Diabetes Dateline
Winter 2008

Research News

NIDDK Announces Pathfinder Award for Type 1 Diabetes Research

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is seeking applications from exceptionally creative new investigators with innovative proposals for type 1 diabetes research under a new grants program.

Through the new Type 1 Diabetes Pathfinder Award Program, the NIDDK is soliciting proposals in any scientific area relevant to type 1 diabetes research, but not limited to a conventional biomedical or behavioral discipline. The program aims to provide a foundation for investigators to develop innovative approaches to addressing major obstacles to curing, preventing, and treating people with type 1 diabetes. The NIDDK encourages applications proposing hypothesis-driven research and new tools and technology development.

The NIDDK also welcomes applications from investigators who have not previously studied diabetes but would like to apply their expertise to type 1 diabetes research, such as those with experience in vascular biology, immunology, or neuroscience.

These applicants are strongly encouraged to collaborate with co-investigators who have a strong background in diabetes research. However, applications must have a single principal investigator who has not previously held an R01 or equivalent National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant. Compelling opportunities that might be pursued with the awards are described in a strategic plan for type 1 diabetes research available at www2.niddk.nih.gov/AboutNIDDK/ResearchAndPlanning/Type1Diabetes.

“This is an excellent opportunity for talented new investigators to apply their skills to benefit people with type 1 diabetes,” said Judith Fradkin, M.D., director of the NIDDK’s Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases. “We hope these awards will be the start of long and fruitful careers in type 1 diabetes research that will contribute to preventing, reversing, and curing the disease.”

Complementary Programs

The Pathfinder Award Program complements ongoing efforts by the NIH and its Institutes and Centers to fund new investigators through other grant programs. Because Pathfinder awards cannot be renewed, awardees are expected to seek support to continue their research through traditional routes, such as applying for an R01 grant.

The Pathfinder Award Program expects to award eight grants in fiscal year 2008. Applicants may request up to $1.5 million in direct costs for the 5-year budget project period.

The NIDDK has answers to many questions about the program at www2.niddk.nih.gov/Funding/FundingOpportunities/RFA/RFA_T1D_ Pathfinder_Award.htm. For a copy of the Pathfinder Award announcement, visit www.grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-08-001.html.

[Top]

NIH Publication No. 08–4562
March 2008