Translational Tools for Clinical Studies of CAM Interventions (R01) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this NIH NCCAM R01 funding opportunity?

This funding opportunity supports research teams developing, refining, and validating practical "translational tools" that make clinical studies of widely used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches more rigorous and reliable. The emphasis is on improving the methods and infrastructure needed for stronger future clinical research rather than simply conducting another clinical trial.

What does NIH mean here by "translational tools"?

Within this announcement, "translational tools" refers to research methods, measures, protocols, and related research infrastructure that help clinical researchers study CAM interventions with better scientific standards. The goal is to enable future studies to more credibly answer questions about safety, efficacy, and real-world clinical effectiveness.

Is this opportunity mainly for running clinical trials?

No. The central idea is tool development and validation to strengthen the quality and credibility of future clinical research on covered CAM approaches, rather than proposing a standard clinical efficacy trial as the main objective.

Which CAM intervention categories are included in the scope?

The FOA is centered on improving research methodology for mind-body interventions (for example, meditation), manual therapies (such as massage or manipulative approaches), and yoga therapy.

Are acupuncture or natural product studies allowed under this FOA?

The notice references other commonly used CAM approaches (including acupuncture and natural products) in describing broader CAM use, but the scope for this FOA is intentionally narrowed. It explicitly disallows studies of other CAM interventions such as natural products and dietary supplements.

Are dietary supplements, botanicals, vitamins, or minerals allowed as the focus of tool development?

No. Applicants could not propose tool development aimed at evaluating natural products and dietary supplements, including botanicals, vitamins, minerals, or related supplement products, under this specific announcement.

What kinds of research activities are expected to be supported?

Projects are expected to focus on developing, refining, and validating tools that strengthen clinical research methodology for the included CAM categories. Examples of tool areas described include methods, measures, protocols, and research infrastructure that improve the rigor and reliability of clinical studies.

What is the motivation behind this program?

The program is motivated by national survey data, notably the National Health Interview Survey, showing that large numbers of Americans use CAM for health promotion, symptom relief, and treatment or prevention of disease. Chronic pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal pain are among the most common reasons people seek these approaches.

What funding mechanism is used for this opportunity?

Funding is provided through the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) mechanism, which is typically used for substantial, investigator-initiated research projects.

How much funding did NCCAM plan to commit, and how many awards were expected?

NCCAM indicated an intention to commit up to about $6 million per year in total costs and to make roughly 8 awards, with the final number and dollar amounts depending on application quality, proposed budgets, and project periods.

Is there an award ceiling mentioned for this opportunity?

Yes. The listing notes an award ceiling of $300,000.

Are awards guaranteed once an application is submitted?

No. The announcement clarifies that awards depend on available funds and on receiving enough highly meritorious applications to justify making the planned number of grants.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) organizations); for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other than small businesses); and many government entities (state, county, city/township, special district governments, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, and school districts).

Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. The opportunity highlights eligibility for tribal governments and tribal organizations.

Are mission-specific and historically underrepresented institutions eligible?

Yes. The announcement highlights eligibility for institutions such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and tribally controlled colleges and universities.

Are faith-based and community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based and community-based organizations are included among eligible applicants.

Are U.S. territories or possessions and regional organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list includes U.S. territories or possessions and regional organizations.

Are eligible federal agencies allowed to apply?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies are listed among eligible applicants.

Are non-U.S. (foreign) entities eligible to apply?

Yes. The opportunity indicates that non-U.S. (foreign) entities are eligible.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-AT-10-001.

When was this opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?

The opportunity was posted on November 17, 2009. The closing date was March 23, 2010, and the archive date was April 23, 2010.

What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA program associated with it is 93.213, Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health.

Where was the full announcement made available?

The full announcement was made available through the NIH grants guide.

Who was listed as the contact for access or linking issues?

The NIH Office of Extramural Research webmaster contact was provided for access or linking issues.