We hope that these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will facilitate the application process. If you have any additional questions please contact the HIRN Coordinating Center directly via email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: January 9, 2018
Updated FAQ’s indicated with an asterisk (*)

1. How do I learn more about the New Investigator Pilot Award?
The Funding Proposal, Application User Guide and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available directly on the HIRN website at: https://hirnetwork.org/newinvestigator2018 . Specific questions can be submitted to the HIRN Coordinating Center (CC) via email at: hirncc@coh.org .

2. Can I submit a final application if I did not submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)?
Yes, the LOI is non-binding therefore applicants who did not submit an LOI can still submit a final application. Additionally, applicants that submitted a LOI are not required to submit a final application.

3. Will I receive a response regarding my eligibility after submitting the LOI?
No, the LOIs will be reviewed by the NIH NIDDK HIRN Program Officers however you will not receive a response regarding eligibility based on the LOIs. Eligibility status will be reviewed in detail upon submission of a final application.

4. Is there a limit to the number of applications one individual can submit?
No, there is not a limit as to the number of applications one individual can submit, provided each application is scientifically distinct. We encourage each application to be a complete robust submission as they will be evaluated individually.

5. How do I submit the final application?
The HIRN Coordinating Center (CC) is utilizing an online vendor-based system for the direct entry of the New Investigator Pilot Award Final Application. The final application is accessible at: https://hirn.fluidreview.com/. Please refer to the User Guide for additional information on how to use the system. New Inv. Award. Application User Guide (2359 downloads )

6. What is the maximum amount awarded?
The funding limit is $150,000 direct cost.

7. What is the maximum length of time?
The project period can be up to 2-years (24 months).

8. What is the PI research effort commitment?
A 2-months effort per project year is required. Therefore, if the proposed project prior is 1-year then 2-month effort commitment will be required and if the proposed project period is 2-years then a total 4-month effort commitment.

9. How should the budget be submitted?
Applicants should complete the Public Health Service (PHS) 398 Budget (form page 4) and upload this document into the “Budget” Form of the Final Application. Additionally, a Budget Justification document should be prepared and uploaded into the “Budget Justification” Form of the Final Application. The role/effort of each collaborator should be included in the Budget Justification. Please refer to the following websites for additional information: PHS 398 Forms and NIH Guide to Develop a Budget.

*10. If the project is multi-year should multiple budgets be submitted?
Yes, please submit one budget per proposed budget year <u>and</u> an overall budget covering the entire proposed project duration.

11. What are acceptable items for the budget?
The following are examples of allowable budget costs: PI effort, laboratory staffing, reagents, specimens and/or supplies and travel (see FAQ #12). Some equipment costs are allowable – these must be well justified and any equipment request exceeding $25,000 should be supported with a 50:50 cost sharing with the PI’s institution.

If you have any questions regarding allowable expenses please contact the HIRN CC via email in advance of submission of the final application. For detailed information please refer to the NIH Grant Policy on Allowable Costs .

12. Should travel be included in the budget?
Yes, applicants should set aside $2,000 to attend the HIRN Annual Investigator Retreat each year of the proposed project period. Therefore, if the proposed project prior is 1-year then $2,000 should be allocated for travel, however, if the proposed project period is 2-years then $4,000 should be allocated for travel.

*13. Are there salary limits?
Yes, please use the NIH Salary Cap for this Application.

14. Can Letters of Support from individuals currently associated with HIRN be included in the Final Application?
Yes, you may include up to three (3) letters of support from individuals currently associated with HIRN in the “Appendix” Form of the Final Application. Please do not submit more than three.

15. Can Letters from Collaborators be included in the Final Application?
Yes, letters from collaborators should be uploaded in the “Appendix” Form of the Final Application. There is no limit on letters from collaborators.

16. When is the Final Application Due?
The application must be submitted online by 11:59 pm Pacific on Monday, January 15th 2018. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

17. When will applicants be notified?
Applicants will be notified via email in the Spring 2018 (exact date TBD).

18. When will the subaward be issued?
After the scientific review has commenced award recipients will be notified via email. The HIRN CC will work with the institution of the investigator to issue a subaward. The subaward should be executed on or before June 1, 2018 for the project to commence.

*19. Can subawards be issued?
Yes, the recipient can issue a subaward however the F&A indirect costs for the subaward will be deducted from the recipients main award.

*20. Should information on Resources, Equipment and Vertebrate Animals be included?
Space permitting you can include this information in the 5-page research plan. The HIRN CC will work with the selected investigators & their institutions to obtain this detailed information during the subaward process.

*21. Can videos be included in the application?
Yes, you can include the URL to a video (i.e. YouTube link) in either the research plan and/or as an appendix. We cannot guarantee that it will be viewed in the review process therefore it is recommended that you include a supporting narrative in the research plan.

22. Will there be future HIRN New Investigator Funding Initiatives?
At this time, HIRN is not sponsoring any other funding initiatives. Please check back to the HIRN website periodically for updates about any new or upcoming opportunities.

23. Will there be future HIRN funding opportunity for existing investigators?
At this time, HIRN is not sponsoring any other funding initiatives. Please check back to the HIRN website periodically for updates about any new or upcoming opportunities.