Mechanisms, Models, Measurement, & Management in Pain Research (R01, R21, R03) (PA-10-006, PA-10-007, PA-10-008)

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Mechanisms, Models, Measurement, & Management in Pain Research issued by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), in conjunction with members of the NIH Pain Consortium, is to inform the scientific community of the pain research interests of the various Institutes and Centers (ICs) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to stimulate and foster a wide range of basic, clinical, and translational studies on pain as they relate to the missions of these ICs. New advances are needed in every area of pain research, from the micro perspective of molecular sciences to the macro perspective of behavioral and social sciences. Although great strides have been made in some areas, such as the identification of neural pathways of pain, the experience of pain and the challenge of treatment have remained uniquely individual and unsolved. Furthermore, our understanding of how and why individuals transition to a chronic pain state after an acute insult is limited. Research to address these issues conducted by interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research teams is strongly encouraged, as is research from underrepresented, minority, disabled, or women investigators.

NIH funding opportunities focused primarily on pain or pain-related conditions

Pain in Aging (R01, R21, R03) (PA 13-058, PA 013-059, PA 13-060)

This FOA encourages Research Project Grant (R01) applications from institutions/organizations that propose to study pain from an aging perspective, including studies of older populations, studies of age differences and age-related changes in pain processes and experiences, and studies of pain treatment and management in older adults. This FOA particularly encourages studies on 1) mechanisms and predictors of pain experience in aging, 2) development and evaluation of pain assessment tools for older adults or older model organisms, and 3) development and evaluation of pain management strategies in older adults, with particular attention to the challenges associated with treating pain in patients with multiple morbidities. Studies may address a variety of approaches and outcomes including biological (i.e., genetic, molecular, neurobiological), clinical, behavioral, psychological, and social factors.  Both animal models (especially aged animals) and human subjects are appropriate for this FOA. 

Biomechanisms of Peripheral Nerve Damage by Anti-Cancer Therapy (R01, R21) (PA-12-082, PA-12-083)

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage basic biologic research on damage to the peripheral nervous system instigated by pharmacologic cancer treatments, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The majority of acquired peripheral neuropathy research has focused on diabetic and inherited diseases; this FOA intends to stimulate neuroscience researchers to apply their expertise from studying these other neuropathies to the injuries incurred by cancer treatments. More data is necessary to understand the mechanisms of neuronal damage and to identify the targets instrumental to CIPN initiation and maintenance. Preclinical research that focuses not only on peripheral neuropathic pain but also on neurosensory symptoms such as paresthesias and peripheral anesthesias is invited. The ultimate goal of this FOA is to lead to a molecular understanding of CIPN that allows for the rational development of interventions that will treat or prevent CIPN.

NIDCR Institutional Career Development Award for Enhancing Research Capacity in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Orofacial Pain (K12) (PAR-11-289)

The purpose of this FOA is to expand and strengthen the community of investigators engaged in research on temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) and orofacial pain. An increase in the number of well-trained researchers is necessary to reach a critical mass of scientists with contemporary, multidisciplinary expertise who will be able to leverage recent advances in genetics, bio-engineering, and bio-behavioral research in order to enhance patient treatment and to advance scientific momentum in the field. The objectives of this FOA are to 1) increase the number of basic and clinical investigators who are trained in the sciences relevant to TMJD or orofacial pain research, 2) facilitate and improve the mentoring of this new group of scientists, 3) bring new scientific expertise to TMJD and orofacial pain research. The expected outcomes of this Initiative will be 1) an increase in the number of TMJD/orofacial pain research leaders who will apply for and obtain independent funding support, and 2) an increased number of multidisciplinary research teams led by junior investigators or, investigators new to the TMJD and orofacial pain fields. These new teams will form a robust research community applying novel approaches to TMJD and orofacial pain research that will enhance our understanding of the disorders and lead to effective treatments for patients. These new teams will thrive in academic research centers that foster an environment for developing new collaborative, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists with skills and expertise that can be applied to the most intractable topics in TMJDs and orofacial pain research.

Mechanistic Studies of Pain and Alcohol Dependence (R01, R21) (PA-11-267, PA-11-268)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages applications that propose to conduct mechanistic studies on the relationship between alcohol drinking, alcohol dependence and pain. An association between chronic pain conditions and alcohol dependence has been revealed in numerous studies with episodes of alcohol abuse antedating chronic pain in some people and alcohol dependence emerging after the onset of chronic pain in others. Pain transmission and alcohol’s reinforcing effects share overlapping neural substrates giving rise to the possibility that chronic pain states significantly affect alcohol use patterns and promote the development of dependence and addiction. In addition, long term alcohol intoxication and alcohol dependence induce pain symptoms and may exacerbate chronic pain arising from other sources. The objective of this FOA is to understand genetic, pharmacological and learning mechanisms underlying the association between the propensity to drink alcohol and pain responses.

Neurobiology of Migraine (R01, R21) (PA-10-258, PA-10-259)

This FOA encourages innovative research that will expand our current knowledge of neurobiological mechanisms underlying migraines, examine the role of neuromodulators, study genetic and environmental influences in migraine susceptibility, and explore new targets for therapy development.

Biology of Manual Therapies (R01, R21) (PA-10-209, PA-10-210)

This FOA invites applications for funding of basic, mechanistic, and/or preclinical research focused on the mechanisms underlying the biomechanical, immunological, endocrinological and/or neurophysiological consequences of manual therapies, such as spinal manipulation, mobilization and massage therapy. Manual therapies are used primarily to relieve musculoskeletal problems such as low back and neck pain. Such studies will both provide information on the possible mechanisms of action of manual therapies, and also provide a stronger foundation for ongoing and planned clinical studies.

Preliminary Clinical Studies in Preparation for Large Interventional Trials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Therapies (R34) (PAR-10-163)

The goal of this FOA is to support early phase clinical research and development on high priority CAM interventions. This mechanism is intended to support the development of methodology and the preliminary data needed for planning and design of subsequent, larger randomized clinical trials, cluster randomized trials or cohort studies. This mechanism is not appropriate for support of randomized clinical trials to test or determine efficacy. It is appropriate for development of preliminary studies that will contribute to the design of either efficacy or real-world effectiveness studies.

NIH funding opportunities not focused primarily on pain, but including pain or pain-related conditions in the objectives or targeted topics of interest

Behavioral & Integrative Treatment Development Program (R01, R34, R03) (PA-13-077, PA-13-078,PA-113-079)

The purpose of this FOA for R01 is to encourage behavioral intervention development research to test efficacy, conduct clinical trials, examine mechanisms of behavior change, determine dose-response, optimize combinations, and/or ascertain best sequencing of behavioral, combined, sequential, or integrated behavioral and pharmacological (1) drug abuse treatment interventions, including interventions for patients with comorbidities, in diverse settings; (2) drug abuse treatment and adherence interventions for use in primary care; (3) drug abuse treatment and adherence interventions that utilize technologies to boost effects and increase implementability; (4) interventions to prevent the acquisition or transmission of HIV infection among individuals in drug abuse treatment; (5) interventions to promote adherence to drug abuse treatment, HIV and addiction medications; and (6) interventions to treat chronic pain. Research of interest includes but is not limited to Stage II and Stage III efficacy research.

The purpose of this FOA for R34s is to encourage investigators to propose discrete well-defined projects that can be completed within three years. Projects of interest fall within the research domain of behavioral or integrated (e.g., behavioral and pharmacological) interventions targeting: (a) substance abuse (including comorbidities); (b) prevention of acquisition or transmission of HIV infection among individuals in substance abuse treatment; (c) promotion of adherence to substance abuse treatment, HIV and addiction medications; and (d) chronic pain. Specific examples include, but are not limited to studies focusing on: 1) Stage I intervention generation; 2) Stage I pilot or feasibility – and both should include the development of putative moderators, mediators, and change mechanisms.  (3) Stage I studies to generate or refine substance abuse treatment or adherence interventions for use in primary care; (4) Stage I research to boost effects and increase implementability of interventions with creative use of technology.

The purpose of this FOA for R03s is to encourage investigators to propose discrete well-defined projects that can be completed within two years. Projects of interest fall within the research domain of behavioral or integrated (e.g., behavioral and pharmacological) interventions targeting: (a) drug abuse (including comorbidities); (b) prevention of acquisition or transmission of HIV infection among individuals in drug abuse treatment; (c) promotion of adherence to drug abuse treatment, HIV and addiction medications; and (d) chronic pain. Specific examples include, but are not limited to studies focusing on: 1) Stage I intervention generation; 2) Stage I pilot or feasibility – and both should include the development of putative moderators, mediators, and change mechanisms; (3) Stage I studies to generate or refine drug abuse treatment or adherence interventions for use in primary care; (4) Stage I research to boost effects and increase implementability of interventions with creative use of technology or through other means.

Drug Discovery for Nervous System Disorders (R01, R21) (PAR-13-048, PAR-13-049)

This FOA encourages research grant applications from applicant organizations directed toward the discovery and preclinical testing of novel compounds for the prevention and treatment of nervous system disorders.

NIA Clinical Trial Planning Grant Program (R34) (PAR-13-040)

The NIA is committed to identifying effective treatments for diseases and conditions associated with aging, including disorders of neural systems and to ascertain the associated health outcomes by supporting robust, well-planned and designed, and well-executed clinical trials. This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) aims to support the planning activities needed for the successful execution of complex and multi-site clinical trials as well as the establishment of Protocol and Manual of Procedures (MOP) as recommended by the NIA Clinical Research Study Investigator's Toolbox (http://www.nia.nih.gov/research/dgcg/clinical-research-study-investigators-toolbox/startup).      

Prescription Drug Abuse (R01, R21). (PA-13-015, PA-13-016)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) encourages applicants to develop innovative research applications on prescription drug abuse, including research to examine the factors contributing to prescription drug abuse; to characterize the adverse medical, mental health and social consequences associated with prescription drug abuse; and to develop effective prevention and service delivery approaches and behavioral and pharmacological treatments. Applications to address these issues are encouraged across a broad range of methodological approaches including basic science, clinical, epidemiological, and health services research to define the extent of the problem of prescription drug abuse, to characterize this problem in terms of classes of drugs abused and combinations of drug types, etiology of abuse, and populations most affected (including analyses by age group, race/ethnicity, gender, and psychiatric symptomatology). Studies on individual- and patient-level factors, prescriber factors, and/or health system factors are encouraged, as are studies on all classes of prescription drugs with high abuse liability, including analgesics, stimulants, sedative/hypnotics and anxiolytics. Researchers are further encouraged to study the relationship between the prescription medication, the indication for which the medication was prescribed (e.g., pain, sleep disorder, anxiety disorder, obesity), and the environmental and individual factors contributing to abuse.

Exceptional Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration (EUREKA) for Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System (R01) (RFA-NS-13-007)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits Research Project Grant (R01) applications addressing exceptionally novel hypotheses and/or remarkably difficult problems in neuroscience and disorders of the nervous system.  This announcement is for support of new rather than ongoing projects, and is not intended for pilot research.  The proposed research may have a high risk of failure, but it must promise results with especially high impact should it be successful.  The research should be groundbreaking, innovative, original and/or unconventional, with the potential to solve important problems or open new areas for investigation.  

Specialized Cooperative Centers Program in Reproduction and Infertility Research (U54) (RFA-HD-13-005)

The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is to announce the re-competition of the Specialized Cooperative Centers Program in Reproduction and Infertility Research (SCCPIR). The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) provides funding for a limited number of research centers in the reproductive sciences. These centers provide an arena for multidisciplinary interactions between basic and clinical scientists interested in establishing high quality translational research programs in the area of reproductive health and infertility. The centers also serve as a national resource for the training and career development of new scientists electing to pursue careers conducting translational research in high priority areas of reproduction and infertility. Finally, center investigators are expected to participate in important community outreach and education efforts to increase awareness and convey the importance and implications of their research activities to the general public.

NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Grand Challenge: Discovering Novel Drugs for Disorders of the Nervous System (U01) (RFA-NS-13-003)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announces a unique opportunity for investigators working with small molecule compounds to gain access to a robust ‘virtual pharma’ network to discover neurotherapeutic drugs. Successful applicants to this FOA will become collaborative participants in this network, receiving both funding and no-cost access to contracted drug discovery services that are not typically available to the academic research community. Funding will be provided through a U01 cooperative agreement mechanism to conduct biological testing of compound analogs in disease assays and models in the investigator’s laboratory. No-cost drug discovery services will also be provided, including medicinal chemistry optimization, IND-directed pharmacology and toxicology, and Phase I clinical testing. Researchers in possession of disease assays and small molecule compounds that show promise for treating nervous system and psychiatric disorders, but that are not yet suitable for clinical testing, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Centers for Excellence for Research on CAM (P01) (PAR-12-151)

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is issued by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to enable submission of applications that propose to conduct research that is of high-priority to NCCAM that requires synergistic collaboration between outstanding scientists, and the synthesis of multiple research approaches by multi-disciplinary research teams. The CERC mechanism is designed to support research in which the funding of three or four synergistic, highly meritorious projects as a group offers significant scientific advantages over support of the same projects as individual research grants. Each CERC must consist, throughout the duration of the award, of three or four research projects, focused on basic, mechanistic, and/or translational research questions relevant to the research priorities described in the current NCCAM Strategic Plan.

Network and Infrastructure Support for Development of Interdisciplinary Aging Research (R24) (PA-12-064)

The purpose of this FOA is to provide network and infrastructure support to foster development of novel interdisciplinary research approaches on important topics in aging research. This FOA will use the NIH Resource-Related Research Project (R24) mechanism to facilitate research networks that will advance specific scientific goals through activities such as meetings, conferences, small scale pilots, short term training opportunities, and visiting scholar programs, and dissemination activities to encourage growth and development in these interdisciplinary areas.

Solicitation of Validated Hits for the Discovery of in vivo Chemical Probes (R01) (PAR-12-060)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) intends to support investigators who have interest and capability to join efforts for the discovery of in vivo chemical probes. It is expected that applicants will have in hand the starting compounds (“validated hits”) for chemical optimization and bioassays for testing new analog compounds. Through this FOA, NIH wishes to stimulate research in 1) discovery and development of novel, small molecules for their potential use in studying disease treatment relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes, and 2) discovery and/or validation of novel, biological targets that will inform studies of disease mechanisms. Emphasis will be placed on assays that provide new insight into important disease targets and processes.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Etiology, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment (R01, R21) (PAR-12-032, PAR-12-033)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) and co-sponsoring Institutes and Centers (ICs) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) encourages investigator(s)-initiated applications that propose to examine the etiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sometimes referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), in diverse groups and across the lifespan. Applications that address gaps in the understanding of the environmental and biological risk factors, the determinants of heterogeneity among patient populations, the common mechanisms influencing the multiple body systems that are affected in ME/CFS are encouraged. The NIH is particularly interested in funding interdisciplinary research that will enhance our knowledge of the disease process and provide evidence based solutions to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of all persons with ME/CFS. This interdisciplinary research may include the building of scientific teams to study and develop biomarkers, innovative treatment modalities, and/or the modifiable risk and protective processes specifically targeted by preventive and/or treatment interventions.

Behavioral Interventions to Address Multiple Chronic Health Conditions in Primary Care (R01) (PA-12-024)

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) seeks Research Project Grant (R01) applications that propose to use a common conceptual model to develop behavioral interventions to modify health behaviors and improve health outcomes in patients with comorbid chronic diseases and health conditions. Specifically, this FOA will support research in primary care that uses a multi-disease care management approach to behavioral interventions with high potential impact to improve patient-level health outcomes for individuals with three or more chronic health conditions. The proposed approach must modify behaviors using a common approach rather than administering a distinct intervention for each targeted behavior and/or condition. Diseases and health conditions can include, but are not limited to: mental health disorders (e.g., depression), diabetes, smoking, obesity, chronic pain, alcohol and substance abuse and dependence, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, cancer and hypertension.

Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes (R01, R21) (PA-11-211, PA-11-212)

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage submission of hypothesis-testing research applications that capitalize on the unique capabilities of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to visualize outcomes, teach, motivate, and to extend the health care and learning environments, in order to foster to foster desirable eating, physical activity, self-care, and other health-related behaviors necessary for prevention and management of obesity and diabetes. Of highest interest are well-designed multidisciplinary projects drawing on expertise in VR technologies and biomedical behavioral and pedagogical sciences. The overall goal is to develop the potential of VR technologies as research tools for behavioral science-oriented studies in diabetes and obesity, and as practical tools for clinical and public health-level prevention and management of obesity and diabetes.

Chronic Illness Self-Management in Children and Adolescents (R01, R03, R21) (PA-11-070, PA-11-071, PA-11-072)

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is to encourage research to improve self-management and quality of life in children and adolescents with chronic illnesses. Children diagnosed with a chronic illness and their families have a life-long responsibility for self-management, to maintain and promote health and prevent complications. Biobehavioral studies of children in the context of family and family-community dynamics are encouraged. Research related to biological/technological factors, as well as, sociocultural, environmental, and behavioral mechanisms that contribute to successful and ongoing self-management of chronic illnesses in children is also encouraged. This FOA is restricted to studies of chronic illnesses in children and adolescents ages 8 to 21 grouped by developmental stages according to the discretion of the investigator. Studies of chronic mental illness or serious cognitive disability are beyond the scope of this FOA.

NICHD Program Project Grant (P01) (PAR-10-245)

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) issued by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH) encourages innovative, multidisciplinary, interactive, and synergistic program project grant applications from institutions/organizations that propose to conduct research on reproductive, developmental, behavioral, social, and rehabilitative processes that determine the health or functioning of newborns, infants, children, adults, families, and populations. The purpose of the P01 mechanism is to encourage investigation of complex problems relevant to NlCHD's mission and to facilitate economy of effort, space, and equipment. Under appropriate circumstances, the collaborative research effort of a program project can accelerate the acquisition of knowledge more effectively than a simple aggregate of research projects without thematic integration.

Drug Abuse Dissertation Research: Epidemiology, Prevention, Treatment, Services, and/or Women and Sex/Gender Differences (R36) (PAR-10-020)

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to invite applications for support of drug abuse doctoral dissertation research in epidemiology, prevention, treatment, services, and/or women and sex/gender differences.