I. BACKGROUND
The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program invites proposals for BLaST Faculty Pilot Project (FPP) awards. The overarching goal of BLaST is to enhance undergraduate training and mentoring in biomedical research through increased diversity of students, increased integration of research and teaching, and enhanced integration of rural campuses into a cohesive biomedical community in Alaska.
BLaST is funded by the NIH, and the NIH encourages institutions to enhance the participation of individuals from groups identified as underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences, such as: 1) individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis [Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders]; 2) individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; and 3) individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as (a) individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds periodically published athttp://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml and (b) individuals who come from an educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that has demonstrably and directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career. For a complete description of the NIH’s Interest in Diversity see: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-15-053.html
II. ELIGIBILITY
Current Ilisagvik College, UAS, or UAF faculty from anywhere in Alaska, from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, are invited to apply.
III. AWARD PERIOD AND AMOUNT
BLaST FPP awards provide up to $20,000/year for up to 2 years, with an additional $10,000 per year for projects conducted by rural faculty members or in rural Alaskan locations, FPP awards support any research-related expenses for an award period from Jan 1, 2016 to Dec 31, 2017.
IV. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
The proposal format and instructions document is available on the BLaST website. Prepare sections 1-5 of your proposal and then complete your BLaST Faculty Pilot Project proposal online at https://uafblast.wufoo.com/forms/blast-faculty-pilot-project-proposal/. Applications are due Sep 1, 2015.
V. REVIEW PROCEDURES
The BLaST Advisory Committee will review FPP proposals. Funding priority will be assigned to projects that directly enhance undergraduate student training opportunities in biomedical research with a special emphasis on students from/in rural Alaska and health-related issues germane to the concerns of rural Alaskans. Based on these priorities the following criteria will be used for evaluating proposals: 1) scientific merit based on significance, innovation, and approach; 2) research training opportunities for undergraduate students; 3) biomedical One Health relevance; 4) capacity building in Alaska to enhance undergraduate research training. Additional preference will be given to proposals at rural campuses and projects in rural communities.
VI. AWARD CONDITIONS
Awardees are expected to be active members of the BLaST learning community and must cooperate with BLaST staff to facilitate compliance with all the participant reporting and evaluation requirements of the NIH.
BLaST: Biomedical Learning and Student Training
an NIH-funded BUILD program from the Office of Scientific Workforce Diversity
University of Alaska Fairbanks à PO Box 757580 à Fairbanks, AK 99775-7580 à 907.474.5111
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