NSM Faculty/Staff Newsletter

From the Office of the Dean

January 2025

Did You Know?

Faculty/Staff: Submit Your Honors/Achievements

Did you recently receive an award, publish a paper? Present at a conference or complete a certification or degree? Let us know by completing the NSM Honors/Achievements Form. The information will be used in the Recognition & Honors section of the Faculty/Staff Newsletter.

Office of Research Update

Recent Awards

Congratulations to the following faculty members for their recent awards:

  • William Sager (Earth & Atmospheric Sciences) was awarded $491,772 from the National Academy of Sciences: Training for Marine Survey Careers to Support Coastal Energy and Infrastructure Development
  • Yu Liu (Biology & Biochemistry) was awarded $431,750 from U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition: The Role of H19X Non-Coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type I

* The awards listed above are extracted from the awards report generated through PeopleSoft Grants system. This report includes only the awards that are fully set up with cost centers available for expenditures. Any incoming awards pending in the system will not be reported until the set up is complete.

General Reminders

Looking for new funding opportunities? Check out the NSM Office of Research’s Funding Opportunities webpage. Here you will find a list of funding opportunities curated to the interests of NSM faculty. The list is updated monthly, so check back often.

Don’t unnecessarily delay your award! The most common cause for delays in issuing a notice of award (NOA) is failing to submit just-in-time (JIT) information, such as revised budgets and current/pending support information. The biggest obstacle to award set up is congruency review—an internal review done by DOR that ensures all compliance approvals are complete (animal use, human subjects, biohazards, radiation safety). To minimize delays in getting your award, please let us know if you receive a favorable review. This typically comes in the form of a high impact score on a summary statement or a letter from the sponsor suggesting interest in the proposal. We will complete any pending JIT requests and ask DOR to begin the congruency review.

Preparing your next proposal? Please review our proposal submission timetable. We routinely have multiple grants due at or near the same time, so it is imperative that everything is in order well ahead of the deadline. This also gives us time to properly check for errors. Let us know when you have plan(s) for submission by filling out our Pre-submission Questionnaire online.

Let us create your budgets! Many of you like to fill in the UH budget worksheet yourself, but we end up transferring that information to the most current version and looking up everyone’s salary and benefits information anyway. It is simpler to just send us an outline of what you would like in the budget, and let us create it for you. A great way to do this is to make a draft of your budget justification. We can use that to create the budget.

Please check out the NSM Office of Research website for useful links and information.

– The NSM Research Team

What’s New?

Preparing for 2025 NIH Application and Review Changes - Tips and Resources

NIH just issued a reminder that multiple changes affecting extramural applications and review are coming for application due dates on or after January 25, 2025. As you prepare applications for the January due dates and beyond, reference these updates, tips, and resources.

Hanover is also offering a webinar later this month on this topic. See the Hanover section below for more details on the webinar.

NIH: Create an ORCID Account and Link it to Your eRA Commons ID

Open Researcher and Contributor Identification (ORCID) provides each researcher with a unique persistent digital identifier that connects researchers with their professional accomplishments over time, regardless of changes to their name, location, title, or institution.

Beginning May 25, 2025, NIH will require adoption of the Biographical Sketch Common Forms and the Current and Pending (Other) Support Forms for all applications and Research Performance Progress Reports. As part of this effort, investigators will be required to use Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) to complete Common Forms and the NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement to produce digitally certified PDFs for their application submission. SciENcv requires investigators to enter their (ORCID) ID number when preparing the Common Forms. Researchers will also need to link their ORCID ID to their eRA Commons Profile.

Instructions for linking your ORCID ID to your eRA Commons profile can be found here.

Proposal Pre-Submission Questionnaire

To revamp the proposal submission process and make information gathering more efficient for proposal preparation, NSM Office of Research has rolled out an improved Proposal Pre-submission Questionnaire on SmartSheet as our primary proposal in-take form. We encourage you to use it for your future proposal submissions. Let us know your plans as soon as you can.

Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) Acknowledgement Form Now Online for NSM Faculty

The Chips & Science Act of 2022 prohibits participation in any foreign talent recruitment program by personnel of Federal research agencies and prohibits participation in a malign foreign talent recruitment program by covered individuals involved with research and development awards from those agencies.

To comply with the Chips & Science Act, UH has implemented System Administrative Memorandum (SAM) 01.G.04 - Participation in Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs, which can be found through here.

When submitting proposals to Federal agencies, applicants are required to document investigators’ participation in any and all foreign talent recruitment programs. If the Federal agency requires use of the “common forms” generated by SciENcv for the Biosketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support, then this acknowledgement is recorded when the forms are generated. If the common forms are not used, a separate acknowledgement is required.

NSM Office of Research has taken this MFTRP Acknowledgement Form online for easier access and better record keeping. Please be sure to complete one when prompted by our office.

Grant Notice 24-01 NASA Policy Update

NASA Grants Policy and Compliance has published Grant Notice 24-01 informing NASA grant and cooperative agreement recipients and applicants about changes to NASA’s grant policies released on October 1, 2024, which implement revisions to 2 CFR and National Security Presidential Memorandum-33.

The Grant Notice, published on the Grants Policy and Compliance website, outlines what proposers and grant recipients can expect as NASA prepares to release updated grant guidance in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual.

While changes to policy are effective for grants being awarded on or after October 1, 2024, GPC recognizes that upcoming requirements around biosketch and current and pending (other) support (CPS) disclosures could change for proposers while there is an open Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). As such, if a proposal is submitted that does not comply with the changes, and has been selected for funding, the NASA Shared Services Center will request and collect the new required forms and certifications from entities post-application and pre-award. Please see further guidance below:

NOFO Release Award Date Biosketch CPS Reporting Requirement/New Certs and Reps Submission Method
Prior to October 1, 2024 Prior to October 1, 2024 No new requirements N/A
Prior to October 1, 2024 On or After October 1, 2024 New requirements apply Via Email to NSSC Grant Officer, as Requested
On or After October 1, 2024 On or After October 1, 2024 New requirements apply Submission in NSPIRES

For questions on the Grant Notice, please contact HQ Grants Policy and Compliance at hq-dl-grants-policy-compliance@nasa.gov.

Recent and Upcoming Changes in NIH Applications and Reports

  • Automated Email Seeking Just-in-Time Information Retired October 1, 2024: An automated email from eRA for Just-in-Time information, sent for applications with an overall impact score of 30 or less, was retired on October 1, 2024 (NOT-OD-24-165). Official notification of the need for JIT material(s) will continue to be sent directly by NIH staff from the awarding Institute/Center to those who are required to provide the material(s). The JIT link to submit the materials, when requested, will also continue to be available in eRA Commons until the application is awarded.
  • Report DMS Plan Activities in RPPR: NIH will require the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) to address NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan activities including updates on data sharing, repositories, and unique identifiers for data that have been shared (NOT-OD-24-123). The updated NIH RPPR Instructions Guide will be posted to the RPPR page, and NIH plans to implement the new DMS reporting questions for RPPRs submitted on or after October 1, 2024.
  • Guidance for Videos Submitted as NIH Application Materials: NIH will no longer accept video files in CD/DVD/USB formats. Only digital video files submitted via email will be accepted. The files must be submitted by institutional AOR no later than 30 days prior to peer review. Multiple videos may be submitted per application, but their aggregate length (at normal speed) must not exceed two minutes for single-project applications and five minutes for multi-component applications. The maximum file size for all videos combined is 35 MB (NOT-OD-24-067).
  • Marking Changes in Resubmission Applications: Markups should not be used to identify changes in Resubmission applications. Changes made to a Resubmission application should only be outlined in the Introduction attachment (NOT-OD-24-061).
  • Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support: Effective for all applications and RPPRs submitted on or after May 25, 2025, Applicants/Recipients must use the Common Forms for both Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support. Applicants/Recipients will be required to use Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) for completing and certifying the Common Forms. Additionally, NIH will require all Senior/Key Personnel to enter the ORCID ID into SciENcv in the Persistent Identifier (PID) section of the Common Forms and all Senior/Key Personnel to link their ORCID ID to their eRA Commons Personal Profile (NOT-24-163).

Reminder: Until the Common Forms are fully adopted by May 25, 2025, NIH requires applicants and recipients to use the current NIH Biosketch and Other Support formats for applications, Just-in-Time (JIT) Reports, and Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs).

Recorded Webinar: NIH Grants Process Primer: Application to Award - Part One

Understanding NIH’s overall structure and the foundation of the agency’s grants process is vital to successfully applying for NIH funding. To help you on this journey, the NIH developed a two-part webinar designed to help inform and clarify important elements from application preparation to award.

CPRIT Grant Policies & Procedures Guide

Beginning with applications submitted in cycle 25.1, the maximum salary amount supported by CPRIT grant funds for an individual with 100% level of effort on a grant award is $225,000.

The current version of the Grantee Policies & Procedures Guide is dated June 2024.

Simplified Review Framework for NIH Research Project Grant Applications

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is simplifying the peer review process for most Research Project Grant applications, effective for due dates on or after January 25, 2025. These changes are designed to enable reviewers to better focus on answering the key questions necessary to assess scientific and technical merit, mitigate reputational bias, and reduce reviewer burden.

The major changes are as follows:

  1. The current 5 review criteria will be reorganized into just 3 criteria, with only 2 of them scored:
    • Factor 1. Importance of the research (significance and innovation) - scored 1–9
    • Factor 2. Rigor and feasibility (approach) - scored 1–9
    • Factor 3. Expertise and resources (investigators, environment) - not scored
  2. Reduce reputational bias by asking reviewers to assess the adequacy of investigator experience and institutional resources with respect to the work proposed as a binary choice: (1) adequate/appropriate or (2) additional expertise/resources needed.
  3. “Additional considerations” will no longer be required of peer reviewers. Considerations not directly related to scientific merit will shift to NIH staff for review.

Additional resources/information about the upcoming changes are listed below:

Information that Must be Disclosed in the NSF Current and Pending (Other) Support Document

In recent years, all federal agencies have increased their requirements for what must be disclosed when reporting current and pending support. Here is a list of items that must be included for NSF:

  1. All projects currently under consideration (including the current proposal) from whatever source, and all ongoing projects, irrespective of whether support is provided through the proposing organization, another organization, or directly to the individual, and regardless of whether or not they have monetary value (e.g., even if the support received are in-kind contributions such as office/laboratory space, equipment, supplies, or employees).
  2. In-kind contributions not intended for use on the project/proposal being proposed and have an associated time commitment.
  3. Current or pending participation in, or applications to, programs sponsored by foreign governments, instrumentalities, or entities, including foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs.
  4. Postdoctoral scholars, students, or visiting scholars who are supported by an external entity, whose research activities are not intended for use on the project/proposal being proposed and have an associated time commitment.
  5. Consulting that falls outside of an individual’s appointment/agreement.
  6. Travel supported/paid by an external entity to perform research activities with an associated time commitment.
  7. Startup company based on non-organization-licensed IP.
  8. Startup packages from other than the proposing organization.

For more information, NSF offers a disclosures table and FAQ on Current & Pending Support.

Hanover Research

Upcoming Webinar - Jan 30

In early 2025, NIH will be implementing multiple changes to the review process.

In this session, Hanover will cover the key considerations for faculty planning to submit to NIH after January 2025, including the simplified review process for most research project grants, changes to the fellowship application, and more.

Unable to attend? Register, and Hanover will send a copy of the recording and slides after the webinar.

Webinar: Major Changes for NIH Grantseekers

Speakers
  • Sarah Ott — Senior Grants Consultant, Hanover Research
  • Mallory Waters — Grants Advisor, Hanover Research

Date: Thur, January 30
Time: 11 am Central

Hanover Grants Calendars

Hanover publishes several Grants Calendars centered on certain funding interests as part of their effort to monitor the funding landscape and facilitate strategic planning. Here are a few that might be of interest to NSM faculty:

Anti-DEI Legislation Trends and Impacts on Grants

In recent years, efforts to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in both K-12 and higher education through legislation have become commonplace. In this special report, Hanover reviews national and state-specific trends related to DEI legislation, including potential impacts for grant-seekers.

Hanover Watch On-Demand

Hanover has these additional resources:

University of Houston

Announcements

Required Research Security Training Available in CITI

The University of Houston provides Research Security Training through CITI to meet federal requirements. This training will be incorporated into all agency proposal/award requirements in calendar year 2025. We strongly encourage researchers to take these courses as soon as possible to obtain a permanent record of completion. Learn more ›

PeopleSoft Functions: Subaward Invoice

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance operations, the Office of Contracts and Grants has expanded PeopleSoft functions to include the payment of subaward invoices.

Beginning July 1, the subaward invoice process is as follows:

  • OCG will receive invoices at subaward@central.uh.edu.
  • Invoices received will be assigned a Subaward Invoice function by OCG.
  • PIs will receive an email notification informing them of an invoice requiring their review and approval.
  • PIs will review and approve in their My Inbox within PeopleSoft Grants.
  • Once PI approval is complete, OCG will be notified and will initiate the voucher for payment.

These updates were covered in the recent Research Administration Forum. Watch this segment on SharePoint

Watch on SharePoint: Functions Overview

Learn about new functions in PeopleSoft Grants designed to streamline award management.

Watch: Getting Started with ORCID

Andrea Malone of UH Libraries walks you through the process of setting up your ORCID iD and adding works to your profile. Watch on SharePoint.

UH Libraries Can Help You with Research Data Management

UH Libraries offers a range of support for Research Data Management, archiving, and sharing:

  1. Guidance on data management planning for grant proposals or any research project.
  2. Assistance for sustained compliance with funder and university policies.
  3. Workshops and consultations for graduate students on collaborative work practices and strategies for handling data throughout research.
  4. An institutional data repository for archiving and sharing data and related content at no cost for up to 10 GB per project.

For more information about data management see: UH Libraries Data Management Resources.

Gulf Coast Consortium News

GCC Job Board

Looking for a postdoc or research position at a GCC member institution? The GCC Job Board currently lists several positions. The Job Board is where graduating Ph.D. students and postdocs from GCC institutions can post their resumes and search for jobs at GCC institutions.

To place a resume on the Job Board, register as a Job Seeker and enter the requested information. To place a job opening, register as a GCC Recruiter and enter the requested information. Anyone not from a GCC institution can register through Public Access and view job openings and resumes but cannot place anything on the Job Board.

Highlighted Core Technology of the Month: Gene Editing

Genetic Design and Engineering Center, Rice University, more information can be found on the core website.

Looking for a Particular Piece of Equipment?

Did you know that the GCC has a Shared Equipment and Resource Committee composed of the Directors/Leaders in equipment inventory and acquisition from each of the GCC institutions? If you are looking for a particular piece of equipment, please email Suzanne Tomlinson (smtomlin@rice.edu), and the committee members will work together to try to locate it and introduce you to the PI who owns/administers it. View GCC Shared Core Facilities

Upcoming Events

Mentoring Refresher for Faculty - Assessing Understanding, Online, Jan 22

Designed for faculty engaged in biomedical research. Develop strategies to determine how well your mentee is understanding their research and how to minimize confusion and misunderstandings. (GCC webpage for more information.) Facilitator: Jane Grande-Allen, Ph.D., Rice Univ.

Date/Time: Wed, Jan 22, 12:00-1:30 pm
ONLINE: Register Here

GCC CMB Flash Talks and Networking Workshop, Jan 29

The Gulf Coast Consortia invites you to a networking event hosted by the GCC Cellular and Molecular Biophysics Consortium. This engaging gathering will commence with brief presentations from GCC consortium members, setting the stage for an enriching networking session. The primary aim of this event is to foster a collaborative environment where faculty members and trainees can connect and explore potential collaborative opportunities. The brief presentation will consist of a 3-minute, 3-slide presentation. You will receive a template to use for the first slide. A PDF file of the presentations will be shared on the GCC website after the event for attendees to reference.

Date/Time: Wed, Jan 29, 3:30-6:00 pm
Location: BioScience Research Collaborative, Event Hall, 6500 Main St., Houston
Register Here

Mentoring Refresher for Faculty - Addressing Equity and Inclusion, Feb 6

Designed for faculty engaged in biomedical research. Explore how to foster an inclusive environment so everyone can do their best learning and create high quality research. (See GCC webpage for more information.) Facilitator: Louma Ghandour, Ph.D., Rice Univ.

Date/Time: Thu, Feb 6, 12:00–1:30 pm
ONLINE: Register Here

Research Mentor Training Workshop for Faculty - In-person, Feb 13

This in-person, six-hour, evidence-based workshop helps develop skills and insights in mentoring through interactions and discussions. Workshops cover aspects of mentoring young scientists in the lab. Facilitators include: Sandra Haudek, Ph.D., Assoc Professor, Baylor College of Medicine; Fred Pereira, Ph.D., Assoc Professor, Baylor College of Medicine; Leslie Coward, Ph.D., Director of Faculty Engagement, Univ. of Houston.

Date/Time: Thu, Feb 13, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Location: Bioscience Research Collaborative (BRC), 6500 Main Street, Houston
Register Here