Summary of National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council

Concept Clearance Proposal: Training in Integrative and Organ Systems Pharmacology

The proposed RFA will solicit proposals for a summer Short Course to provide training in integrative and organ systems pharmacology for fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007.  The funding mechanism is the R25 Educational Project.  The set-aside amount in the first year is $500,000.  Maximum length of award is 3 years, with average award direct cost/year of $100,000-$200,000 

Objectives:

1. Establish a strong connection between genetics, molecular and cellular results observed in vitro, and whole organism anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology observed in vivo.
2. Introduce students to the role of in vivo methods in translational research and in establishing safety and efficacy in drug discovery and drug development.
3. Expose students to multiple animal models and the reasons for selecting a particular animal model for a given purpose, including the validation of transgenic models.
4. Provide students with significant hands-on experience with small animal models and some experience with larger animal models via demonstration, video, simulation, or remote data.
5. Provide reinforcement of training in responsible conduct of animal research, including ability to articulate the need for such work in health research.
6. Improve the ability of students to communicate with other scientists across a broad spectrum of research activities.
7. Stimulate curriculum development and research opportunities at participating institutions through return of interested students.

Course Structure:

 Intensive 2-3 week experience including lectures, labs, and seminars, in a total immersion program is envisioned.  An academic institution, independent laboratory, or industrial organization with suitable facilities would be the host institution.  The organizing committee, faculty, and students would be selected from multiple institutions including academia, industry, and government.  Student recruitment, selection, and monitoring would be a grantee responsibility.  Plans for evaluation of the effectiveness of the course and long-term tracking of student outcomes, and for the dissemination of new educational tools will be requested.  Financial support would be available for PI and faculty salaries, organizing expenses, course development, equipment, supplies, student room and board, and travel expenses.  Co-funding by other NIH components, participating institutions, registration fees, and industry is anticipated.

Review:

 Review by an appropriately constituted Special Emphasis Panel to be organized by the NIGMS Office of Scientific Review is anticipated.

Timeline:

1/22/03                         Council concept approved

3/1/04                           NIH Guide Publication

6/1/04                           Application receipt

10/22/04                        Initial review

1/22/05                         NAGMS Council review  

4/1/05                           Earliest award date

Council Notes:

Suggestions and comments by NIGMS Council and Staff: require that video screening be available to reach a larger audience; don’t restrict grant to students or post-docs, charge to make certain faculty members are more involved; consider existing facilities are institutions such as Jackson Labs; proposed grant is right-on for what is needed in this field; will courses to students be relevant or useful if their advisor will not or cannot incorporate this into their research.