May 4, 2021

Vanderbilt-wide Limited Submission Opportunity: NIDDK nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and related research; deadline is May 6

NIDDK Program to Advance the Career Development of Scientists from Diverse Backgrounds Conducting Nutrition, Obesity, Diabetes, and Related Research (U24 Clinical Trial Optional)

Applications due May 6

This is a joint competition for VU and VUMC investigators. All investigators should follow these instructions.

Vanderbilt (VU+VUMC) may submit one application to the NIH NIDDK Program to Advance the Career Development of Scientists from Diverse Backgrounds Conducting Nutrition, Obesity, Diabetes, and Related Research (U24 Clinical Trial Optional) program.

This FOA seeks to support a consortium of independent but collaborative programs designed to advance the career development of post-doctoral scholars and early career faculty/academic investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups (URGs), who are conducting biomedical and behavioral research on nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and/or related conditions. To participate in this consortium, applicant institutions and partners must have a track record of existing NIH-funded research project grants and research resource grants/Centers with a scientific and mentoring focus on nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and/or related conditions. The program should be designed such that it will enhance the diversity of the pool of researchers who are available to successfully compete for independent research funding from NIH and other research funding organizations in nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and related conditions.

Each awardee institution in the consortium will be expected to recruit two cohorts (one cohort enrolled in year 2 and a second cohort enrolled in years 3-4, as appropriate) of ~5-10 candidates per cohort from diverse backgrounds, including URGs, for a total of 10-20 candidates per awardee institution over the full project period.

Awardees will engage in a consortium of collaborative programs recruiting early career scientists from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, to participate in a cohort-based comprehensive career-building opportunity, including activities such as but not limited to:

  • Research career, professional and leadership development,
  • Career progression strategies such as job search skills, networking with peers and senior investigators; and developing collaborations with other members of the scientific community;
  • Research skill-building and laboratory management;
  • Education and experience in pedagogical skill development and mentoring;
  • Grant writing, appropriate administrative and other support relevant to preparation and submission of research grant applications, and grant management; and
  • Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) funding opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria:

The PD(s)/PI(s) should be an established investigator conducting research in nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and related conditions with recent peer-reviewed research publications and successful competition for research support in one or more of these topic areas who is capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women are encouraged to apply. The PD(s)/PI(s) will be responsible for identification and recruitment of candidates into the program and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The PD(s)/PI(s) will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.

The NIDDK encourages multiple PD(s)/PI(s), particularly when each brings a unique perspective and areas of expertise that will enhance the program. Additional PD(s)/PI(s), including individuals with experience in areas such as science education, program evaluation, mentoring, and career development for early-career scientists, may be included to achieve the goals of the program.

Award Information:

Application budgets are limited to $350,000 in Direct Costs in FY2022 and up to $575,000 in Direct Costs in FY2023-2026 exclusive of indirect costs on subcontracts. The total is up to $2.65M direct costs over 5 years.

The program is not intended to provide direct salary support for enrolled cohort members but rather will provide support for personnel, including investigators and staff, necessary to implement the program.

See the solicitation for more information.

Internal Application Process:

Anyone interested in being considered as Vanderbilt’s potential nominee must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on May 6. 

  • Brief (2-page maximum) research plan, which should include:
    • Brief description and specific aims reflecting the integrated approach “to advance the career development of post-doctoral scholars and early career faculty/academic investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups (URGs), who are conducting biomedical and behavioral research on nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and/or related conditions.”
    • Summary budget
  • Proposed list of Vanderbilt key personnel and collaborators
  • NIH Biosketch or 5-page CV for each PI/PD
  • Statement of support from department chair/center director

Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu