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NHLBI Research Initiatives

From time to time, the NHLBI invites investigators to submit grant applications or contract proposals for specific research programs. We are currently soliciting applications for the programs described below. For a full details of these and other research initiatives, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/inits/index.htm or the Web page that is linked to each initiative number.

Animal Models of Organ-specific Tolerance for Heart and Lung Transplantation

• Initiative Number: PA-02-044
• Applications are accepted for February 1, June 1, and October 1 deadlines each year.
• Objective: To encourage development of organ-specific tolerance protocols using large animal models for heart transplantation and both large and small animal models for lung transplantation.

Biological Basis of Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome: Relationship to Mutations in the Lamin A/C Gene and to Other Known Laminopathies

• Initiative Number: PA-03-069
• Applications are accepted for February 1, June 1, and October 1 deadlines each year.
• Objective: To understand how mutations in the gene for lamin A/C affect nuclear structure, thus leading to both dysfunction of the nuclear envelope, and depending on the mutation, Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome.

Chemical Screens for New Inducers of Fetal Hemoglobin (SBIR/STTR)

• Initiative Number: PA-03-049
• Applications are accepted for April 1, August 1, and December 1 deadlines each year.
• Objective: To develop drugs that increase fetal hemoglobin levels for the treatment of beta-chain hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease and Cooley's anemia (beta-thalassemia).

Chronic Illness Self-Management in Children

• Initiative Number: PA-03-159
• Applications are accepted for February 1, June 1, and October 1 deadlines each year.
• Objective: To support research related to sociocultural, environmental, and behavioral mechanisms as well as biological/technological factors that improve self-management and quality of life in children and adolescents with chronic diseases.

Exploratory and Developmental Research Grants for Investigations in Rare Diseases (R21)

• Initiative Number: PA-03-171
• Applications are accepted for February 1, June 1, and October 1 deadlines each year.
• Objective: To encourage new approaches to understanding, treating, and preventing rare diseases in the areas of heart, lung, and blood disease, as well as sleep disorders.

Innovative Exploratory Studies and Technology Development in Neuroinformatics Research (R21)

• Initiative Number: PAR-03-036
• Applications are accepted for January 21, 2004; May 21, 2004; September 22, 2004; January 21, 2005; May 20, 2005; and September 22, 2005 deadlines.
• Objective: To encourage exploratory research pilot studies having the potential for significant advances in neuroscience research through the creation of neuroscience databases, knowledge management systems, and analytic tools to integrate vast, complex data and information about the nervous system.

Inter-Relationships of Sleep, Fatigue, and HIV/AIDS

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-010
• Applications due: March 15, 2004
• Objective: To elucidate the etiology of sleep disturbances and fatigue associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS).

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Diamond-Blackfan Anemia and Other Congenital Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-008
• Applications due: March 17, 2004.
• Objective: To encourage research into the genetics and basic mechanisms of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes such as, Diamond-Blackfan Aniema, dyskeratosis congenita, Pearson syndrome, severe congenital neutropenia (Kostmann syndrome), Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, and congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia.

NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings

• Initiative Number: PAR-03-176
• Applications are accepted for April 15, August 15, and December 15 deadlines each year.
• Objective: To encourage the exchange and dissemination of information related to research on heart, lung, blood or sleep disorders or blood resources.

Overweight and Obesity Control at Worksites

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-006
• Applications are due March 12, 2004.
• Objective: To support worksite interventions that include environmental strategies (programs, policies or organizational practices to influence health behaviors) for the prevention or treatment of obesity in adults.

Progression of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 1 Diabetes

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-013
• Applications are due March 24, 2004.
• Objectives: To support basic and clinical studies on the effects of type 1 diabetes and its metabolic complications on the early development and fast progression of cardiovascular disease.

Sleep Disturbance in Parkinson's Disease and Parkinson-like Conditions

• Initiative Number: PAS-03-131
• Applications are accepted for February 1, June 1, and October 1 deadlines each year.
• Objectives: To stimulate research on sleep disorders in Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s related neurological conditions, and on associated sleep disorders such as Restless Legs Syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing.

Need More Information?

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For communications pertaining to NHLBI policies and priorities, contact the NHLBI Office of Public Liaison.

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