Last month, we published the NIAID Research Agenda for 2024 H5N1 Influenza. 

NIAID has no notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) or notice of special interest (NOSI) specifically targeting Influenza A/H5N1. Still, you as an interested researcher could prepare and submit an investigator-initiated application in response to a Parent NOFO. We provide advice on how to align your application’s Research Strategy with NIAID’s programmatic priorities in the absence of a solicited initiative at Unsolicited, Investigator-Initiated Research and Draft Specific Aims. For example, you should choose a parent NOFO with the activity code (e.g., R01, R03, or R21) most appropriate to the scope of your planned project.

Note, as well, that NIAID is responding to public health concerns around Influenza A/H5N1 by mobilizing our intramural and extramural-supported research infrastructure, e.g., the Centers for Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) network and the Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers (CIVICs). Central to the NIAID Mission is that we maintain Programs and Networks with capacity to respond appropriately to emerging and re-emerging disease threats.

Temporary Exemption of H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Select Agents Regulations

Effective June 6, 2024, and for a period of 3 years, H5 avian influenza virus is temporarily exempt from the requirements of the regulations listed in 9 C.F.R. Part 121, as announced in Select Agents and Toxins Exemption: H5 Avian Influenza Virus. 

This decision will allow more laboratories to conduct research and develop solutions to address the disease while still protecting animal health and animal products. For the duration of the exemption, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will issue permits for importation and interstate transportation of all H5 avian influenza viruses.

NIH Sets Expectations for Upholding the NIH-Lacks Family Agreement

NIH-supported investigators and institutions who generate HeLa cell whole genome sequence data (DNA or RNA), take note: You must include provisions in your Data Management and Sharing Plan for data to be submitted to the NIH database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) as a part of the HeLa Cell Genome Sequencing Studies. 

Investigators and institutions seeking access to HeLa cell data in dbGaP must submit a data access request to NIH and be approved to access those data.

NIH expects investigators who generate HeLa cell data or access such data to acknowledge Mrs. Henrietta Lacks and her family in any publications, presentations, or other public reporting of research. 

Refer to the May 24, 2024 Guide notice for complete details.

Answer Request for Information on All of Us Research Program Data

Through Request for Information (RFI) on Future Data Linkages Within the Center for Linkage and Acquisition of Data for the All of Us Research Program, NIH seeks feedback on potential data linkages that could add value to the All of Us Research Program’s data resource. For example, what new research might be enabled with the addition of economic factors and indicators (e.g., Distressed Communities Index) to the All of Us Researcher Workbench?

Find further instruction in the RFI linked above. Submit your response no later than June 28, 2024, by emailing AOUCLADRFI@od.nih.gov.