Research Branch Bulletin

Sustainable Research Excellence (SRE) is a new Federal Government initiative aimed at supporting the indirect costs of research in Australian universities. The University of Adelaide is required to participate in SRE in order to gain access to new funds, which we estimate could amount to a further $15-20M per year based on current levels of Category 1 income.

This funding will help the University provide ongoing research infrastructure and provide critical funding for new research initiatives. Under SRE, we are required to conduct two Staff Time Use surveys in the first half of 2010.

Survey 1 starts on Monday 15 March and runs for two weeks. It is mandatory for all academic staff and all professional staff attached to a Faculty to complete Survey 1. Survey participants will need to complete a time sheet recording how many hours they spend on a set of defined activities over the survey period. Completing the survey should take no more than about 10 minutes per week.

All staff required to participate will receive an email on Monday 15 March with a link to the online survey tool. The survey must be completed by close of business, Monday 29 March.
For more information, visit the SRE website, call the SRE Help Line on 8313 1110, or email us at sre@adelaide.edu.au.

ARC Linkage Infrastructure – Information Session by ARC – 17th March

On Wednesday 17th March, Professor Richard Coleman, the ARC’s Executive Director for LIEF, will give a presentation for SA on the ARC’s  Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities program.

Please RSVP to researchcapacity@unisa.edu.au by COB Wednesday 10th March. This presentation is open to the three South Australian Universities, but numbers are limited.

Details:

Date/time: Wednesday 17th March 2010, 9:00am – 10:30am
Venue: UniSA, City West Campus, Hawke Building, Bradley Forum (H5-25)

NIH issued mandatory changes to their grant application form including a reduction of pages from 25 to 12. What other changes are you facing and how do you overcome them?

• Exclusion of the written summary: Strategize your application for this elimination
• Reviewing begins with applications that scored highest not random selections: How this order effects your application
• Section strengths and weaknesses are limited to a half of a page: What to cramp in this small space
• Cutting the number of applications discussed: Tactics to ensure your grant stays off the cutting board
• And more. 

Jump-start your knowledge on NIH’s shortened application by attending Winning More Grants!  Learn Best Tactics for use on New NIH Short Form presented by Karen Roland, Ph.D. as a 60 minute audio conference on March 31st at 1pm EST.  Take advantage of your expert speaker’s experience as a long-time NIH reviewer to learn insider tips of how to navigate the new NIH short form. Walk away with pointers you can use to make your NIH short form grant application a winning one.
Register Today!
Economical: NO Travel Costs ~ NO Airfare ~ NO Hotels ~ NO Days Away

Meet Your Expert: 
Karin Rodland, Ph.D.,Laboratory Fellow, Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington.
Dr. Roland has been an NIH reviewer since 1998. Her research is focused on mechanisms of signal transduction in normal cells and how these mechanisms are altered in cancer cells. 

Prior to joining the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Dr. Rodland was an associate professor in the department of cell and developmental biology at Oregon Health Sciences University from 1985-2001. She retains her status as member of the Oregon Cancer Institute and as a collaborating scientist at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center.

Can't attend the live audio program?
No problem, this conference is also available afterwards on CD, as an MP3 or a print transcript. Listen or read at your convenience. All handouts will be available to you. Register Now!

The University of Adelaide LIEF 2011 Expression of Interest (EoI) and Provisional Internal Information documents are now available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/arc/LinkInfra.html

The fully-signed EoI is due in Research Branch by Monday 29th March 2010, for consideration by the DVCR.

The ARC has released the Funding Rules and can be found at: http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/lief/lief_fundingrules.htm

The ARC has released the full ERA 2010 Ranked Journal List and the Ranked Conference list (only relevant for some disciplines.

Both are available by following this link: http://www.arc.gov.au/era/era_journal_list.htm

For each journal, the Ranked Journal List includes:

• Journal title
• ISSN(s)
• ERA ID (unique to each Journal)
• Up to 3 Field of Research (FoR) codes
• A single quality rating of A*, A, B or C.

Journals that commenced in 2008 were considered too new to be assigned a firm quality rating so are not ranked.

The Ranked Conference List includes:

• Conference title and acronym (where relevant)
• ERA ID – unique to each listed conference
• Up to 3 FoRs assigned to each conference
• A single quality rating for each listed conference of A, B, C or not ranked.

Conferences that are not ranked are legitimate conferences, but may not be of consistent quality, or may be too new to be assigned a quality tier.

Please note: The A tier for conferences is equivalent to the A* and A tiers for ranked journals.

The Discipline Matrices detail which disciplines will use ranked conferences. These can be found by following this link: http://www.arc.gov.au/era/key_docs10.htm

The Future Fellowships Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 are available on the ARC website. The main changes to the Future Fellowships scheme from the previous year are summarised in Section 5 of the new Funding Rules.

Internal UA notification of intent due on ASAP.

The ARC online application system (RMS) will open for Future Fellowships Proposals shortly after the closing date of the Discovery Projects 2011 application round. The ARC will provide further notification when the scheme opens and the online Proposal Form and other relevant documentation become available. In the meantime, further information regarding the Future Fellowships scheme is available at: http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/futurefel/future_default.htm.

**Change of Venue: now to be held in the National Wine Centre of Australia, Hickinbotham Hall, corner Botanic and Hackney Roads.

Date & Time: Friday 12 March 2010 commencing 9am (sign in from 8.30am).

The Animal Ethics Committees of the University of Adelaide and the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science will jointly conduct a one day course for staff and honours/postgraduate students, including those at the University of South Australia and other institutions, on Friday 12 March. New staff and students in particular are urged to attend. No fee is charged - lunch is included.

Please visit the animal ethics website for further details. Registration is necessary by Friday 26 February using the online form at:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ethics/animal/training/

Three new guidelines have been issued:

• NHMRC Guidelines on the Care of Cats Used for Scientific Purposes (2009);
• NHMRC Guidelines on the Care of Dogs Used for Scientific Purposes (2009);
• NHMRC Guidelines on the Use of Animals for Training Interventional Medical Practitioners and Demonstrating Medical Equipment and Techniques (2009).

Further information and copies of these guidelines can be obtained from the NHMRC website or through the Health and Research Ethics Section

NHMRC’s new Research Grants Management System (RGMS) opened on Thursday 17 December 2009 for the following grant schemes:

• Research & Practitioner Fellowships
• Project Grants
• Career Development Awards
• Partnership Projects

with funding policies and guides to applicants available at www.nhmrc.gov.au.

Further information on this system is now available on our website: 
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/nhmrc/RGMS.html.

AINSE offers awards for postgraduate students whose research projects are associated with nuclear science, or its applications, and require access to the unique national facilities at the Lucas Heights Science & Technology Centre.

Postgraduate Research Awards are offered by AINSE for suitably qualified persons wishing to undertake studies in AINSE's field of interest for a higher degree at a member university of AINSE. Applications are particularly encouraged in fields which are related to the research activities of the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at Lucas Heights, Australia.

Research Supplements are the principal form of award and are offered to scholars who are (or will be) in receipt of an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) or equivalent scholarship. The Supplement Stipend rate applicable from 1 January 2010 will be $7,500 pa. The award also provides $5,500 p.a for costs involved in using the facilities and services at Lucas Heights. Certain travel and accommodation costs to enable students to work at Lucas Heights are also provided.

For further information and application instructions visit the ADRF website: http://www.ainse.edu.au/ainse/for_graduate_students/post_graduate_awards.html

The ADRF invites applications for grants from clinicians and trained researchers interested in undertaking a dental research project.

Please submit one hard copy of your application, together with an electronic version, to Research Branch by the internal deadline of Wednesday, 24 March, 2010. Electronic copies of the application should be sent to raohealth@adelaide.edu.au and the hard copy must be accompanied by a signed Application Coversheet (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rb/docs/Appcover.pdf)

For further information and application instructions visit the ADRF website at http://www.ada.org.au/about/adrf.aspx

Senior Medical Research Fellowships
The Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation invites applications for five-year Senior Medical Research Fellowships valued at $195,000 per annum to be held in Australia to commence in 2011.    Researchers who are medically qualified or graduates of another scientific discipline, with recognised postdoctoral achievements seeking to establish a research career in Australia and undertake research in an Australian academic institution, are eligible to apply whether they are currently working in Australia or not.  Only Australian nationals or permanent residents are eligible for the awards.

Clinical Investigatorships
Applications are invited for “Clinical Investigator” awards of $60,000, given on a once only basis.  The Foundation hopes to offer five (5) awards in this category.

Eligible applicants will be medical graduates or graduates of other clinical disciplines who have completed both their clinical and research training which will normally be at doctoral level and are commencing their first definitive clinical position, or have been in such a post for no more than 24 months on 1 May 2010.

For further information and application instructions, please visit http://www.anz.com/anztrustees

Applications are now invited for 2011 diabetes research projects.  Along with basic scientific and clinical research, applications relating to research into diabetes within remote and rural, culturally diverse and Indigenous communities are also invited.

This year there are several types of grants available:

• The Millennium Type 1 at a value of $150,000 (over 2 yrs);
• The Millennium Underworks Type 2 at a value of $150,000 (over 2 yrs);
• The Viertel Award at a value of $300,000 (over 2 yrs); and
• Several General Research Grants of up to $60,000 (over 1 yr)

For further information and application instructions, please visit:  http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

The Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation (C7CRF) is inviting researchers in South Australia and the Northern Territory to apply for grants to help find the answers to serious conditions that affect children, such as cerebral palsy, asthma and muscular dystrophy.

Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to successful applicants for research projects to be undertaken in 2011.

The Foundation provides funding in the fields of medicine, education, dentistry, nursing, social science, mental health and allied health professions.

Researchers interested in applying for the grants should visit the Foundation’s website at www.crf.org.au

The Asthma Foundation of South Australia (AFSA) would like to offer an early career research grant to support research into asthma in 2010. The grant, up to $25,000 will be awarded to an individual and institution with access to appropriate research facilities under the supervision of a responsible investigator. 

The purpose of the Award is to assist an early career researcher to undertake research related to asthma from an epidemiological, clinical, basic scientific or social perspective. The grant may cover salary for research, technical, or other assistance as well as the cost of minor equipment, materials and other necessary items. The Foundation is keen to encourage new researchers in commencing their research careers. The grant will be considered and assessed upon merit.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.asthmasa.org.au/index.php/selectedContent/1531296343

The Heart Foundation awards Grants-in-Aid to support biomedical, clinical or public health research (including health services research) relevant to heart, stroke and blood vessel disease. Applications for project support are now available. 

Heart Foundation Grants-In-Aid are ideal to support early career researchers seeking to establish their independent track record and to fund pilot or proof of principle studies.  In addition, the Heart Foundation continues to support researchers to build cardiovascular research in Australia, through this small grants funding scheme.

Grants-in-Aid are offered to support research over a period of up to two years and the funding level will not exceed $64,500 (exclusive of GST) per year for each Grant-in-Aid.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Professional_Information/
Research/Available_Funding/Grants-in-aid/Pages/default.aspx

Alzheimer’s Australia Research Limited (AAR) aims to promote, disseminate and fund Australian research into dementia.

The AAR Dementia Research Grants are seeding grants for new researchers, valued up to $25,000 (exclusive of GST), to be allocated for research in a dementia-relevant area. In 2010, five grants will be offered. Grants are awarded in both biological/non-clinical and clinical/psychosocial research areas.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=2553

The following are the grants programs that Pfizer Australia will be supporting in 2010:

1. Cardiovascular and Lipid Research: These grants were established to support clinical research into cardiovascular disease. They are open to medical graduates who are early in their research career having entered the field of research (or returned after an appropriate break) within the last five years.

Funding for the Cardiovascular Lipid Research Grants will be up to AU$55,000 (including GST) per annum. Each grant is for 12 months. Under exceptional circumstances 2 years of funding will be provided. The internal closing date is 7 May 2010.

For further information and application instructions, please visit: http://www.cvlgrants.com.au/

2. Neuroscience Research: These grants were established to support clinical and basic research into Neurology, Psychiatry, Pain medicine and related therapeutic areas. They are open to medical graduates who are early in their research career having commenced research (or returned after an appropriate break) within the last five years or are currently in advanced training.

Funding for the NSR Grants will be up to AU$44,000 (including GST) per annum. Each grant is for 12 months. Under exceptional circumstances 2 years of funding will be provided. The internal closing date is 7 April 2010.

For further information and application instructions, please visit: http://www.nsrgrants.com.au

3. Cancer Research: These grants were established to support clinical research into oncology. They are open to medical graduates who are early in their research career having commenced research (or returned after an appropriate break) within the last five years.

Funding for the Cancer Research Grants will be up to AU$55,000 (including GST) per annum. Each grant is for 12 months. Under exceptional circumstances 2 years of funding will be provided. . The internal closing date is 29 Mar 2010.

For further information and application instructions, please visit: http://www.crgrants.com.au/

4. Paediatric endocrine care research: The APEC Research Grants were established in 2007 to support clinical research into Paediatric Endocrinology. They are open to medical graduates who have obtained specialist qualifications within the last five years, or are currently in advanced training. Applications will also be considered on a case by case basis from graduates returning to research after an appropriate break.

Funding for the APEC Research Grants will be up to AU$55,000 (including GST) per annum. Each grant is for 12 months. The internal closing date is 23 Apr 2010.

For further information and application instructions, please visit: http://www.apecgrants.com.au/

Each calendar year the Society donates approximately $150,000 to maintain its programme of sponsorship of Australian adventurers, scientific and environmental research, and community projects. Over the years it has spent more than $8,000,000 supporting Australian endeavour in all these fields.

Australian scientists, community organisations and individuals developing projects in Australia and abroad are welcome to apply for Society sponsorship. In 2010 there are two types of sponsorships available through the Australian Geographic Society:

• Project Sponsorships (up to $15,000)
• Seed Grants (up to $3,000)
• Nancy Bird Walton Sponsorship for Female Adventurers (one $5,000 grant)

There are four main categories for Australian Geographic sponsorships:

• Science: Science sponsorships are usually awarded to assist specific research projects, often to support university postgraduate students in their studies. Sponsorships are awarded across all disciplines.
• Community: Community sponsorships are awarded to individuals and groups to assist with conservation and cultural initiatives, often at a grassroots level.
• Adventure: Adventure sponsorships are awarded to individuals and teams undertaking adventures in Australia and abroad. Recipients come from a wide cross-section of Australian society and are not limited to younger people seeking world firsts.
• Environment: The Society\x92s environment sponsorships are usually awarded to support community-based initiatives such as wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, plant and animal education programs or bush conservation.

For further information and application instructions, please visit: http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/society/AG-Society-sponsorship-applications.htm

To acknowledge the contribution made by the AFUW, the University of Adelaide has established in perpetuity, The Australian Federation of University Women – South Australian Postdoctoral Grants in their name.

Applications are now invited from prospective students for Australian Federation of University Women – SA Postdoctoral Grants. SA Postdoctoral Grants are to be offered to two female postdoctoral fellows, with preference being given to applicants not more than 5 years out from their Doctor of Philosophy. It is anticipated that each grant will be worth $5,000.

Selection for these grants will be based on the applicant’s track record, necessity of the travel to an applicant’s research scholarly activities, the standing of the conference (if applicable) and the expected benefits to the applicant. The grants must be utilised in the year in which they are awarded.

Please Refer to the rules for further information on eligibility and conditions

APPLICATIONS should be received at the
Development and Alumni Office
no later than 5:00 pm Friday 26 March, 2010

Your application must include the following information:

• Statement no more than 1,000 words in length describing your work and how you propose to use the grant if you are successful.  Your statement should focus on the importance of receiving these funds to your research.
• Statement of support for your application, written and signed by your supervisor and endorsed by your Head of School, no more than 500 words in length.
• Confirmation from the Conference or Institution to be visited if available.
• Budget to attend conference/institution, to purchase equipment or to cover research costs.

The Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering are inviting proposals for conferences to be held in Australia between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011. The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering will support a conference that promotes areas of applied science and technology including the transfer of science and technology to industry.

The objective of the scheme is to support the goal of the Australian Government’s International Science Linkages - Science Academies Program by providing financial support to stage strategically significant international conferences in Australia on high priority, cutting edge, multi-disciplinary themes. 

The two successful Sir Mark Oliphant Conferences will be managed on behalf of the Australia Government, one by the Australian Academy of Science and one by Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.  Up to $90,000 will be made available for each conference to be held in Australia between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.oliphant.org.au/application.html

The National Marfan Foundation awards funds to support research related to the Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders. The goal of this NMF Research Program is to advance research in this area and to identify methods for earlier diagnosis, improved therapies and to find an eventual cure.

The National Marfan Foundation is currently accepting proposals for basic and clinical research related to the Marfan syndrome and related tissue connective tissue disorders. Each application should have the quality of an NIH proposal. Budgets for up to, but not exceeding, $50,000 for one year or $100,000 for two years are acceptable.

The principal investigator must hold an MD, DO, PhD, ScD, DDS, DVM or equivalent degree. The investigator must have proven ability to pursue independent research as evidenced by original research publications in peer-reviewed journals.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.marfan.org/marfan/2293/Research-Grants/

The Massage Therapy Foundation advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education, and community service.

Awards are granted to support high quality, independent research which contributes significantly and directly to the basic knowledge of massage therapy and/or its application, including applied research which investigates massage therapy as a health/mental health treatment and/or prevention modality. Research Grants are available to investigators who have experience in the relevant field of research, are presently associated with or have secured the cooperation of a university, independent research organization, health center, or other institution qualified and willing to function as a Sponsoring Organization for the purpose of this project.

Grants will normally be awarded for a 12-month period; the value of the Research Grants will be between $1,000 - $30,000 and must be used in the specific time period for which they are awarded.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/grants_research.html

The March of Dimes seeks applications requesting grant support for projects related to causes of prematurity. Research proposals of new paradigms based on strong conceptual frameworks are invited. The intent is to provide new insights into the large, and increasing, proportion of preterm deliveries in which the cause (and thus the means of prevention) remains elusive. The proposals need to consider especially, but not be limited to, genetics, gene-environment interactions, and animal models. Applicants must be members of not-for-profit institutions.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/691_11117.asp

Sciences

The Australian Academy of Science is pleased to invite applications for two new bilateral funding initiatives to support researcher mobility and collaborative research projects between Australia and Germany in key priority fields of research in FY 2010-2011. Applications open on Monday 22 February 2010.

Australia-Germany Researcher Mobility Call: http://www.science.org.au/internat/germanymobility%20.html
Internal Deadline for applications: 9 Apr 2010.

Australia-Germany Solar Photovoltaics Research Call: http://www.science.org.au/internat/germanysolar%20%20.html
Internal Deadline for applications:  19 Mar 2010.

This project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research International Science Linkages program in 2010-11, to be matched by the German Government.  

Relevant Research Branch contact Dr Don McMaster (Ext: 33347)

Since the publication of The Royal Society's report ocean acidification due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, there has been growing concern for the potential adverse impacts of a slowly acidifying sea upon marine ecosystems.

In recognition of the need for basic research concerning the nature, extent and impact of ocean acidification on oceanic environments in the past, present and future, this announcement has the following broad goals:

• To understand the chemistry and physical chemistry of ocean acidification and, in particular, its interplay with fundamental biochemical and physiological processes of organisms;
• To understand how ocean acidification interacts with processes at the organismal level, and how such interactions impact the structure and function of ecosystems, e.g. through life histories, food webs, biogeochemical cycling, and other interactions;
• To understand how the earth system history informs our understanding of the effects of ocean acidification on the present day and future ocean.

New research frontiers require the development of interdisciplinary partnerships and capacity building within the scientific community. Accordingly, full research proposals, exploratory proposals, and community development efforts such as workshops and symposia all are encouraged. Proposals must clearly demonstrate links between the research outcome and the emphasis areas described within the solicitation. Preference will be given to proposals that create new partnerships across traditional disciplines (including molecular and cellular biology, physiology, marine chemistry and physics, ecological sciences, paleoecology, and earth system history) and use diverse approaches (observational systems, experimental studies, theory and modeling) to examine cutting edge research questions related to ocean acidification.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf10530

US NIH  - Partnerships for Biodefense (R01)
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports extramural research focused on understanding, controlling and preventing diseases caused by virtually all infectious agents. In response to threats presented by bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases, the NIAID Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID) has established research programs to facilitate development of countermeasures for certain pathogens and toxins.

The NIAID invites research applications for projects focused on preclinical development of lead candidate vaccines, vaccine technologies, adjuvants, therapeutics, immunotherapeutics and/or medical diagnostics that address one or more NIAID Category A, B, or C priority pathogens and toxins (agents) (http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/BiodefenseRelated/Biodefense/research/CatA.htm).  For the purpose of this FOA, “lead candidate” is defined as a candidate (vaccine/vaccine technology, adjuvant, therapeutic, or diagnostic/diagnostic technology) for which proof-of-concept data have been obtained; “preclinical development” is defined as all activities beyond lead candidate identification (vaccines, adjuvants, therapeutics) or assay/platform/prototype development (diagnostics). Examples of research areas may include: lead optimization; safety evaluation; stability testing; manufacturing; process, development; adaptation of platform technologies or products to biodefense applications; development of broad spectrum platforms and/or production technologies; optimization of products; process development; scale-up; production of quantities sufficient for preclinical regulatory requirements; and diagnostic validation.

Partnerships
A key component of this initiative is the formation of collaborative partnerships between researchers from different academic and/or industrial disciplines. For the purpose of this opportunity, "industry" is defined as large or small, domestic or foreign, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, bioengineering, and chemical companies. Since academic organizations are often the source of new candidate products, this opportunity will also support a partnership between industry and collaborator(s) as necessary from academic (or non-profit) research organizations. For this opportunity, partnerships are encouraged, but not required.

Please submit your application with Grant Application Coversheet to Dr Don McMaster. For further information and application guidelines, please visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-10-003.html

The US Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2010 Appropriation included $6 million for the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP) of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.  The TSCRP has released the following two of four program announcements planned for Fiscal Year 2010:

• Clinical Research Award: The TSCRP Clinical Research Award mechanism was first offered in FY08. This year the program seeks to fund clinical and translational studies which emphasize research with human subjects. Preclinical studies will be considered. Interdisciplinary collaboration are also encouraged. The maximum period of performance is 3 years (4 years for clinical trials) and the maximum allowable funding for the entire period of performance is $900,000 in direct costs. ($1,200,000 in direct costs if requesting an optional qualified collaborator). The internal deadline is 24 Mar 2010.
• Idea Development Award (IDA): The IDA supports high-impact, innovative research that will drive the field forward. The maximum period of performance is 3 years and the maximum allowable funding for the entire period of performance is $450,000 in direct costs. The internal deadline is 14 Apr 2010.

The funding opportunities are relevant to bio-life, neurology, pediatrics, genetics, clinical neurology, pharmacology, epigenetics, and clinical therapeutics scientists considering tuberous sclerosis complex research funding.

For more information and application guidelines, please visit: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/tscrp.htm

The FY2010 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) challenges the scientific community to design innovative research that will foster new directions for, address neglected issues in, and bring new investigators to the field of breast cancer research. The BCRP focuses its funding on innovative projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on breast cancer, particularly those involving multidisciplinary and/or multi-institutional collaborations. The BCRP encourages risk-taking research; however, all projects must demonstrate solid judgment and rationale.

The Fiscal Year (FY) Department of Defense 2010 Appropriation included US$150 million for the Breast Cancer Research Program. The BCRP has released eight of nine program announcements planned for Fiscal Year 2010. The following are the opportunities with their internal deadlines:

• Era of Hope Scholar Award: 17, Mar 2010
• Idea Award: 14, Apr, 2010
• Innovator Award: 17, Mar 2010
• Inter-Institutional Training Award: 11, Mar 2010
• Multi-Team Award: 11, Mar 2010
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Award: 17, Mar 2010
• Predoctoral Traineeship Award: 17, Mar 2010
• Transformative Vision Award: 11, Mar 2010

Full Program Announcements, Application Instructions and deadlines are available on the CDMRP website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/bcrp.htm . The Synopsis Table with deadlines is also on the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/pdf/10bcrpreftable.pdf.

The vision of the FY10 ARP is to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders now. The ARP challenges the scientific community to design high-impact, innovative research that advances the understanding of ASD and leads to improved outcomes for individuals with autism. The ARP focuses its funding on projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with ASD.

The Fiscal Year (FY) US Department of Defense 2010 Appropriation included US$8 million for the Autism Research Program.  The ARP has released the following three of four program announcements planned for Fiscal Year 2010:

• Clinical Trial Award
• Idea Development Award
• Resource Development Award

Note 1: Required Pre-Applications are submitted through http://cdmrp.org and are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.
Note 2: All Applications are submitted through www.grants.gov and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.

Full Program Announcements, Application Instructions and deadlines are available on the CDMRP website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/arp.htm . The Synopsis Table with deadlines is also on the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/pdf/10arpreftable.pdf.

Please send copies of the Pre- Application plus the Grant Application Coversheet to Don McMaster (Ext: 33347) at the Research Branch.

The US Department of Defense has announced the following funding opportunities for the Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP):

• Clinical Trial Award: supports research with the potential to have a major impact on the treatment or management of neurofibromatosis and/or Schwannomatosis. Funding from this award mechanism must support a clinical trial. Interesting aspects of the NFRP Clinical Trial Award include:  open to independent investigators at any academic level; pre-application must include a one page Letter of Intent; for the CTA application, the Project Narrative is the clinical protocol, which is the main body of the application.  Maximum funding is $900,000, plus appropriate indirect costs, for a period not to exceed four (4) years.
• Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award: supports basic and clinically oriented research relevant to NF and/or Schwannomatosis. Interesting aspects of the NFRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award include:  includes an optional Qualified Collaborator; open to principal investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor; applications must include preliminary data originating from the PI, research team, or collaborator that is relevant to NF and the proposed project; research involving participation of human subject use is permitted; however, clinical trials are NOT ALLOWED under this funding opportunity. Maximum funding is $525,000 ($675,000 if requesting an Optional Qualified Collaborator) in direct costs, plus appropriate indirect costs, for a period not to exceed three (3) years.
• Investigator-Initiated Research Award: supports basic and clinically oriented research that will:
  • Provide insight into the development of NF and Schwannomatosis,
  • Result in substantial improvements over today’s approach to the diagnosis and treatment of NF and Schwannomatosis, and
  • Enhance the quality of life of persons with those diseases.

Full Program Announcements, Application Instructions and deadlines are available on the CDMRP website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/nfrp.htm . The Synopsis Table with deadlines is also on the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/pdf/10nfrpreftable.pdf.

Note:  The Neurofibromatosis Research Program will release the following final three Program Announcements in March.  

• Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award
• New Investigator Award
• Postdoctoral Traineeship Award

In the meantime, some preliminary information regarding these funding opportunities including eligibility, key mechanism elements, maximum funding, and period of performance are available in the CDMRP January 7, 2010 news release: http://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2010/10nfrppreann.htm.
Deadlines for these funding award mechanisms are not available until the Program Announcement is released.   

Please send a copy of the application and Grant Application Coversheet to Dr Don McMaster (don.mcmaster@adelaide.edu.au) before or by the internal deadline. For more information, please visit: http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/nfrp.htm

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports extramural research focused on understanding, controlling and preventing diseases caused by virtually all infectious agents. In response to threats presented by bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases, the NIAID Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID) has established research programs to facilitate development of countermeasures for certain pathogens and toxins.

The NIAID invites research applications for projects focused on preclinical development of lead candidate vaccines, vaccine technologies, adjuvants, therapeutics, immunotherapeutics and/or medical diagnostics that address one or more NIAID Category A, B, or C priority pathogens and toxins (agents) (http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/BiodefenseRelated/Biodefense/research/CatA.htm). 

For the purpose of this announcement, “lead candidate” is defined as a candidate (vaccine/vaccine technology, adjuvant, therapeutic, or diagnostic/diagnostic technology) for which proof-of-concept data have been obtained; “preclinical development” is defined as all activities beyond lead candidate identification (vaccines, adjuvants, therapeutics) or assay/platform/prototype development (diagnostics). Examples of research areas may include: lead optimization; safety evaluation; stability testing; manufacturing; process, development; adaptation of platform technologies or products to biodefense applications; development of broad spectrum platforms and/or production technologies; optimization of products; process development; scale-up; production of quantities sufficient for preclinical regulatory requirements; and diagnostic validation.

A key component of this initiative is the formation of collaborative partnerships between researchers from different academic and/or industrial disciplines. For the purpose of this opportunity, "industry" is defined as large or small, domestic or foreign, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, bioengineering, and chemical companies. Since academic organizations are often the source of new candidate products, this opportunity will also support a partnership between industry and collaborator(s) as necessary from academic (or non-profit) research organizations. For this opportunity, partnerships are encouraged, but not required.

Please submit your application with Grant Application Coversheet to Dr Don McMaster. For further information and application guidelines, please visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-10-003.html

Multidisciplinary

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) seeks to stimulate and support research on the determination of efficacy and potency of interventions that utilize technological tools (e.g., mobile enabling technologies, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), enhanced Medication Event Monitoring System, computer software, portable digital devices, cell phone and/or Digital Assistant Device among others) to foster adherence to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment regimens among substance abusing populations in naturally occurring timeframes and contexts.

Multidisciplinary collaboration between social scientists, medical (physician/nurse) researchers and technology experts to develop and refine mobile technological instrumentation, e-health technology and software as interventions (or as part of interventions) that foster adherence to HIV treatment regimens and access to care in real time is encouraged.

NIDA intends to commit up to US$1.5 million in total costs in FY 2010 and 1.5 million in FY 11 to support 6-9 new projects in this scheme.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-10-097.html

Multidisciplinary

Qualified scientists with faculty appointments or the equivalent, at universities, hospitals and research institutions, are invited to submit applications for research grants directed at the prevention of birth defects. Research subjects appropriate for support by the March of Dimes include basic biological processes governing development, genetics, clinical studies, studies of reproductive health, environmental toxicology, and social and behavioral studies.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/691_14434.asp

Alzheimer’s Australia Research Limited (AAR) aims to promote, disseminate and fund Australian research into dementia.

The AAR Postdoctoral Fellowships in Dementia support PhD graduates undertaking research in an area related to dementia. In 2010, two fellowships will be offered. Fellowships are awarded in both biological/non-clinical and clinical/psychosocial research areas. The fellowships are worth $45,000 per annum each for two years, on condition that the applicants’ institution matches this annual sum.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=2553

The Australian Academy of the Humanities is offering up to ten Fellowships to improve the capacity of Australian scholars to conduct research in all parts of the world.

Travelling Fellowships of up to $4,000 for short-term - not less than two weeks - research abroad in the coming year, are available to permanent resident scholars in Australia and working in the field of the Humanities (The Arts; Asian Studies; Cultural and Communication Studies; Classics; Literature; European Languages and Cultures; History; Linguistics; Philosophy, Religion and the History of Ideas; Archaeology) who require access to resources held overseas.

The Humanities Travelling Fellowships also incorporate two new programmes in 2009, the 'Embassy of France in Australia Humanities Travelling Fellowships' and the 'Ernst Keller European Travelling Fellowships'. The application form for the Humanities Travelling Fellowships is common to all three Fellowships, and they are governed by the same rules, with the exceptions noted for each individual Fellowship below.

• The Embassy of France in Australia Humanities Travelling Fellowships: The Fellowships will be intended to provide a contribution to travelling costs of up to $4,000 for short-term research trips of not less than two weeks. This grant will be designed to be available to scholars resident in Australia and working in the field of the Humanities who require access to resources held in France.
• The Ernst Keller European Travelling Fellowships: The Fellowships will provide a contribution to travelling costs of up to $4,000 for short-term research trips of not less than two weeks. This grant is available to scholars resident in Australia and working in the field of the Humanities who require access to resources held in Europe and are researching European topics or studies.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.humanities.org.au/Grants/HTF/HTF.htm#

The National Library of Australia offers an annual fellowship to researchers in Japanese studies. The Japan Fellowship aims to promote the National Library’s collections as a national resource for the study of Asia. The Fellowship is intended to encourage research based on the Japanese collections and the production of publications based on them.  Information about the Library's Japanese collections is available here: http://www.nla.gov.au/asian/lang/jap.html.

The Fellowship is open to established Australian and international researchers in Japanese studies. Fellowships are not provided to assist with the completion of degree studies and applications from currently enrolled students will not be considered. Fellowships are awarded once only to each individual; subsequent applications from previous recipients will not be considered.

The Library’s Fellowships give scholars and writers the means and the uninterrupted time to work with the Library’s significant Japanese collections, consisting of books, journals, newspapers, maps and electronic resources in Japanese and Western languages.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.nla.gov.au/grants/japan/index.html

Project Fellowship grants support artists to develop significant creative and/or developmental projects. Up to three Project Fellowships will be awarded in 2010.

Individuals, groups and organisations can apply to the Australia Council for funding. Individuals must be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status in Australia. Proof of citizenship or residency may be required. Applications may be accepted from non-Australian individuals or organisations for projects that meet the purpose of the category and mainly involve artists or arts workers who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Applications will be selected that best demonstrate:

• Artistic merit , the quality of the artist and their suitability to the project
• The potential of the proposal to contribute to both the artist’s professional development and music practice in Australia
• Good planning and effective use of resources.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants/grants/project_fellowships_-_music

In recognition of Dr Brian Robinson’s (AM) contribution to Australia, this Fellowship has been established to nurture young people making a significant contribution to the future sustainability of this nation. The Fellowship will be awarded through the Banksia Environmental Foundation. The Fellowship embodies one of the Banksia’s key environmental messages – that we each have a part to play in improving the environment we all live in.

The Fellowship will take the form of a study tour or placement for an Australian citizen or resident under 35 years of age who can demonstrate their potential to contribute to national and/or global sustainability. This study tour or placement will form the basis of a project. Up to $30,000 can be awarded.

Proposals that seek retrospective funding for projects that have already started or that have been completed will not be considered.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.banksiafdn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=50&id=91&Itemid=79

The Association is pleased to announce a Chevron Fellowship for up to US$25,000 a year. The Chevron Fellowship supports Australian researchers conducting leading research in geosciences at a top US educational or research institution.

The Chevron Fellowship is open for post graduate or post doctoral research in the area of Geosciences, including geology, geophysics and reservoir engineering. Applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and Applicant must submit a proposed budget. The Fellowships are intended to support part of the costs of one year of research/study in the United States.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.americanaustralian.org/australian_to_usa_apps/

The US Government's most prestigious and valuable education scholarships, International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards, for promising graduate students to undertake PhD study at top US universities in fields of science, technology or engineering are now open.

Scholarships cover full tuition and stipend for three years of PhD study in the US, plus a return airfare to the US and allowances for books and equipment, research and professional conferences. The total value of the award is estimated at up to A $300,000. Scholars' host universities are expected to cover the remaining expenses toward completion of the degree.

Eligible fields include: aeronautics and astronomics/aeronautical engineering, agriculture (theoretical or research-based focus only), astronomy/planetary sciences, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer sciences/engineering, energy, engineering (electrical, chemical, civil, mechanical, ocean and petroleum), environmental science/engineering, geology/earth and atmospheric sciences, information sciences and systems (engineering focus only), materials science/engineering, mathematics, neuroscience/brain and cognitive sciences, oceanography, physics and public health (theoretical research focus only).

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.fulbright.com.au/scholarships/InternationalFulbrightScienceandTechnologyAwards.html

Each year several Harold White Fellowships are awarded to enable established scholars and writers to undertake research at the National Library for periods of between three and six months. The Fellowships provide a return economy fare to Canberra, a living allowance, a fully equipped office and special access to Library collections and services. Honorary Fellowships are also awarded to scholars and writers who do not require financial assistance but would benefit from other privileges associated with the Fellowship.

Research projects supported by Harold White Fellowships can be in any discipline or area in which the Library has strong collections.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.nla.gov.au/grants/haroldwhite/

Alzheimer’s Australia Research Limited (AAR) aims to promote, disseminate and fund Australian research into dementia.

The Rosemary Foundation Travel Grant, offered in partnership with the Rosemary Foundation, is a travel project grant up to the value of $15,000 (exclusive of GST) to enable an Australian researcher or clinician to travel overseas for a period of approximately one month, and learn new techniques and/or network with well known international research teams at a hospital or university outside Australia.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=2553

Travel Grants are an exciting opportunity for the Heart Foundation to support the development of early career cardiovascular researchers.  Travel Grants are available to support Australian researchers travelling to present their cardiovascular research at a conference overseas.  They are also available to Indigenous health researchers travelling to present their research in Australia. Applicants are only eligible to received two grants in their pre- and post-doctoral training.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Professional_Information/Research/Available_Funding/Travel_Grants/Pages/default.aspx

The Joseph B. and Toby Gittler Prize is to recognize scholarly contributions to racial, ethnic, and/or religious relations. The $25,000 Prize, which includes a medal and a lecture at Brandeis University by the recipient, will be conferred during the 2010-2011 academic year.

The recipient of the Joseph B. and Toby Girder Prize will have produced a body of published work that reflects scholarly excellence and a lasting contribution to racial, ethnic and/or religious relations anywhere in the world. Recipients do not need to be American citizens or reside in the United States.

Nominations must be submitted in writing by letter or email and should not exceed 1,000 words in length. The nomination should include both the nominator's and the candidate's names, current affiliation and contact information; an explanation of the rationale for the candidate's selection., and a list of the candidate's most important scholarly works relevant to consideration for the prize. A biographical statement or the candidate's curriculum vitae may be included, but is not required. Application forms are available online at www.brandeis.edu/gittlerprize

Nominations may be sent by email to gittlerprize@brandeis.edu or mailed to:

Gittler Prize Committee
Brandeis University
415 South Street, MS 100
Waltham, MA 02453
Boston,United States

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. John R. Hose, Associate Vice President for University Affairs by email at hose@brandeis.edu.

The purpose of this award is to recognise distinguished contributions in any area of Australian research in microbiology by scientists in a formative stage of their career, rather than to reward senior scientists for a lifetime of achievement.

Applicants must be a member of the ASM of at least two (2) years standing at time of application and have been engaged in research at postdoctoral level or equivalent for less than or equal to fifteen years or the equivalent of less than or equal to fifteen years of fulltime research since acquiring their postdoctoral degree in cases of significant career interruption. The award consists of

• a bronze plaque given at the ASM Awards Ceremony at the Annual Scientific Meeting
• a $1,000 cash prize
• full ASM Annual Scientific Meeting registration
• return economy flights
• up to 6 nights accommodation

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.theasm.org.au/awards/national

The Eurekas are Australia’s premier awards for science and scientists. Winners gain national recognition for their work and take home cash prizes. There are various awards under the following categories:

• Prizes for research and innovation
• Prize for leadership
• Prizes for science communication and journalism
• Prizes for school science

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/

The South Australian Cardiovascular Research Development Program (SACVRDP) supports high quality research, relevant to heart, stroke and blood vessel disease, with a focus on supporting early career researchers. This funding aims to stimulate, enhance and sustain the collaborative potential of South Australian researchers.

Development Grants (2 x $400,000 per annum for 4 years) are available to assist emerging research leaders who have completed an MD or PhD award within the last three to ten years. These grants are designed to help researchers collaborate and improve their research excellence sufficient to be more competitive for larger, more substantial national and international research funding. A maximum of two Development Grants will be offered in this funding round. Funding for these grants will commence in 2011.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Professional_Information/
Research/Available_Funding/Special_Scholarship_Awards/Pages/default.aspx

Cancer Australia and their funding partners – beyondblue, CanTeen, Cancer Council New South Wales, Cancer Council Tasmania, Cure Cancer Australia Foundation, Leukaemia Foundation, Meat and Livestock Australia, the National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Lung Cancer Program, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia – are inviting applications for Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Grants to commence in 2011.

The Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme is an annual national research project grant scheme which funds cancer research in identified priority areas to help reduce the impact of cancer in the community and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer. The scheme brings together funders of cancer research to support cancer research project grants in identified project areas. Two types of priority-driven project grant are offered through the scheme:

• Priority-driven Standard Project Grant: Five categories of grant from one to five years in duration, and with total funding from $50,000 - $750,000 (GST exclusive).
• Priority-driven Young Investigator Project Grant: one year grant of $90,000 (GST exclusive).

Priority-driven Young Investigator Project Grants are being offered to give innovative, high-achieving early career researchers working in all areas of cancer, the support they need to pursue potential breakthrough research.

Priority-driven Standard Project Grants are being offered to fund research that deals with practice and policy priorities nationally. These grants are intended to fund research which will improve outcomes for people affected by cancer and the priority driven nature of the research scheme complements investigator-initiated grant schemes.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/research-and-clinical-trials/priority-driven-research.aspx

Each year RV Southern Surveyor undertakes a number of transit voyages between the ports where one research voyage finishes and the next commences. The RV Southern Surveyor provides an opportunity for researchers, early career researchers and students to carry out underway or opportunistic science during transit voyages.

There are two programs available; Next Wave (for early career researchers and students) and Transit Voyage Science Program (for researchers). Any transit voyage may accommodate both Next Wave and Transit Voyage Science. Between July 2010 and June 2011 Southern Surveyor will undertake five transit voyages. A schedule of transit voyages for this period are available on their web site.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.marine.csiro.au/nationalfacility/transitvoyages/index.htm