Volume 13, number 8: February 7, 2007
FEDERAL NEWS
AAAS Research and Development Federal Funding Updates
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has released two updates to their analysis of research and development spending in the federal budget. The first update covers the new fiscal year 2007 spending bill from Congress, proposed in advance of February 15, when the current continuing resolution expires.
The proposed fiscal year 2008 budgets are being released this week, starting with the President's budget on February 5. AAAS' second update to their research and development funding analysis encompasses the fiscal year 2008 budget proposals.
NIH Reform Act of 2006 and Next Steps
Elias A. Zerhouni, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), released a statement in response to the NIH Reform Act of 2006 passed on January 15, 2007 . This act, the first reauthorization in 14 years, addresses NIH funding, organization, and reporting requirements.
Extension of NIH Pilot Study to Shorten the Review Cycle for New Investigator R01 Applications
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced that it will be extending the pilot program, begun last year, to shorten the review cycle for new investigator R01 applications, in order to allow for resubmission at the next review cycle, rather than having to wait out a full cycle. In addition to extending it, the NIH commits to making all new investigator R01 applications eligible for this program by the end of 2007.
NSF 2007 Proposer Survey
On January 29, the National Science Foundation (NSF) sent out online survey links via email to all individuals who submitted research proposals to NSF in FY2004, FY2005, or FY2006. This 2007 Proposer Survey is intended to gather external perspectives about its proposal submission process, factors that influence decisions to submit research proposals, and perceptions of success rates within NSF and other organizations. The results will be used to inform decisions about internal policies and practices that affect NSF's capacity to promote the progress of science.
NIH Launches New Online Resource for Institutional Awards Made Data
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has stopped publishing information about awards made to universities, hospitals, businesses and other organizations in annual ranking tables. The NIH will instead make this information available via a new online resource, which will allow users to search by organization, or download aggregate data and perform their own analysis.
NIH and AHRQ Announce Electronic Submission Plans for More Mechanisms
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have confirmed plans to transition the G7, G8, G11, G13, G20, S11, S21 and S22 to electronic applications and announced a delay in transition of K, F, T and complex grant programs.
NIH eSubmission News, Updates, and Help
The National Institutes of Health's website devoted to their electronic submission process can be a valuable tool for researchers and grants administrators looking for more information about the eSubmission process, transition timelines, common errors, frequently asked questions and training opportunities. The page also provides contacts for help and listservs with current news and updates.