Fellowships, Grants, & Awards.

Environmental Leadership Program Fellowship

Application materials are now available for the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) Fellowship class of 2001-2003. ELP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and supporting a new generation of environmental leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds, disciplines, and sectors. Through the three-year ELP Fellowship, ELP provides training, mentoring, funding for innovative projects, and technical support to 30 emerging environmental leaders per year.

The ELP Fellowship is an innovative national program designed to build the leadership capacity of the environmental movement's most promising emerging professionals. The ELP Fellowship offers unique networking opportunities, intensive leadership and skills training, mentoring, project seed money, and technical assistance. Fellows receive a $2,000 participation stipend, travel and accommodations for four training retreats, access to funding for capacity-building leadership activities, and national recognition through the program. ELP provides participants with the tools, support, and experience to spark public dialogue about environmental issues and energize their home institutions and communities.

Applicants for the ELP Fellowship must commit to participating in four retreats over three years--two retreats in the first year and one retreat in each subsequent year. ELP pays all retreat travel and accommodation costs. In 2001, retreats are scheduled for April 4-8 at the Trinity Conference Center in West Cornwall, Connecticut, and mid-August in the western United States. In addition, each fellow conducts a leadership-building project with support from the ELP Activity Fund. While fellows must participate in fellowship activities throughout the year and complete periodic assignments, they are expected to continue their full-time jobs or studies.

The ELP Fellowship targets newly established environmental practitioners eager to connect their specialized work to larger environmental and social concerns. While applicants need not be young in age, they should be relatively new to the environmental field with approximately 3-10 years of professional or postundergraduate experience. ELP programs do not target midcareer or veteran professionals.

In choosing each class of fellows, ELP seeks to bring together individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, professions, educational experiences, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We additionally aim to balance participation from academia, nonprofit advocacy groups, all levels of government, and the private sector, and to choose fellows with a variety of issue expertise.

Demonstrated talent as a practitioner or scholar is a prerequisite. Participants must also show potential as interdisciplinary thinkers and effective communicators. The selection committee will evaluate fellowship applicants on the basis of past accomplishments and promise for future leadership. Successful applicants will articulate a clear understanding of how their specialized work fits into complex social, economic, and environmental issues.

All applicants must provide a general overview of initiatives they would potentially undertake with support from the ELP Activity Fund. Applicants should review the criteria and detailed information about this component of the ELP Fellowship.

Applications, required attachments, and recommendations must be received by 2 October 2000. Final decisions will be announced and all applicants will be notified by 15 December 2000. Applications are available on the ELP Web site.

The Environmental Leadership Program, a project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, gays and lesbians, and people with disabilities.

Contact: Environmental Leadership Program, Fellowship Office, PO Box 446, Haydenville, MA 01039 USA, 413-268-0035, fax: [phone], email: [e-mail], Internet: http://www.elpnet.org/

Earth-Based Research Relevant to the Space Environment

The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate ground-based research on basic, applied, and clinical biomedical and behavioral problems that are relevant to human space flight or that could use the space environment as a laboratory. Although none of the research supported under this initiative would be conducted in space, it is anticipated that it would form a basis for future competitively reviewed studies that could be conducted on the International Space Station or other space flight opportunities by skilled on-board specialists.

Potential areas of research could include neuroscience, musculoskeletal biology, immunology, cardiovascular functioning, integrative physiology, cognition and problem solving under stress and isolation, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and drug delivery, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or injury by both ground support and space flight crews. Use of hyper- or hypogravity as research tools or models is encouraged. Access to National Aeronautics and Space Administration facilities may be provided.

It is anticipated that ground-based research supported through this program may ultimately lead to the submission of space flight proposals to NASA. Research proposals should take into account past biomedical and fundamental research already conducted during space flight.

The participating agencies encourage submission of applications that include, but are not limited to, the following possible areas of ground-based research utilizing both animal and human subjects: l) spatial orientation and sensory/motor processes, 2) nervous system, 3) behavioral and psychological processes, 4) musculoskeletal system, 5) pulmonary function, 6) cardiovascular function, 7) sleep and biological rhythms, 8) immunology, 9) pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, 10) hemodynamics, and 11) injury.

Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/ PA-00-088.html.

Contact: Andrew A. Monjan, Neurobiology of Aging Branch, Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program, National Institute on Aging, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3C307, MSC 9205, Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 USA, 301-496-9350, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Daniel A. Sklare, Hearing and Balance/Vestibular Sciences Branch, Division of Extramural Research, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Executive Plaza South, 6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400C, MSC 7180, Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 USA, 301-496-1804, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Richard W. Lymn, Muscle Biology Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Natcher Building, Room 5AS49E, Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 USA, 301-594-5128, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; James P. Kiley, Division of Lung Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 10018, Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 USA, 301-435-0233, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Jaylan S. Turkkan, Behavioral Sciences Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9555, Bethesda, MD 20897 USA, 301-435-1318, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Antonio Noronha, Division of Basic Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 6000 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7003, Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 USA, 301-443-7722, fax: [phone], e-mail: Scott D. Somers, Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Natcher Building, 45 Center Drive, Room 2AS49A, MSC 6200, Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 USA, 301-594-5560, fax: [phone], e-mail: William J. Heetderks, Neural Prosthesis Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 2207, Bethesda, MD 20892-9525 USA, 301-496-1447, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Kenneth Gruber, Chronic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Natcher Building, Room 4AN-24, Bethesda, MD 20892-6402 USA, 301-594-4800, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Carol Shreffler, Training and Career Development Programs, Division of Extramural Research and Training, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-1445, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; David R. Liskowsky, Fundamental Biology Program, Life Sciences Division, Code UL, NASA, 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20546 USA, 202-358-1963, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA No. PA-O0-088

Asthma and Allergic Diseases Research Centers

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the NIEHS invite applications for Asthma and Allergic Diseases Research Centers (AADRCs). This program is designed to support basic and clinical research on mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of asthma and allergic diseases. Applications are to be designed around a central scientific theme demonstrating relevance to one or more of these diseases. A minimum of three biomedical research projects must be proposed.

The purpose of the AADRC program is to accelerate the development and application of fundamental knowledge of the immune system to investigations of asthma and allergic diseases. The AADRCs provide an infrastructure and a collaborative environment that make it possible to investigate complex clinical problems. The major goals of the program are to advance understanding of the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of asthma and allergic diseases and apply an expanded knowledge base to the development of improved methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of asthma and allergic diseases.

The goal of this announcement is to support multidisciplinary research programs focused on studies of immunologic and other mechanisms underlying human asthma and allergic diseases. NIEHS support will be provided for research centers and/or subprojects focused on basic, preclinical, and clinical research on the role of environmental factors in disease onset, progression, and severity. The application should include an appropriate balance of basic and clinical research, but with a major emphasis on human studies.

The scientific scope of this program encompasses immunologically mediated inflammation and the role of innate and adaptive immunity as they pertain to asthma and allergic diseases. Preference for funding will be given to research in the following scientific areas: l) developmental immunobiology of asthma and allergic diseases--evaluating events in the perinatal period, infancy, and childhood, including exposure to indoor allergens and other environmental agents that modulate IgE and other immune responses relevant to these diseases; 2) defining asthma phenotypes--characterizing the expression of asthma in relation to underlying mechanisms that distinguish distinct subsets of asthmatic patients; and 3) translational research from animal models to humans, particularly focused on new immune therapies for asthma and allergic diseases, including studies that are proof of concept in man.

Prospective applicants should submit a letter of intent to Dr. Madelon Halula at the address listed below by 8 November 2000. Final applications are due 8 January 2001. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/ grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-00-012.html.

Contact: Madelon Halula, Division of Extramural Activities, NIAID, 6700-B Rockledge Drive, Room 2150, MSC 7616, Bethesda, MD 20892-7616 USA, 301-496-2636, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Kenneth Adams, Asthma and Inflammation Section, Asthma, Allergy, and Inflammation Branch, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, NIAID, 6700-B Rockledge Drive, Room 5147, Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 USA, 301-496-8973, fax: [phone], email: [e-mail]; George Malindzak, Program Administrator, Organ and Systems Toxicology Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-3289, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: RFA No. AI00-012

Planning Grants for Biomedical Epidemiologic and Intervention Studies

The National Institute on Aging and the NIEHS will provide grant support for planning and protocol development of biomedical epidemiologic and intervention studies in research areas supported by the Geriatrics Program.

Applications may be submitted by foreign and domestic for-profit and nonprofit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local government, and eligible agencies of the federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators.

The mechanism of support will be the NIA Planning Grant, which will provide up to $150,000 in direct costs for one year. The award cannot be renewed. NIA or NIEHS funding of a planning grant does not imply a commitment by NIA or NIEHS to fund the proposed full-scale study, nor even to accept a subsequent application for such a study. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/ PA-99-145.html.

Contact: Evan C. Hadley, Associate Director, Geriatrics, NIA, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3E327, MSC 9205, Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 USA, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; or Gwen W. Collman, Program Administrator, Environmental and Molecular Epidemiology, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-4980, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA No. PA-99-145

Cancer Education

Grants are available from the National Cancer Institute to support the development and implementation of curriculum-dependent programs to train pre-doctoral and postdoctoral candidates in cancer research settings that are highly interdisciplinary and collaborative.

This program is particularly applicable to cancer prevention and control, epidemiology, nutrition, and the behavioral and population sciences. However, it should also be considered by other highly interdisciplinary areas of research (such as imaging and molecular diagnosis) that will require sustained leadership, dedicated faculty time, specialized curriculum development, interdisciplinary research environments, and more than one mentor per program participant to achieve their education and research career development objectives. Application deadlines include June 1, October 1, and February 1. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/ grants/guide/pa-flles/PAR-00-064.html.

Contact: Lisa Begg, Cancer Training Branch, NCI, 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 7011, MSC 8346, Bethesda, MD 20892-8346 USA, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA No. PAR-00-064

Beryllium-Induced Disease

The goal of this proposed research initiative is to encourage and support studies that will advance our understanding of the mechanisms of chronic beryllium disease (CBD). The participating institutes and agencies are interested in supporting research in (but not limited to) the following areas: 1) the genetic basis of beryllium sensitivity and development of CBD, 2) inflammation and granuloma formation, 3) development of in vitro and in vivo models of beryllium sensitivity, 4) biomarkers of beryllium sensitivity and progression of CBD, and 5) methods of prevention.

Applicants must use Application Form PHS 398, which has annual due dates of February 1, June 1, and October 1. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/ pa-files/PA-99-075.html.

Contact: George Malindzak, Organs and Systems Toxicology Branch, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, MD EC-23, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-3289, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Robert Musson, Division of Lung Biology and Disease Program, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 10108, MSC 7952, Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 USA, 301-435-0222, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Roy M. Fleming, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Building 1, Room 3053, MS-D30, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA, 404-639-3343, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; or Paul J. Seligman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Studies, Department of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874 USA, 301-903-5926, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA No. PA-99-075

Traditional, Indigenous Systems of Medicine

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is seeking developmental studies to establish the methodological feasibility and strengthen the scientific rationale for proceeding to full-scale clinical trials on the use of traditional, indigenous systems of medicine as practiced in the United States.

Potential studies might include 1) quantitative research (case studies, interviews) to describe diagnostic and treatment approaches and explore patient and health care provider preferences and beliefs; 2) diagnoses, including comparisons with those of other traditional indigenous systems of medicine as well as with conventional biomedicine; 3) studies to refine the intervention strategy; 4) studies to refine the control strategy, including comparisons of different types of controls and validation of blinding procedures; 5) studies to refine the target population and develop adequate recruitment procedures; 6) studies to develop realistic protocols; 7) studies to establish the clinical usefulness of commonly used assessment procedures, especially quality-of-life measures, as well as psychosocial, functional, and physiological measures; and 8) collection of preliminary data for establishing measures of efficacy and safety for subsequent sample size calculations.

Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/ pa-files/PA-00-041.html.

Contact: Marguerite Evans, NCCAM, Building 31, Room 5B58, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA, 301-402-5860, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA Number PA-00-041