extramural research opportunities and how to apply for NIA funds can be found at www.nia.nih.gov/research. More information on applying for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants can be found at www.grants.nih.gov.

Blog post - no coffee for you!

A new blog post describes what it's like to be a scientific peer reviewer for the National Institute on Aging. Every year, thousands of researchers contribute their time and expertise to the review of applications for NIH grants. Serving as a reviewer is a great way to learn more about grantsmanship and how the review process works.
 
Recently, the rules changed, and the NIH is no longer able to offer coffee and other light refreshments at these review meetings. An NIA Scientific Review Officer explains why.

NIA seeks director for Office of Special Populations

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is pleased to announce an exciting new career opportunity within the Office of the Director. This position will serve as the Director for the Office of Special Populations. The NIA is responsible for conducting research activities dedicated to understanding the nature of aging, supporting the health and well-being of older adults, and extending healthy, active years of life for more people.

Medicaid study links insurance to reduced depression and financial strain, but no increase in health

An analysis of 2 years of data from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment showed that Medicaid coverage reduced rates of depression and overall financial strain on participating individuals, but did not yield improvements in overall health status. Results of the study, funded in part by NIA, appear in the March 2, 2012, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Recent NIA Grants

Take a look at the latest grants awarded to expand the study of aging. They cover such diverse areas as formulation of a new treatment for wound healing in older people, mechanisms of aging in C. elegans, renewal of the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study, therapy for older adults with depression, and many others.

This list includes the new and competing grants for FY 2013 awarded through April 30, 2013. It does not include grants that NIA co-funds with another NIH institute. Click on the title to go to a description of the project.

Recent NIA meetings, workshops

Second Meeting of Reversibility Network, Bethesda, MD – February 26-27, 2013

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