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The Biological Models and Materials Research (BMMR) Program focuses on extramural
research activities in the exploration and development of nonmammalian models
for biomedical research. The program supports research to develop and broaden
the utility of models including cell cultures, nonmammalian organisms, and nonbiological
systems–such as mathematical and computer modeling.
The BMMR Program also supports resources that are accessible to the research community.
These resources supply critical biological materials, such as cultures and genetic
stocks, as well as non-biological materials, including on-line information on
model organisms. Through these resources, investigators have access to widely
used organisms ranging from yeast, mutant flies, and worms to marine invertebrates
and non-mammalian vertebrates.
Research projects, which are supported by BMMR grants, are limited to those that
span the interests of two or more categorical Institutes or Centers (IC) of the
National Institutes of Health (NIH). Such projects should be designed to establish,
expand, or improve the usefulness of a particular model system. Project grants
may be awarded for investigations to demonstrate the value of a certain animal
species, stock, or strain as a model for naturally-occurring disease processes
or other biologic phenomena related to human health.
In addition, research to develop resources that broaden the utility of models
may be supported by the BMMR Program. Examples of such resources include, but
are not limited to, genetic maps, transgenic animals, and embryonic stem cells.
The BMMR Program accomplishes its goals through funding investigator-initiated
research project grants, animal and biological material resource grants, exploratory/developmental
grants, resource-related grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
The Division of Comparative Medicine Program Guidelines provide detailed descriptions
of these funding mechanisms.
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