January 17, 2023
Announcements
 
Composite Fringe Benefits Rates-FY24
The Division of Finance and Administration has provided updated composite fringe benefit rates for FY 24. The new rates and planning rates can be found on the Employee Fringe Benefit Rate webpage on the Office of Research website. Effective immediately, these rates should be used in proposals and revised budgets, as applicable. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you should have any questions, please contact your Contract and Grant Officer.
 
Announcing the 2023 School of Medicine Faculty Development Series
The topics for the second annual School of Medicine Faculty Development Series, presented by Brian J. Cummings, PhD, Associate Dean for Faculty Development Senate, and Nimisha K. Parekh, MD, Associate Dean for Faculty Development Non-Senate, have been announced. This is a continuation of the very popular series of informational talks that feature subject matter experts tailored for each topic. These are held monthly on Mondays, from 5:15-6:15 p.m. See the entire calendar and register here for these virtual sessions. A few have been highlighted in the Events section below.
 
Compliance Tip: Control of Investigational Devices Policy
In order to promote our institution’s commitment to compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, UCI Health has developed a new Control of Investigational Devices Policy.  The policy establishes consistent controls of investigational device hardware used in clinical research with human research participants. UCI personnel who engage in the conduct of clinical research involving investigational device hardware must adhere to the procedures indicated in the policy. Thank you for all you do. Please contact the Compliance & Privacy Office at hacompliance@hs.uci.edu with any questions or concerns.
 
NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy Resources (New Policy is effective January 25, 2023)
NIH has released a new Data Management and Sharing Policy, effective Jan. 25, 2023, which requires the submission of a Data Management and Sharing Plan as part of all proposals for research that will generate scientific data. The NIH expects that the data generated will be shared broadly at the conclusion of the research. Researchers should plan now for the rollout of these requirements and develop Data Management and Sharing Plans that meet NIH expectations.

The following resources are available now for developing your plan:
  • The UCI School of Medicine Office of Research held an informational webinar on Tuesday, November 8th. View the recording and slides.
  • The NIH held a two-part webinar series. View the recordings and slide decks here.
  • Learn more about this new NIH policy here and in their recent posts here, here, and here. NIH also recently released sample DMS plans and information on how to budget for this new requirement.
  • UCI Libraries has a wealth of resources on their page including the DMPTool and is available for 1:1 consultations.
 
Call for Nominations: 2023 UCI School of Medicine Annual Research Awards
The research awards have six categories to recognize research excellence and outstanding academic achievement in the UCI School of Medicine. Each awardee will receive a monetary award and an individual plaque of recognition, and their names will be added to an enduring plaque on display in Irvine Hall.
Deadline: Award nominations are due by Friday, March 24, 2023, to Shauna Stark (starks@hs.uci.edu).
See here for more details.
 
Call for Nominations: 2023 UCI School of Medicine Faculty Mentoring Awards
There will be four awards to recognize excellence and innovation in mentoring at UCI School of Medicine — specifically in the domain of faculty mentoring other faculty (not students). Each awardee will receive $1,000 and a plaque. They will also be interviewed, along with their mentee, by an associate dean about their experience, insights and advice on faculty mentoring. These video interviews will be posted on the School of Medicine Academic Affairs website. Winners’ names will be added to enduring plaques displayed in Irvine Hall.
Deadline: Department chair and/or mentee nominations for each award category are due by Friday, March 24, 2023, to Associate Dean Brian Cummings, cummings@hs.uci.edu and Rushi Patel, ruship2@hs.uci.edu.
See here for more details.
 
School of Medicine Applications for Bridge Funding Due January 25
Please note that the next UCI Office of Research Deadline for Bridge Funding is Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Complete applications must include a signed letter of support by your department chair showing financial commitment. Applications are due to the SOM Office of Research via this form on or before Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
 
Applications for UCI NIH Boot Camp Now Open!
The application for the 2023 UCI NIH Boot Camp is now open. Eligibility: UCI Faculty and Career Researchers (e.g., Project Scientists). Career Researchers will need to include a Letter of Support from their PI and Department Chair as part of their application. Apply here via InfoReady.  Email the School of Medicine Research Development Unit (RDU) at somrd@hs.uci.edu if you have any questions.

Deadline: The application portal will close on Monday, January 30, 2023.

 
Have You Received a New Award?
Have you or someone on your research team received a new grant, i.e., research funding? The School of Medicine Office of Research would like to know! Please fill out this short form.
Funding Opportunities
 
For the full list of upcoming funding opportunity deadlines:
Visit the Funding Opportunities Calendar
Funding Opportunities Recently Added to Calendar
 
Call for Proposals: Agilent Early Career Professor Award
Agilent Technologies has opened the grant cycle for the 2023 Early Career Professor Award. UCI may submit one nomination for this $120,000/2 years award.  Funding is unrestricted and may also be used to purchase Agilent products at 50% discount, or an option to accelerate payments to facilitate procurement of equipment with list price over $120,000.

The purpose of the award is to: 1) Promote and encourage excellent research enabling technologies of importance to Agilent and the world and 2) Establish strong collaborative relationships with leading professors early in their career. The 2023 Focus is development of live cell analytical tools to identify and measure novel critical quality attributes to advance biomanufacturing applications.  

Eligibility: Must have tenure-track (Assistant Professor) faculty position and completed PhD/MD residency within 12 years of award.
Deadline: Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Submit application via InfoReady here.
 
California Climate Action Research Initiative
UC Research and Innovation is pleased to announce the release of the 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the California Climate Action Research Initiative. This funding opportunity is part of a historic partnership between the University and the state of California to combat climate change through investments in climate action research that will have swift and measurable impact. Approximately $80 million is available in this competition to fund projects that propose action-oriented solutions that address California’s climate goals and needs, ensure that local communities are prepared and resilient, and prevent future disasters. Frequently Asked Questions are linked here, and are updated weekly.

This competition offers grants in two distinct categories:
  • California Climate Action Seed Grants ($500,000 - $2 million/award)
  • California Climate Action Matching Grants ($2 million - $10 million/award)
Deadline Extended! Required Letter of Intent for both categories are due: Thursday, January 19 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
Read more and apply here.
 
Faculty Seed Grants in Cancer Research Funding Opportunity
The Cancer Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) is pleased to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2023-24 Faculty Seed Grants. The CRCC is a systemwide, faculty-directed cancer research program that provides one-year seed grants for topics in any discipline that address any aspect of cancer, including its origins, prevention and cure. CRCC funds support meritorious research spanning all areas from basic research to applied clinical and community-based research in any field relevant to cancer. Eligible PIs must be members of the Academic Senate at one of the ten UC campuses.  
Required Letters of Intent Due: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
Register to attend

​​​​​​View the RFP here.
 
Dependent Care Travel Award Funding
Academic Senate faculty members at UCI are invited to apply for winter 2023 Dependent Care Travel Awards (DCTA). The awards provide up to $1,000 to assist faculty parents with childcare beyond regular arrangements to enhance academic productivity. The winter 2023 call supports scholarly travel activities during the period of March 1, 2023-June 30, 2023. All qualifying Senate faculty members (parents of a child age six years or younger at the time of application) are invited to apply. These awards are designed to subsidize childcare costs associated with travel to a professional conference or research meeting; the awards may also be used for daycare costs incurred during an approved sabbatical leave that requires relocation.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Deadline: Tuesday, January 31 at 5:00 p.m.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Submit your application here.
 
UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge Pilot Projects
The UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (CFCCC) is pleased to release the Request for Proposals for our 2022 UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge Pilot Projects. This competition offers awards of $20,000 - $60,000 (total direct costs) across five distinct funding opportunities and along two tracks, with emphasis on projects capable of significant impact within 1-2 years.
Letters of Intent (optional) Due: Thursday, January 26, 2023 (5:00 pm PST)​​​​​​​
Applications Due: Monday, March 6, 2023 (5:00 pm PST)
​​​​​​​Read more about the different award types and apply here.
 
Confronting Extremism through Compelling Work for Community Needs - Request for Proposals
The call is hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence Confronting Extremism Program, and aims to integrate evidence-based practices more directly to support learning and actions for social equity that benefit all UCI members. Confronting Extremism grew from critical conversations in the aftermath of the violent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, to currently include nearly 50 research and evidence-based projects at UCI. Eligibility: Staff and faculty directors of student resource centers and Senate faculty. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of UCI faculty and staff, with selected projects funded for a 12-month period at approximately $20,000 each. For questions regarding the submission process, please contact Assistant Vice Chancellor Marguerite Bonous-Hammarth at mbonoush@uci.edu.
Deadline: Tuesday, February 14, 5 p.m.
View more information here. Apply here.
 
UC-HBCU Initiative Request for Proposals
The request for proposals and application materials are now available for the University of California-Historically Black Colleges and Universities (UC-HBCU) Initiative. UC places a priority on enrolling scholars from historically underrepresented populations. The UC-HBCU Initiative seeks to increase the number of scholars from HBCUs enrolling in and attending UC graduate programs. The initiative also supports faculty and departmental efforts and cross-institutional collaborations between UC campuses and HBCUs.

The program currently provides three funding opportunities: Summer Research Internship Support Grants, Summer Research and Graduate Admission Pathways Grants, and Small Research Grants.

For 2023-24, UCI can offer up to $50,000 to fund a UC-HBCU Internship Support Grant not funded by UCOP. Associate Vice Provost Sharon Block (sblock@uci.edu) can assist with grant draft review and arranging a letter of support from OIE.
Informational Webinar: Tuesday, January 31, 3-4pm.
Register to attend
Applications Due: Wednesday, March 15, 2023 (12 p.m. PT)
Read more here.
Two Month Reminder: Upcoming Deadlines
 
Upcoming Seminars & Events
 
Register for the last UCI NIH Boot Camp Informational Session!
The Research Development Unit will be hosting virtual UCI NIH Boot Camp informational sessions. Attend the last one to learn more about this program and how to apply for the upcoming 2023 UCI NIH Boot Camp!

Wednesday, January 25, 3 to 4 p.m.
Register to attend
 
CHOC Research Education: Best Practices for Collecting High-Quality Data
Speaker: Rachel Carmen Ceasar, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences, USC's Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Dr. Rachel Ceasar is a qualitative research consultant with the Biostatistics Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) team at The USC SC CTSI. In this role, Rachel supports faculty and junior investigators with studies and grants involving qualitative research, including focus groups, one-on-one interviews, quality-of-life work, and mixed methods. Dr. Ceasar also has experience with IRB applications, conducting interviews, and coding.

Wednesday, January 18, 12 to 1:15 p.m.
Register to attend
 
Department of Biological Chemistry Seminar Series
A new mechanism of replication protein quality control by Roger A. Greenberg, MD, PhD, Professor of Cancer Biology, Director, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Director of Basic Science, Basser Center for BRCA, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Wednesday, January 18, 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Plumwood House/Showa Denko Lecture Hall
 
Register Now! UCI 2023 Annual Skin Symposium
Featured Speakers: Angela Christiano, PhD, Columbia University; Xing Dai, PhD, UCI; Rachael Clark, MD, PhD, Dana Farber Harvard University; Christopher Glass, MD, PhD, UCSD; Dennis Roop, PhD, University of Colorado; Katie Cockburn, PhD, McGill University; Michael Longaker, MD, Stanford University; Aayushi Uberoi, PhD, University of Pennsylvania.
This will be a full-day event, food will be provided.


Friday, January 20, 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Location: Gross Hall, 4th floor Thorp Conference Center
Register to attend
 
Rescheduled! School of Medicine Informational Webinar: NIH P & U Mechanism Panel
Rescheduled: The School of Medicine Office of Research will be hosting a virtual NIH P & U Mechanism Panel, moderated by Dr. Albert La Spada. There will be a brief overview of these mechanisms prior to the panel discussion.
Expert Panelists: Elizabeth Head, PhD, Department of Pathology; Daniele Piomelli, PhD, Department of Anatomy & Physiology; Vladimir Kefalov, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology; and Leslie Thompson, PhD, Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior

Monday, January 23, 12 to1 p.m.
Register to attend
 
Faculty Development Series: Merits and Promotions for HS Clinical Faculty
Merits and Promotions for HS Clinical Faculty by Nimisha K. Parekh, MD

Monday, January 23, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Register to attend
 
2023 Community Lecture Series: Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid Eye Disease: Eye problems related to thyroid eye disease: bulgy eyes, double vision and dry eye.
Register for a UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute virtual lecture on thyroid eye disease. Make plans to join us for our free seminars where you will learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of eye-related conditions.

Our goal is to further educate the public on eye health and related topics to help improve our community’s overall health and well-being. All seminars are one hour and begin at 7:00 p.m.

Speakers: Lilangi S. Ediriwickrema, MD, Olivia L. Lee, MD, Vivek Patel, MD, UCI School of Medicine

January 24, 7:00 p.m. Website for more info here. Virtual via Zoom
Register to attend
 
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Seminar Series 2023-2024
The unexpected burn kindled by antibiotic treatment by Joshua Woodward, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Washington, Seattle


Wednesday, January 25, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Irvine Hall, Nelson Auditorium
 
UCI Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS)
Neuroimmune interactions in chronic pain: From clinical to clinically-informed basic science by Vivianne L. Tawfik, MD, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of the Fellowship in Anesthesia Research & Medicine (FARM) program, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine

Co-Sponsored by: Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care

Friday, January 27, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Hybrid event: Nelson Auditorium or Zoom
Register to attend
 
Anatomy & Neurobiology Seminar Series
Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal CD8 T Cells as the Driver of Brain Aging by Ozgun Gokce, PhD, Medical Faculty, Independent Research Group Leader, University of Bonn, Ludwig Maximilians-University of Munich


Monday, January 30, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Gillespie 1st Floor Conference Room 1133
 
Missing Data & Multiple Imputation in Stata
This talk will introduce different kinds of mechanisms that lead to missing data such as missing at random (MAR), missing completely at random (MCAR), and missing not at random (MNAR). It will also cover the use of two missing data techniques. First, Dr. Huber will demonstrate how to use Stata's -mi- commands to impute missing data and fit models using the imputed datasets. Second, he will demonstrate Stata's ability to implement FIML (Full information Maximum Likelihood) using the -sem- command.
Speaker: Chuck Huber, PhD, Director of Statistical Outreach at StataCorp and Adjunct Associate Professor of Biostatistics at the Texas A&M School of Public Health

Monday, January 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Register to attend
 
Crash Course in NIH Funding: 2023 NIH Grants Conference
NIH invites you to explore the 2023 NIH Grants Conference, offering 2-days of sessions designed to clarify the NIH grants process and policies, as well as provide the latest news and information. Twenty-five sessions offer attendees an array of options on various topics, and the opportunity to engage with presenters through Q&A and chat features. Once registered and logged into the conference site, you are free to explore the 2-day agenda, on-demand library of related resources, and create your personal schedule!

Wednesday, February 1, & Thursday, February 2, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Register to attend
See the agenda here: https://grants.nih.gov/learning-center/conference/2-day/agenda-at-a-glance
See here for 3 Ways to Prepare for the 2023 NIH Grants Conference.
 
Faculty Development Series: Merits and Promotions for Senate Faculty
Merits and Promotions for Senate Faculty by Kyoko Yokomori, PhD, and Brian J. Cummings, PhD

Join Kyoko Yokomori, PhD, Senate and Brian J. Cummings, PhD, Senate as they provide information on merits and promotions for senate faculty. Topics will include the review process, evaluation cycle, file submission deadlines and much more.

Monday, February 13, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Register to attend
 
CHOC Research Education: Study Design
Speaker: Connie Rhee, MD, MSc, is a physician–scientist devoted to the study of endocrine derangements in kidney disease and novel treatment approaches in advanced chronic kidney disease patients. She is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Medicine and Public Health at UCI, and she also serves as the Vice-Chair of Clinical Research in the Department of Medicine, as well as the Division of Nephrology’s Director of Clinical and Translational Research; Director of Dialysis Quality Improvement and Associate Director of Outpatient Hemodialysis; Associate Director of Urgent/Emergent Dialysis; and Acting Associate Chief.

As a clinical investigator, Dr. Rhee conducts prospective and retrospective research studies and clinical trials centered upon patients with kidney disease. She is currently the Principal Investigator of two U.S. National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases R01 awards; she has also been supported by multiple NIH, National Kidney Foundation, and American Thyroid Association grants through the years. Dr. Rhee has published over 230 manuscripts to date.

Wednesday, February 22, 12 p.m
Register to attend
 
Grand Rounds and CME Symposia
For Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities, view the weekly Grand Rounds and CME Symposia email.
Research Resources
 
Are you considering applying for a Limited Funding Opportunities?
In most cases, interested applicants submit a pre-proposal to the Office of Research where a committee reviews all submissions and makes a recommendation to the Vice Chancellor for Research about which proposal should go forward from UCI. Limited opportunities are advertised on fundopp.uci.edu with a link to apply. However, if you do not see a limited opportunity listed, please contact the Research Development Unit (somrd@hs.uci.edu).  We can relay your application plans to the UCI Office of Research so they are aware of the number of interested PIs/units on campus and, if necessary, coordinate PIs or create a review process.
 
Your Questions on Human Subjects Research, Answered
If you’re conducting research with human subjects, you might have questions about HHS regulations and NIH policies and how you can prepare proposals and inclusion plans. HHS and NIH experts address many of these questions, along with resources, guidance, and case studies in a 2-part webinar series focused on Human Subjects Research Policies, Clinical Trials, and Inclusion. Read more here.
 
Revisit Funding Opportunity Announcements Within 30 Days of the Due Date
Many NIH funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) have multiple due dates each year for up to three years. A lot can change over three years, so revisit your FOA within 30 days of your due date (pay extra attention to the Related Notices section) and you can ensure you are aware of the latest requirements before finalizing and submitting your application. Read more here.
 
What is Research Development?
Research Development encompasses strategic, proactive, and capacity-building activities designed to support individual faculty and teams of faculty in obtaining extramural research funding and also increase institutional competitiveness. The UCI School of Medicine Research Development Unit (RDU) meets individual faculty to provide information regarding research resources and assistance with grant proposals. Click here to make an appointment.
 
Intramural & Foundation Funding Opportunities Lists
The Research Development Unit (RDU) has created lists of intramural funding opportunities and foundation funding opportunities. If you have additional opportunities that should be included, please do not hesitate to email at somrd@hs.uci.edu.
COVID-19 Information
 
Mask Mandate Updated: Masking Recommended But No Longer Required in Indoor, Non-Healthcare Settings
Per the August 19 message from David Souleles, director of the Campus Public Health Response Team, the executive directive on mandatory face coverings has been rescinded effective August 20.
Face coverings are recommended indoors but are not required. Individuals should feel free to continue to wear face coverings, and this protection may be required in some research settings.

The update is consistent with the California Department of Public Health’s recommendations on masking and face coverings.

Please note that masking is still required in all healthcare settings. Face coverings may also be required consistent with public health guidance for a limited duration for those who were COVID-19 positive and returning from isolation, and for those recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. Face coverings are available on campus for all employees and students.

For the latest COVID-19 information, please visit the UCI Forward Website.
 
Phase 4 Research
We remain in Phase 4 for research activities per the announcement from the UCI Office of Research. Please refer to the full description of Phase 4, which can be found here. If you have questions about how this affects your research, you may contact Emily Dawidoff at edawidof@hs.uci.edu.
 
COVID-19 Resources
UCI Forward
Report a Campus Case
UCI HR Working Well
Contribute to Research Insider!
 
Submit your funding opportunities and events to next week's email here: Seminar/Event or Funding Opportunity.

For a complete list of submitted events and funding opportunities, please see the SOM Office of Research Events Calendar and Funding Opportunities Calendar.
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