What is the scope of research expected for the applications?
While the RFA includes standard language seen in most, if not all RFAs for NIH, the additional material provided is key. The expectation is to see new approaches to engaging, recruiting, enabling, teaching and advancing individuals from underrepresented populations in scientific programs in academia or the scientific workforce. These programs could be enabled through a variety of modalities such as educational, media, behavioral or sociological methodologies, mentoring, incentives. It could be applied in pilot projects, large institutions or within a larger community. It may be within a specific scientific discipline or not – it is broad and non-restrictive. Innovation will be weighted heavily in review as the intent is to fund new approaches. The program would need to have scientific rigor with measurable endpoints although complete details are not required at the application phase.
