Funding for Predictive Multiscale Models; Notice for NRSA Applicants

Notice of National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Participation in PAR-15-085 "Predictive Multiscale Models for Biomedical, Biological, Behavioral, Environmental and Clinical Research (U01)

• NOT-AT-15-009 (Released 7/2/15)
• Related to  PAR-15-085

NCCIH is interested in supporting the development of innovative predictive models related to the mechanisms of complementary and integrative approaches, including natural products and mind and body interventions, in human subjects or appropriate model systems.  Randomized clinical trials to validate the predictive models in humans are not supported by this FOA and should seek other funding mechanisms supported by the NCCIH.   Examples of research topics include but are not limited to:

• Multiscale models related to predictive and/or modifiable mechanisms of natural products or mind and body approaches (i.e. spinal manipulation or mobilization, massage, tai chi, qi gong, yoga, acupuncture, hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback or mindfulness techniques) for pain management.
• Multiscale models related to predictive and/or modifiable mechanisms of mind and body approaches (i.e. spinal manipulation or mobilization, massage, tai chi, qi gong, yoga, acupuncture, hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback or mindfulness techniques) for post-traumatic stress (disorder), sleep disorders or disturbances, anxiety, or depression.
• Multi-scale modeling research for preventative strategies that links genetics, molecular mechanisms, intracellular signaling, brain circuits, and/or environment with responders and non-responders of complementary interventions (i.e. acupuncture, mindfulness, yoga, natural products, etc.) and/or integrative health interventions.
• Models to predict the systems level biological activity of natural products, especially in the context of complex natural product mixtures as is common in traditional systems of medicine
• Multi-scale models and computational approaches of mechanistic pathways and regulatory networks in probiotic/prebiotic and microbiota-brain-gut interactions and related bio-behavioral networks that can be used consistently in unifying multi-scale frameworks (e.g., neural-hormonal biological systems and microecological principles that promote homeostasis or disease).

NCCIH Policy on Support of Clinical Trials in Ruth L. Kirschstein Research Awards for Predoctoral, Postdoctoral Fellows, Institutional, and Short-term Institutional Research Training

• NOT-AT-15-008 (Released 6/30/15)

Effective with applications submitted on December 8  (Fellowships), or September 25 (Training Grants) and susequently, NCCIH will not accept applications to specific NRSA training programs proposing to conduct new clinical trials with the goal of evaluating the efficacy or effectiveness of the intervention. Applicants can propose mechanistic studies of complementary or integrative interventions as long as the study does not propose to be powered to measure clinical outcomes such as efficacy or effectiveness. Applicants can propose ancillary studies to ongoing clinical trials, which are funded by sources other than the NRSA.

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Lifespan Human Connectome Project: Baby Connectome (U01)
(RFA-MH-16-160)  (Letter of Intent due 8/3/15)