Updated Signature Authority Memo

REMINDER — Electronic Information Sheet (eIS) Now in Effect

The eIS replaced the current paper version of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Information Sheet on November 2nd. The login screen for the eIS is located at: https://resource.ca.jhu.edu/rpa/index.jsp

Those who attended eIS training, and those who have access to ReSource, are already registered to use the eIS. If you are not already registered, you must fill out the form found at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Research/Resources/eISaccess.doc and submit it to: SOMeISHelp@jhmi.edu. To sign up for an eIS training session or to view training materials online, please visit the eIS training page at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Research/Resources/eIStraining.html

NIH Announces Updated Criteria for Evaluating Research Grant Applications

There has been a change in the NIH Peer Review Criteria for investigator-initiated research grant applications in order to better accommodate interdisciplinary, translational, and clinical projects. Reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following criteria. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application.

1. Significance. Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
2. Approach. Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
3. Innovation. Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
4. Investigators. Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Does the investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project (if applicable)?
5. Environment. Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?

Additional items will continue to be considered in the determination of scientific merit and the priority score. These updated review criteria will be effective for research grant applications received on or after January 10, 2005. For complete details, click here:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-002.html



REMINDER — NIH Loan Repayment Programs — Now Accepting Applications

The NIH is now accepting applications for its five Loan Repayment Programs. National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) can repay up to $35,000 a year of qualified educational debt for health professionals pursuing careers in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility, or health disparities research. The programs also provide coverage for Federal and state tax liabilities.

Applicants must:

• Have a doctoral-level degree,
• Devote 50% or more of their time (20 hours per week based on a 40 hour work week) to nonprofit- or government-funded research,
  
• Have educational debt equaling at least 20% of their institutional base salary,
  
• Obtain a commitment of not less than two years of research appointment (fellow or faculty or a combination) from the department and school of the certifying official, and
  
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national.
  

All applications for 2005 awards must be submitted by December 15, 2004. Visit www.lrp.nih.gov for further information and to apply online.

When applying online, you will need to list an “Authorized Institutional Representative” to certify your application. Please list Michael B. Amey (mamey@jhmi.edu) as the representative for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Those applicants leaving Hopkins for appointments elsewhere beginning July 1, 2005 should obtain certification from their future institution.

In order for Mr. Amey to certify your application, your department must email Amanda Gibson (agibson8@jhmi.edu) the following information:

• Confirmation of the departmental commitment for at least a 2-year appointment (from July 2005). This period can be any combination of fellowship or faculty appointments.
  
• The current base compensation the applicant receives from JHU in stipends and/or salary at the time of the application.
  

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