by Louis V. DePaolo, Ph.D.
Chief, Reproductive Science Branch

NICHD Appoints New Branch Chiefs
It is my pleasure to inform you that I have been appointed Chief of the RSB, replacing Dr. Phyllis Leppert, who served admirably in this capacity for six years. My appointment became official during the summer months. I feel privileged and honored to have been selected for this important role. The RSB is the single largest funding source within the Federal government for research, research training and research career development activities in the reproductive sciences providing oversight of more than 500 grant awards that total nearly $150 million! I feel equally privileged to be able to work with outstanding individuals in the branch who I know are dedicated to providing you with the necessary advice and guidance to maximize your chances of success in obtaining grant support.

• In addition to my appointment in RSB, the institute named Dr. Trent MacKay as Chief of the Contraception and Reproductive Health Branch, our sister branch within the Center for Population Research (CPR). Both Trent and I have worked in CPR for some time now, and look forward to working together on a number of projects and initiatives. 

Electronic Submission Update 

• By the time you read this newsletter, the first deadline for electronic submission of the Investigator-Initiated Research Project Grant or R01 will be passé (February 5th) (NOT-OD-07-020; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-020.html). As with the R03 Small Grant Award and R21 Exploratory/Developmental Grant Award before it, you will need to apply for an R01 award through a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) available on Grants.gov.

• Also, there are now limits on appendix materials submitted with all applications (paper and electronic submissions) effective January 3, 2007 (NOT-OD-07-018; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-018.html). The notice contains guidance regarding submission of manuscripts, graphic images, patents and other important documents.

• Finally, beginning with research grant applications submitted for the February 2007 receipt dates, the NIH will allow applicants and their institutions to identify more than one Principal Investigator (PI) (NOT-OD-07-017; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-017.html).

• Please remember that the decision to apply for the traditional single PI or the new multiple PI option should be driven by the scientific goals of the project. Indeed, if multiple projects are required, then the traditional program project grant may be better suited to achieve those goals (P01 electronic submission planned for fall 2007). Please know that our staff are eager to assist you in this important decision-making process.

• It is good to remember the following links and contact information when seeking answers to questions about electronic submission: 

• Grants.gov
  For questions about FORMS and SUBMISSION PROBLEMS:
  • http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport 
  • Grants.gov Customer Service - 
  Email: support@grants.gov and Phone: 1-800-518-4726

• eRA Commons:
  For Questions about SEEING APPLICATION, ERRORS/WARNINGS, COMMONS REGISTRATION
  • Support Page: http://era.nih.gov/commons/index.cfm 
  • eRA Commons Help Desk - Web support: http://ithelpdesk.nih.gov/eRA/ and Phone: 1-866-504-9552 OR 301-402-7469

• For Questions about the forms or NIH's TRANSITION PLANS:
  • NIH Grants Information - Email: grantsinfo@nih.gov and Phone: 301-435-0714