Urology Centers Program Interactions Core (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The George M. O'Brien Urology Research Centers (U54) and the Fostering Research With Additional Resources and Development (FORWARD) Centers (P20) are initiatives by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) aimed at advancing research in benign urologic diseases and disorders.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks applications for a Urology Centers Program Interactions Core (U24), which will facilitate collaborations among these centers, career development programs, and the broader urology research community to enhance interdisciplinary research efforts.

Grant Details
The Urology Centers Program Interactions Core (U24) will focus on promoting collaborations between the U54 and P20 Centers, NIDDK-sponsored trainees, and external scientific organizations.

Key tasks include:
1) Promoting collaborations through outreach strategies;
2) Providing scientific and administrative support for annual CAIRIBU meetings;
3) Facilitating educational enrichment programs;
4) Administering regular webinars/teleconferences;
5) Developing a central CAIRIBU website;
6) Managing a centralized Opportunity Pool Program to address scientific gaps;
7) Engaging patients and stakeholders in program development.

The core will also oversee Travel Award and Professional Development Award Programs to support early-stage investigators.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, state governments, tribal governments, federal agencies, and other organizations.

Institutions that are historically underrepresented in NIH funding are encouraged to apply. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is five years. Specific timelines will be determined based on the scope of the proposed project.

Grant Value
The NIDDK intends to commit $6,500,000 in total costs for Fiscal Year 2025 to support this initiative.

Applicants may request up to $500,000 in direct costs per year for core activities plus an additional $500,000 per year for centralized programs.

Place of Performance
The grant activities are expected to be performed at various locations associated with the Urology Centers Programs across the United States.