New Opportunity to Explore Sex Differences in Radiation Research

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Have you observed radiation-associated sex differences in your early-stage research to advance animal models, medical countermeasure (MCM) development, safety, or biomarker science? Consider applying to the new NIAID notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) Sex Differences in Radiation Research: Models, Underlying Pathways, Biomarkers of Injury, and Medical Countermeasure Responses (U01, Clinical Trial Not Allowed).

The NOFO was informed by both a request for information and an inter-agency meeting, “Sex Differences in Radiation Research Workshop,” that explored the following topics:

  • Sex Differences and Model Considerations
  • Radiation Research for MCMs—Influence of Sex on Efficacy
  • Sex Differences in Biomarker and Biodosimetry Development
  • Etiology of Sex Differences in Radiation Research Outcomes
  • Real-life Impacts of Sex Differences

You can help elucidate sex difference trends by proposing research studies on topics like:

  • Mechanistic pathways leading to biological differences between females and males in radiation studies
  • Sex differences in acute and delayed effects of radiation exposures
  • The influence of sex on severity of radiation injury, management, and outcomes
    • Sex-related effects of MCM efficacy when administered at least 24 hours post-irradiation
    • Sex-related differences in biodosimetry/biomarkers of radiation injury
  • The impact of reproductive status, reproductive maturity, pheromones, and hormones on radiation injury

The NOFO itself provides longer descriptions and further examples of relevant research topics.

Keep in mind, if you include the following areas of study, we will consider your application nonresponsive and not review it:  

  • MCMs administered prophylactically (pre-irradiation) or less than 24 hours after exposure 
  • Proposed research in radiation dose ranges or exposure parameters that are not relevant to a radiation accident or attacks
  • Role of sex-related influence on carcinogenesis
  • Studies focused on HIV/AIDS-related research
  • Clinical trials (all phases)

Additionally, your application must include preliminary data and milestones. In particular, we expect the research plan to list detailed, explicit, and quantitative annual milestones. NIAID program staff will use them to assess annual progress and support funding decisions.

Award Information

Application budgets are not expected to exceed $350,000 in annual direct costs and should reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.

The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is 3 years.

NIAID intends to fund six to eight awards. NIH’s Office of Research on Women’s Health is also supporting the NOFO.

This NOFO has a single receipt date; applications are due on September 6, 2023.

Have Questions?

Direct inquiries to Dr. Lanyn Taliaferro, NIAID’s scientific/research contact, at lanyn.taliaferro@nih.gov or 240-669-5479. Send questions about peer review to Dr. Maryam Rohani at maryam.rohani@nih.gov or 301-761-6656.

Contact Us

Email us at deaweb@niaid.nih.gov for help navigating NIAID’s grant and contract policies and procedures.

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