Research Grants for Studies of Hepatitis C in the Setting of Renal Disease (R01) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NIH/NIDDK Grant PA-07-015 (R01) - Hepatitis C in Kidney Disease and Transplant Settings

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This is an NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) funding opportunity announcement (PA-07-015) that supports research focused on hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the context of kidney disease and kidney transplantation.

2) What is the overall purpose of PA-07-015?

The central goal is to improve scientific and clinical understanding of how hepatitis C behaves when renal disease is present. The announcement emphasizes work that advances evidence for patients facing distinct HCV-related risks and management challenges in chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, dialysis exposure, or post-transplant immunosuppression.

3) What research topics or areas does the announcement highlight?

The announcement specifically highlights research on:

• Pathogenesis (how HCV develops and causes harm) in renal disease and transplant contexts
• Natural history (how HCV progresses over time) when kidney disease is present
• Therapy (how best to treat HCV) in kidney disease and transplant settings
• Prevention (how to reduce new or ongoing infections) in relevant renal and transplant populations

4) Which patient populations or clinical settings are explicitly emphasized?

PA-07-015 emphasizes research relevant to people with chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, those with dialysis exposure, and individuals in kidney transplant settings, including the effects of post-transplant immunosuppression where HCV can pose distinct risks.

5) What funding mechanism is used for this opportunity?

The opportunity uses the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) mechanism, which is typically intended for hypothesis-driven, full-scale research projects that require substantial time and resources.

6) Is there a related funding opportunity for smaller or earlier-stage projects?

Yes. The announcement notes a companion funding opportunity with the same scientific scope that uses the R21 exploratory/developmental mechanism (PA-06-178). In practical terms, the R01 track is positioned for more mature, well-developed projects, while the R21 option is positioned for earlier-stage or higher-risk concepts that need initial proof-of-concept data.

7) Does the announcement set a fixed budget cap?

No. The notice does not set a fixed budget cap. Award size will vary depending on the proposed work and the budget requested.

8) Does the announcement specify a fixed number of awards?

No. The notice does not set a fixed number of awards. The total number of awards will depend on factors such as the number of applications received, scientific merit, overall quality, proposed timelines, and requested budgets.

9) How long can projects last under this opportunity?

The notice states that project duration will vary depending on the proposed work. It does not provide a single fixed project period in the summary information provided.

10) Are there multiple application due dates or a single deadline?

The opportunity uses multiple receipt dates rather than a single deadline. Applications could be submitted on several standard NIH due dates as specified in the full announcement during the period it was active.

11) When was PA-07-015 posted and when was it archived?

It was originally posted on November 20, 2006, and has an archive date of June 1, 2009.

12) Who can apply (general eligibility)?

Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of organizations, including public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), and for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other than small businesses).

13) What government entities are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities, including counties, cities/townships, special district governments, and independent school districts. Eligible federal government agencies may also apply.

14) Are tribal governments or tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. The announcement includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) among eligible applicants.

15) Are public housing authorities eligible?

Yes. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are listed as eligible applicants.

16) Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?

Yes. The announcement clarifies that foreign institutions are eligible to apply.

17) Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The announcement clarifies that faith-based or community-based organizations may apply.

18) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity, consistent with typical NIH research project grants.

19) Is this opportunity only for established investigators?

No. The announcement explicitly welcomes both established investigators and those newer to the field, with emphasis on projects that can move the evidence base forward in kidney disease and transplant-related HCV care.

20) Which NIH institute and divisions are associated with this opportunity?

The program is within NIH and is led by NIDDK. It is associated with NIDDK's Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases and its Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of HCV across kidney/transplant medicine and digestive/infectious disease biology.

21) Where were the full solicitation details provided?

The full solicitation and detailed requirements were provided through the NIH Grants Guide webpage associated with PA-07-015.

22) Who should be contacted for technical issues accessing the full announcement?

For technical issues accessing the full announcement, the contact listed is the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.