Hello all,
April has had a unique start this year. First with an earthquake and then an eclipse. I hope you all stayed safe and caught the celestial event!
In this edition of the newsletter, I will provide details on our institutional submissions, office updates, sponsor updates, internal forms changes, system updates and proposal reminders.
Application Breakdown
Application numbers have been analyzed and from January - March 31, 2024, Einstein has submitted 260 applications for a total cost request to all sponsors of $351,699,721. These applications were submitted by 45 Departments/Divisions across the institution. The funding breakdown: 50% Federal prime, 23% Federal and Non-Federal subcontracts, 22% Non-Federal prime, and 5% Industry. We will provide more information on funding success in the coming months.
Office Updates
OGS has launched our office hours. Please drop by Tuesday and Thursday from 12-1PM and 3-4PM.
The Office of Grant Support is recruiting for the role of Senior Grants Specialist. Please apply here. We will start recruitment for an additional grant support role this month.
Please ensure that your communication and especially any required clarifications from sponsor contacts routes through OGS. As the Authorized Organization Representatives (AOR), we will review, provide feedback and offer our countersignature and/or concurrence for all direct sponsor communications.
NIH Updates
There are many changes coming from Federal Agencies and especially the NIH in 2025. These will include changes to the review framework, the implementation of commons forms (Biosketch, Other Support), and a new forms package (FORMS-I).
Agencies of the NIH are also preparing to implement changes related to the National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33). This memorandum is a directive from the executive branch of the government that is intended to safeguard the security and integrity of federally funded research. There will be more stringent review and requirements for disclosures related to this implementation.
NIH Peer Review – Simplified Review Framework for NIH Research Project Grant Applications (NOT-OD-24-010). This new framework and structure will begin with submission or due dates on or after January 25th, 2025. The simplified review framework is expected to better focus peer reviewers on the key questions needed to assess the scientific and technical merit of proposed research projects: “Should the proposed research project be conducted?” “Can the proposed research project be conducted?” Information concerning the framework will be included in updated NOFOs.
Parent Announcements have been extended (NOT-OD-24- 099). This impacts Parent R01/R03/R21 mechanisms. These announcements will be updated again in fall 2024 in preparation for the implementation of the simplified peer review framework.
*Pay very close attention to the FORMS package and the expiration date of the NOFO/funding opportunity you intend to use.
More to come on these changes including training, resources and further updates.
Upcoming Form and System updates:
The required Cayuse Supplemental form is undergoing final edits. This will be circulated for use prior to April 30th. This form will be implemented for use for deadlines starting May 15th.
As mentioned in the March Newsletter, OGS had requested Cayuse add a new field to capture Early Approval/Submission Requests for applications. This field is now live and is designed to alert OGS of plans for early submission of applications to assist with our review prioritization and workflow. Not all proposals will be impacted. If you have any proposals in Unsubmitted status you will be prompted to answer this question to enable the Submit for Routing button. Please continue to use the short title in Cayuse424 to identify the actual deadline of the application.
OGS will circulate a Qualtrics survey in advance of the May/June/July Deadline to identify and plan for review volume. This will be circulated next week.
Reminder:
Cayuse training will continue to be available monthly by invitation. Please contact OGS to request inclusion (OGS@einsteinmed.edu).
OGS will communicate planned training schedule soon.
Please continue to reach out to OGS for all your research administrative related inquiries. We look forward to continuing to provide a high level of support for your applications as well as clear updates on sponsor requirements and guidance to maximize funding success!
Sincerely,
M. Caitlin McKenna