August 2002, Vol. 20 No. 8

PEW Scholars and Searle Scholars Programs:

2003 PEW SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Internal Deadline August 15, 2002

The purpose of the PEW Scholars program is to support young investigators of outstanding promise in basic and clinical sciences relevant to the advancement of human health. The award is intended to provide support for junior members of the faculty as they establish their laboratories. Candidates must hold a doctorate degree in medicine, other health-related professions, or biomedical sciences. As of November 1, 2002, candidates must hold full time appointments at the rank of Assistant Professor. On July 1, 2003, candidates shall not have been at the Assistant Professor level for more than three years. Time spent in clinical internships, residencies, or in work toward board certification does not count as part of this three year limit. The university is allowed to submit two nominees - one for basic science research and one for clinical research. Nominations of faculty from all units of the University are welcome. Further information is available on the Pew website: http://futurehealth.ucsf.edu/pewscholar.html

2003 SEARLE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Internal Deadline August 15, 2002

The 2003 Searle Scholars Program supports the independent research of outstanding individuals who are in the first or second year of their first appointment at the assistant professor level. The current appointment should be a tenure-track position in the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and related areas in chemistry, medicine, and the biological sciences. Selection focuses on the potential of the applicant to make innovative and high-impact contributions to research over an extended period of time. The University is allowed to submit two nominees. Nominations of faculty from all units of the University are welcome. Further information is available on the Searle Scholars website: http://www.searlescholars.net

NOMINATION PROCEDURE FOR PEW AND SEARLE SCHOLARS PROGRAMS

The Biomedical Research Council will select the University nominees for these prestigious awards. Nomination materials for selection of university nominees should include the following:

• A 1 to 5 page research statement including current areas of research, and an overview of research areas (and their significance) that the nominee would like to pursue with Pew or Searle funding
• A letter of nomination from the appropriate department chair or unit head
• A current copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae
• Any recent letters of support attesting to the potential of the nominee and the quality and scope of his/her research
  

Send 22 sets of nomination materials to Camille Mrozowski, Office of Research & Graduate Studies, Medical School Administration, 4107 Med Sci I, Box 0624 by August 15, 2002. Anyone interested in being considered for both the PEW and Searle Scholars Programs needs only to submit 22 sets of the nomination materials. Please indicate in the cover letter which program you are interested in. Faculty members who were nominated but not selected for the 2002 programs may apply for the 2003 programs if they continue to meet program eligibility requirements. For more information please contact Camille at 615-8802 or cmrozow@umich.edu.

Kudos to Awardees

The Office of Research and Graduate Studies is pleased to congratulate the following investigators on their receipt of funding awards:

• Linda Mcallister-Lucas, M.D., Ph.D., Pediatrics, for the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist Award for Excellence in Bench to Bedside Research
  
• Vahe Bandarian, Ph.D., Biophysics, for the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Awards in the Biomedical Sciences
  
• Robert McCullumsmith, M.D., Ph.D., Psychiatry, for the Pfizer Postdoctoral Fellowship in Psychiatry
  
• David Fox, M.D., Rheumatology, and Miriam Meisler, Ph.D., Human Genetics, for the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Medical Research Foundation Grant
  
• Jiayuh Lin, Ph.D., OBGYN, for the Pfeiffer Research Foundation Grant
  
• Carmen Green, M.D., Anesthesiology, for the Quality Care Research Funds, Aetna
  

University Enters New DHHS Agreement

In recent negotiations with the federal government, UM showed that the overhead cost of doing research is climbing on campus. As a result, we have a new negotiated agreement for Facility and Administrative (F&A) costs on federal research grants and contracts. (See chart below for dates the rates are effective.) With all new research submissions, the Medical School recommends that budget years be prorated to follow the schedule. For proposals already under consideration, DRDA will negotiate the award under the new rate agreement. For projects already underway and awarded at the current 51% research rate, the Principal Investigators will not be expected to re-budget for the new rate, but may finish out their project at the awarded rate. Under this agreement dated 6/28/02, Other Sponsored Activity (30%) and Off-Campus Research (26%) remain at the same rate. Once this agreement expires on 6/30/06, if a new agreement is not in place, UM will use the provisional rate of 52%.

Federal Research Proposal F&A Rates through:

• 6/30/03 51
• 7/03 - 6/06 53%
• 7/06 forward 52% (provisional until a new rate is negotiated)

The change in rates at the federal negotiation led to a similar bump for Industrial and Corporate sponsors. Beginning 7/03, the F&A rate will be 58% to recognize the increase in overhead expense on campus, and 32% for those projects off-campus. Clinical Trial studies under an open and active IND or IDE will continue to be 25%. Any questions on the appropriate rate or treatment of budget may be directed to the Medical School Grants Office (3-4272) or by email at msgrants@umich.edu.

THIS NEW REGULATION COULD AFFECT YOUR RESEARCH

Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2002 —
Public Law 107-877

OSEH Web Page http://www.umich.edu/~oseh/Bioterrorism_Preparedness_Act.html

If you conduct biomedical research, you need to know about this new regulation that addresses security of select infectious agents, toxins, and genetic elements (refer to attached list). The new law focuses on possession of materials that are not uncommon in biomedical research labs, and calls for DHHS to be more aggressive in tracking individuals who have them. This new law takes the Patriot Act to the next level.

The intensified concern over bioterrorism in the aftermath of September 11 and the subsequent anthrax incidents have caused Congress to increase its scrutiny of potential sources of biological agents that could pose a risk to the public’s health and safety, including the nation’s university laboratories. On May 22, the US House and Senate approved House Rule 3448 and President Bush signed it into law on June 12, 2002 (Public Law 107-188).

ACTION ITEM – Oversight of the Select Agents Program at the University of Michigan is accomplished through the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH). The contact is Michael Hanna at 7-2318. Please scour your memories, inventories, and Ultralow’s to determine if you are in possession of any of these regulated materials. Internal Deadine is August 30. If you suspect you’ve located a Select Agent, call OSEH and we’ll assist you in working through the required registration.

BACKGROUND – Since 1996 when Select Agents were first listed as more heavily regulated research materials by the CDC, OSEH has assisted the research community in dealing with these new regulations. In conjunction with the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), the effort has been to alert and brief researchers on shipping restrictions for Select Agents. However, the new law dictates that you must register with the CDC if you merely possess these infectious agents, toxins, and genetic elements.
In the July 2nd Federal Register (FR), the CDC published a proposed data collection system for notification of Select Agents possession. Section 202(a) of the Act requires that all persons in possession of a Select Agent notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services by September 10, 2002.
Excerpt from the FR notice "In order to complete the application, the RFO will need to inventory its facility and consult with others (e.g., principal investigators) as necessary to obtain the information required for this application. The Responsible Facility Official (RFO) must review and sign the application and will be the point of contact if CDC has questions concerning the application or other matters related to the Public Law.

Appendix A
Select Agents List as of January 1, 2002
[42CFR 72, Appendix A – October 24, 1996]

Viruses
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus
Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus
Ebola viruses
Equine Morbillivirus
Lassa fever virus
Marburg virus
Rift Valley fever virus
South American Haemorrhagic fever viruses (Junin, Machupo, Sabia, Flexal, Guanarito)
Tick-borne encephalitis complex viruses
Variola major virus (Smallpox virus)
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus
Viruses causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Yellow fever virus

Exemptions: Vaccine strains of viral agents (Junin Virus strain candid #1, Rift Valley fever virus strain MP-12, Venezuelan Equine encephalitis virus strain TC-83, Yellow fever virus strain 17-D) are exempt.

Bacteria
Bacillus anthracis
Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis
Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) mallei
Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) pseudomallei
Clostridium botulinum
Francisella tularensis
Yersinia pestis

Exemptions: vaccine strains as described in Title 9 CFR, 78.1 are exempt.

Rickettsiae
Coxiella burnetii
Rickettsia prowazekii
Rickettsia rickettsii

Fungi
Coccidioides immitis

Toxins
Abrin
Aflatoxins
Botulinum toxins
Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin
Conotoxins
Diacetoxyscirpenol
Ricin
Saxitoxin
Shigatoxin
Staphylococcal enterotoxins
Tetrodotoxin
T-2 toxin

RELATED DOCUMENTS:
OSEH GUIDE – SELECT AGENTS
OSEH GUIDE – PATRIOT ACT

UM 2002 Graduate Student Award for Overall Excellence in Research and Service
Deadline: August 12, 2002

Any graduate student who is actively pursuing a degree in one of the graduate programs within the Medical School can be nominated for the Graduate Student Award for Overall Excellence in Research and Service. The criteria for nomination include:

• Scientific excellence, as judged by publications, academic record, or other forms of recognition of scientific accomplishment. Copies of any publication should be included with the nomination
• Service to the University and/or its community—through various committees, event management, and outreach activities
  

Nominations may originate from faculty or peers (students or post-docs). No more than two nominations from any given department or program will be accepted or considered. Up to two awards of $500 each will be made at the annual Fall Gathering on September 12, 2002.

Each nomination should contain:

• One-page cover sheet indicating the nominee's name, department, mentor, and name of the award for which nominated (pick up cover sheets from department student services representatives or the Program in Biomedical Sciences, 2960 Taubman Medical Library)
• Nomination letter, describing the accomplishments and service demonstrated by the nominee—and the benefits such assistance has had
• Letters of support (no more than 5 total) from faculty, students, post-docs, or administrators
• Copies of any relevant publications or supporting documents
• Copies of graduate transcripts from the University of Michigan
  

Submit original materials and five completed copies to the Program in Biomedical Sciences, 2960 Taubman Medical Library, Box 0619. All application packets must be received no later than August 12, 2002.

Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Internal deadline August 29, 2002

Burroughs Wellcome Fund announces a request for proposals for Career Awards in the Biomedical Sciences. The purpose of these awards is to help researchers who are early in their careers make the transition to independent investigators. Researchers may be involved in any of the basic biomedical sciences with 80 percent of their time devoted to research-related activities. Candidates must have completed at least 12 months but not more than 48 months of postdoctoral research training by the application deadline. The Awards provide $500,000 over five years. UM may nominate up to six candidates. Internal applications to the Medical School require a 1-2 page research summary, a CV for the nominee, and a nominating letter from a department chair. Submit all internal applications to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, 4107 Med Sci I, Box 0624 by August 29, 2002. Contact: Denise Swayze, 763-4086 or dswayze@umich.edu.

Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigators in Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Award
Internal Deadline: September 27, 2002

The goal of the Investigators in Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease award program is to give researchers freedom and flexibility to pursue avenues of inquiry and higher-risk research projects that advance the biochemical, pharmacological, immunological, and molecular biological understanding of how infectious agents and the human body interact. The award program provides $80,000 per year over a period of five years. The University of Michigan may nominate up to two candidates. Candidates must have a M.D. or Ph.D. degree, an established record of independent research and hold a tenure-track position as an assistant professor or equivalent. Internal applications to the Medical School require: a 1-2 page research summary, a CV for the nominee, and a nominating letter from a department chair. Please submit all internal applications to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, 4107 Med Sci I, Box 0624 by September 27, 2002. Contact: Denise Swayze, 763-4086 or dswayze@umich.edu.

Robert Wood Johnson Health & Society Scholars Program
Deadline: October 25, 2002

The Robert Wood Johnson Health & Society Scholars Program is designed to build the nations capacity for research, leadership and action to address more effectively the broad range of factors affecting health. The program is founded on the principle that progress in the field of population health depends upon collaboration and exchange among the social, behavioral and health sciences. Each year the program will enable up to 18 outstanding individuals who have completed doctoral training to engage in an intensive two-year program at one of six nationally prominent universities. The University of Michigan site is lead by George A. Kaplan, Ph.D., James S. House, Ph.D., Sherman James, Ph.D., David R. Williams, Ph.D. The program may be contacted by phone: (734) 615-9209 or e-mail: healthandsocietyscholars@umich.edu. The goal of this interdisciplinary national program is to improve health by training scholars to: 1) rigorously investigate the connections among biological, behavioral, environmental, economic and social determinants of health; and 2) develop, evaluate and disseminate knowledge and interventions based upon integration of these determinants. Scholars will have access to a full range of university resources and will receive annual stipend support of $65,000 for year one and $68,000 for year two. They will receive financial support for research-related expenses, training workshops and travel to professional meetings. The Health & Society Scholars Program will not provide tuition support for any degree program. Application receipt deadline is October 25, 2002. For details the Foundation's website.

Proposals Invited for Substance Abuse Policy Research Program
Deadline: August 22, 2002 (Letters of intent)

http://www.saprp.org/ProgramInformation/2002targetedCFP.pdf
The Substance Abuse Policy Research Program (SAPRP), supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is requesting proposals through a special solicitation to produce policy-relevant information about ways to reduce the harm caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs in the United States. The research is intended to encourage experts in public health, law, political science, medicine, sociology, criminal justice, economics, and other behavioral and policy sciences to address issues related to substance abuse. Funded projects are expected to increase understanding of public and private policy interventions to reduce the harm caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs -- including the advantages, disadvantages, and potential impact of these policies. The review, selection process, and maximum cost per study will be the same as for the larger SAPRP-supported projects (i.e., up to $400,000 in total costs for up to three years). Information on all SAPRP-supported projects is available on the program's Website at http://www.saprp.org/. Through this special solicitation, SAPRP will provide support for research proposals in seven areas of particular interest: 1) Policies and Systems That Facilitate or Impede Progress in Getting New Therapies/Interventions into Practice; Implementation of Legal Agreements and Regulations Resulting from the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA): 3) Policies and Regulations Pertinent to Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI); 4) Policies Resulting from Legalization/ Decriminalization of Marijuana and Other Drugs; 5) Policies and Systems Relevant to Child Welfare and Substance Abuse; 6) Policies and Systems Pertinent to Mental Health and Substance Abuse; and 7) Alternative nicotine Delivery Systems. Preference will be given to applicants that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not private foundations as defined under Section 509(a). For complete program guidelines and application information, see the SAPRP Web site.

Applications Invited for Soros Advocacy Fellowship for Physicians
Deadline: January 14, 2003

To inspire the medical profession to greater participation in civil society, service to the community, and active engagement on behalf of the public interest, the program on Medicine as a Profession (MAP) of the Open Society Institute has established the Soros Advocacy Fellowship for Physicians. The fellowship is designed to enable physicians to develop or strengthen advocacy skills through collaboration with U.S.-based advocacy organizations over a 12- to 24-month fellowship period. Awards range from $40,000 to $80,000 in salary support, plus fringe benefits, based on the fellow's commitment of time, prior experience, and base salary. The program also will provide up to $2,000 in funds for the fellow's travel to MAP-sponsored meetings. During the fellowship period, participating physicians will design and implement projects that address health and service delivery or other social issues such as racism, violence, environmental hazards, and education. Projects should be focused within the United States and should identify system or policy-level changes as the outcome of the fellowship work. Prospective applicants must secure the commitment of an advocacy organization that is prepared to house, mentor, and support them throughout the fellowship period. A list of advocacy organizations that have expressed interest in participating in the fellowship is available at the MAP. Applicants may also apply with organizations other than those listed on the site. Although MAP accepts applications from physicians at all stages of their careers, the most competitive applicants will be practicing physicians. For complete eligibility and application information, go to http://www.soros.org/medicine/guidelines.

The Dickson Prize in Medicine
Deadline: September 30, 2002

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accepting nominations for the 2002-2003 Dickson Prize in Medicine, awarded annually to one of the foremost American investigators in the field of medicine. Strong preference will go to honoring paradigm-shifting biomedical research that is not only highly significant but also not yet highly rewarded. The prize consists of a bronze medal and an award of $50,000. Presentation of the award will take place in the fall of 2003. Over a two-day period, the award winner will present a lecture and a seminar at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and will meet informally with students and other investigators. Visit http://www.health.pitt.edu for nomination requirements.

The Gairdner Foundation International Award
Deadline: October 31, 2002

The Gairdner Foundation is seeking nominations for its International Award. The Foundation's goal is to honor and reward outstanding biomedical scientists who have made original contributions to medicine through research. The Award is $30,000 payable in Canadian funds and given to residents of any country without restriction. In addition an award citation depicting the recipients work and a sculpture, Le Coeur will be presented at an Awards Dinner in 2003. The Award is for the personal use of the recipient. All necessary travel and accommodation expenses for winners and their partners to accept Awards are paid by the Foundation. Visit the Foundation's website for complete details.

Baxter International Foundation Invites Nominations for Health Services Research Prize
Deadline: December 1, annually

The Association of University Programs in Health Administration's Health Services Research Prize was established with funding from the Baxter International Foundation to recognize contributions worldwide to improved public health. The focus of the prize is the recognition of a person who has made significant and demonstrable contributions to the health of the public in three primary focus areas -- health services management, health policy development, and healthcare delivery. An individual's specific contribution or a career-long achievement also may be recognized. The prize consists of an individual award of $10,000. In addition, $15,000 will be awarded to a not-for-profit institution designated by the recipient to support his or her work. For information on nominating an individual, see the program's Web site at http://www.aupha.org/baxter.htm.

Grantmakers in Health Invites Nominations for Terrance Keenan Leadership Award
Deadline: September 23, 2002

A program of Grantmakers in Health, the Terrance Keenan Leadership Award annually recognizes a grantmaker whose leadership and thoughtful application of philanthropic dollars has forged permanent improvements in health through creativity, risk-taking, and boldness. The award carries a $5,000 honorarium. The award recipient's achievements should exemplify responsiveness to people in communities large or small, with a particular emphasis on reaching those in greatest need. To be eligible for the award, a nominee must be, or have been within the last three years, an active grantmaker as a trustee, staff member, or donor for at least five years in the field of health. In addition, there must be evidence of significant contributions to the field of health philanthropy and leadership in the philanthropic community by the nominee. Any individual or organization may nominate a grantmaker to receive the award. To download the program brochure and nomination form, visit http://www.gih.org/calendar_url2665/calendar_url_show.htm?doc_id=104616.

NSF Director's Award for Distinguished Teaching Scholars (DTS)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to promote improvements in the education of undergraduates who enroll in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) courses. The NSF Director's Award for Distinguished Teaching Scholars (DTS) recognizes and rewards individuals with distinguished records of educating undergraduates while also contributing significantly to the scholarship of a STEM discipline. DTS is part of NSF's efforts to promote
a academic culture that values and rewards members of the community who contribute to both disciplinary scholarship and the STEM education of undergraduates, including students who are not majoring in STEM disciplines. The Director's Award is the highest honor bestowed by the NSF for excellence in both teaching and research in STEM fields, or in educational research related to these disciplines. The awards will be conferred at a ceremony held at the National Science Foundation. Visit http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf02131 for complete details.

13th Annual Pediatric Research Symposium

On Friday October 18, 2002, the Department of Pediatrics will be hosting it's 13th Annual Pediatric Research Symposium. Events will start in the Towsley Center at 7:30 a.m. and will conclude by mid-afternoon. The symposium will feature a combination of short oral and poster presentations as well as break-out sessions on such topics as: Cell and Molecular Basis for Disease, Developmental Biology, Neurosciences/Behavioral Medicine, Primary Care/Outcomes Research, and Clinical Investigation. There will be competitive awards for the undergraduate, graduate, medical students, residents and fellows performing research on pediatric diseases.

The two invited speakers for this year's symposium are Dr. Nancy Andrews of Harvard University and Dr. Allison Eddy of the University of Washington, Seattle. Dr. Andrews will be speaking on "The Iron Balancing Act" and Dr. Eddy on the "Role of the Plasminogen Activation
Family in Renal Fibrosis." For further information regarding abstract submission or attendance, contact Mary McKeever at marymcke@umich.edu or at 763-3433.

CFO Summer Workshop 2002
"De-coding the Mouse Embryo: A Guide to Understanding Early Mouse Development and Organogenesis".

The Center for Organogenesis is sponsoring this week-long workshop presented by Dr. Matthew Kaufman, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 19-23, 2002. The workshop format will be lectures and hands-on demonstrations, dissections, or working with
slides and microscopes each morning and afternoon. Space is very limited, please limit your registrations to 1 person per lab. Advance registration is required since the workshop is over-subscribed. For more information or registration materials, contact the Center for Organogenesis at 936-2499 or email rpintar@umich.edu.

Geriatric Oncology Research Project Pilot Grant Program
Internal Deadline: September 20, 2002

The discipline of Geriatric Oncology focuses on the effects of aging on the biology, diagnosis, treatment, and associated co-morbidities of malignancies. Three research grants of up to $25,000 each are available to junior faculty that wish to pursue a new research project that is relevant (in the broad sense) to the discipline of Geriatric Oncology. The grants are funded by an initiative of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the John A. Hartford Foundation. Acceptable research projects can range from basic laboratory investigations, epidemiological studies, health care systems studies, and development of new clinical delivery models to clinical investigations, and others. Awards will be made around November 1, 2002.

Applicants must hold an academic rank no higher than Assistant Professor, or equivalent, at the time of the award. They must have a newly developed research project not yet funded from other sources and a research topic relevant to the broad definition of Geriatric Oncology. Applicant’s interest and/or experience with mentoring trainees, and/or involvement of a trainee in the proposed project, will be considered in the selection process.

The application must include:

• Cover letter.
• NIH biosketch, other support for the PI and other significant participating investigators
• Budget (funds must be used in accordance with University of Michigan guidelines)
• Budget justification
• Research proposal. not to exceed 5 pages (including figures)
  - Specific Aims
  - Background and Significance
  - Preliminary Data (if any)
  - Research Plan
• References
• Appendix (Clean copies of figures, if any)
• Approval letters for animal and/or human research studies, as applicable
• Letter of recommendation from Division/Section Chief or Department Chair

Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to Scott D. Gitlin, M.D. at (734) 615-1623.
Submit Applications by September 20, 2002 to: Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, Joann Sherman 5301 MSRB III/0640.

Job Opportunity

The University of Connecticut Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health (CIRWH) seeks applicants for the position of scholar. The CIRWH seeks applicants for the position of scholar in this NIH-funded Center to begin August 2003. The CIRWH is a K-12 award aimed at mentoring junior faculty to pursue careers in women's health research. Applicants must be eligible for full-time appointment at the level of assistant professor at the University and must make a .75 FTE commitment to the Center. We seek distinguished scholars (MD, PhD or DMD) with interests in any area of women's health research although the primary interests of the Center are in skeletal and bone biology, addiction research and mental health, reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases, and gender studies. The program can accommodate all levels of experience with the exception of prior RO1 or K awards. Please refer to our website for detailed information. For further information and guidance on the competitive application process, please consult our website at http://womenshealthresearch.uchc.edu or contact our program coordinator, Vera Dynder at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Phone: 860-679-8137, Fax: 860-679-1342, E-Mail: dynder@nso.uchc.edu