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NIGMS is committed to reducing health disparities that affect AI/AN populations, while supporting research opportunities for the enhancement of students, faculty and researchers concerned with AI/AN health. NIGMS also supports capacity/infrastructure building within AI/AN communities to ensure sustainability of biomedical research, and the ability to address pertinent health issues within the communities. Examples of NIGMS's research interest.
NCI is committed to supporting research to address the significant disparities and needs of the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in terms of cancer prevention and health promotion and treatment. NCI will support the NARCH initiative through its Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) and Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS).
The mission of the DCCPS is alleviating the burden of cancer through research in epidemiology, behavioral and social sciences, health services, surveillance, and cancer survivorship. Cancer control research aims to generate basic knowledge about how to monitor and change individual and collective behavior, and to ensure that knowledge is translated into practice and policy rapidly, effectively, and efficiently.
Data from the DCCPS Surveillance Research Program has shown that Native American populations have the lowest 5-year cancer survival rate and highest percentage of disseminated and ill-defined cancers of any subpopulation in the U.S. Poorer cancer survival rates have been attributed to many factors, among them inadequate access to health care, geographic isolation, later stage of detection, underutilization of treatment, poverty, and social, economic and cultural barriers. DCCPS is interested in applications that focus on both individual and community factors that affect cancer control and prevention. Researchers and communities should consider the context in which people live (place, built environment, etc.) and develop programs that can improve overall health and result in improved health outcomes as they relate to cancer and cancer survivorship.
CRCHD is committed to the NCI's efforts to help reduce the unequal burden of cancer in our society by strengthening basic, clinical, translational, and population-based research addressing cancer health disparities; advising on strategic priorities, program direction, and leading NCI's efforts to enhance scientific workforce diversity through the training of underrepresented students and investigators. The CRCHD initiates, integrates, and engages with NCI divisions and NIH Institutes and Centers, and outside partners to promote research and training in cancer and cancer health disparities research.
The CRCHD will support scientifically meritorious projects with direct relevance to the training, education, and career development of AI/AN students and investigators and in the understanding of the basic, clinical, translational, or population factors of cancer and cancer health disparities among AI/AN populations. CRCHD will assist in achieving these purposes by supporting selected projects developed by NARCH partnerships.
The NCCIH is interested in supporting basic, mechanistic, and clinical research on complementary approaches for the following high-priority topic areas: symptom management—particularly for chronic pain syndromes; reduction of prescription drug (opioid) use or abuse in patients with chronic pain; enhancement of medication adherence; treatment or prevention of post-traumatic stress (disorder), traumatic brain injury, sleep disorders or disturbances, anxiety, depression, obesity, and smoking; promotion of psychological resilience or well-being; and promotion of healthy eating and physical activity. Complementary approaches include natural or dietary products such as botanicals, probiotics/microbials, naturally derived peptides, dietary supplements, and special diets, as well as mind and body approaches delivering psychological and/or physical input, including AI/AN traditional medicine approaches. NCCIH will not fund research proposing efficacy or effectiveness clinical trials through this NOFO (please see NCCIH Clinical Trial Funding Opportunities instead). Investigators are strongly encouraged to discuss their research plans with NCCIH program staff prior to submitting their application.
NHLBI has a strong history of supporting research to understand, document, prevent, and treat heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. The communities are disproportionally affected by heart disease, hypertension, and respiratory diseases. NHLBI’s participation in NARCH will help advance research efforts, reduce risk factors, and promote the health of communities. NHLBI also recognizes a unique and compelling need to promote diversity in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social science research workforce. NHLBI is interested in research projects including, but not limited to, the following:
NHLBI will support capacity-building and career enhancement projects for faculty and students that can include opportunities for building research infrastructure, research training, and career development. These projects include, but are not limited to, the following:
NHGRI will support the development of resources, approaches, and technologies that will accelerate genomic research on the structure of genomes, the biology of genomes, and the biology of disease; that will use genomics to advance the science of medicine; and that will incorporate genomics to improve the effectiveness of healthcare. NHGRI will also support genomic research in several cross-cutting areas, including the ethical, legal and societal implications of genomics and genetics research, bioinformatics, technology development, and research training and workforce development. NHGRI is also committed to supporting genomics research that addresses health disparities.
In general, NHGRI supports studies that provide generalizable methods and knowledge. Applications for studies relevant only to a particular disease or organ system should be directed to the appropriate Institute or Center. NHGRI strongly encourages potential applicants to contact program staff in the early stages of developing your application.
NIA promotes genetic, biological, clinical, behavioral, social, and economic research related to aging and life course health, including research on Alzheimer’s disease. A strategic priority of NIA is the understanding of health differences and development of strategies to improve the health status of older adults in diverse populations. NIA encourages comparisons between racial/ethnic groups, i.e., American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) versus other race/ethnic groups, and research on factors affecting health and longevity, such as cultural affiliation, socioeconomic and geographic inequality, gender differences, discrimination, and stress, among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) groups. NIA interests in this area include, but are not limited to, the following:
NIAID supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases, with the goal of developing new therapies, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and other technologies. Research areas include microbiology and infectious diseases, AIDS and AIDS -related research, immunology, allergy, transplantation, and biodefense.
The NIAMS supports efforts to conduct research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of research progress to improve the public health. Goals specific to the AI/AN communities involve research addressing the career enhancement of researchers and ensuring inclusion of Native communities in clinical research studies. Details of NIAMS's research interests.
The prevalence of oral diseases in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities is amongst the highest in the U.S. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is interested in research that addresses dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral and pharyngeal cancer in AI/AN communities. Oral diseases share protective and risk factors with many other diseases and conditions, making holistic approaches to health promotion and disease prevention particularly important. Determinants of health exist at individual, family, health care systems, community, organizational/ institutional and policy levels. Some examples of these determinants include: reliable access to oral health care, sustainable oral disease preventive approaches, availability and consumption of healthy foods and beverages, and policies that promote health. NIDCR welcomes applications for culturally-appropriate research that propose multi-disciplinary approaches to improve oral health status and reduce inequities in AI/AN communities. Proposed research should not focus on oral health in isolation from general health.
NIDDK conducts and supports medical research and research training and disseminates science-based information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, to improve people’s health and quality of life. The American Indian and Alaska Native communities suffer disproportionately from diseases in the mission area of NIDDK.
The Institute also believes that a wide range of skill sets and view¬points borne of diverse backgrounds is necessary. Therefore, we support efforts to bring new investigators from all backgrounds, including women, minority, and underrepresented populations, into biomedical research careers, ensure that new investigators can realize their potential to contribute to biomedical research and that today's generation of aspiring scientists will view research as a viable career.
DEM is interested in research and support for basic and clinical research in the areas of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including cystic fibrosis; endocrinology and endocrine disorders; obesity, neuroendocrinology, and energy balance; and development, metabolism, and basic biology of liver, fat, and endocrine tissues. Some of the topics of interest to the Division include: Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes; Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes; A1C Test and Diabetes; Carbohydrate Counting and Diabetes; Continuous Glucose Monitoring; Diabetes and Foot Problems; Diabetes and Pregnancy; Diabetes and Sexual and Urologic Problems; Diabetes Diet, Eating, and Physical Activity; Diabetes, Gum Disease, and Other Dental Problems; Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke; Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis; Diabetic Eye Disease; Diabetic Kidney Disease; Gestational Diabetes; Insulin, Medicines, and Other Diabetes Treatments; Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia); Managing Diabetes; Monogenic Forms of Diabetes: Neonatal Diabetes and MODY; Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathies); Pancreatic Islet Transplantation; Prediabetes and Insulin Resistance; and Preventing Diabetes Problems. Some of the endocrine diseases and disorders of interest include: Acromegaly; Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease; Cushing's Syndrome; Cystic Fibrosis; Graves' Disease; Hashimoto's Disease; Human Growth Hormone and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease; Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid); Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid); Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); Pregnancy and Thyroid Disease; Primary Hyperparathyroidism; Prolactinoma; and Turner Syndrome.
DDN is interested in research related to digestive diseases, including the alimentary tract, liver and pancreas, nutrition and obesity. Some of the topics of interest include: Acid Reflux (GER & GERD); Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract; Appendicitis; Barrett's Esophagus; Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence); Celiac Disease; Colon Polyps; Constipation; Crohn's Disease; Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome; Diarrhea; Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis; Dumping Syndrome; Food Poisoning; Gallstones; Gas; Gastritis; Gastroparesis; GI Bleeding; Hemorrhoids; Indigestion (Dyspepsia); Inguinal Hernia; Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); Lactose Intolerance; Liver Disease; Ménétrier’s Disease; Microscopic Colitis; Ostomy Surgery of the Bowel; Pancreatitis; Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers); Proctitis; Short Bowel Syndrome; Smoking and the Digestive System; Ulcerative Colitis; and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. The following topics related to diet and nutrition are also of interest: Healthy Weight; Binge Eating Disorder; Celiac Disease; DASH Eating Plan; Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention; Dieting and Gallstones; Food Allergies; Fruits and Veggies; Health Risks of Being Overweight; Healthy Meals and Snacks for Teens; Keeping Active and Healthy Eating for Men; Keeping Active and Eating Right for the Whole Family; Lactose Intolerance; Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy; Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging; Stay Healthy and Fit; Weight-loss and Nutrition Myths.
KUH is interested in research funding and support for basic, translational, and clinical research studies of the kidney, urinary tract, and disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs. Areas of research interest include: Chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, acute kidney injury, kidney donation, congenital kidney disorders, IgA nephropathy, hemolytic uremic syndrome, fluid and electrolyte disorders, kidney repair and regeneration, and normal and abnormal kidney development and physiology. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, stones, erectile dysfunction, urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (including interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatitis), congenital urologic disorders, repair and regeneration of lower urinary tract organs, and normal and abnormal lower urinary tract development and physiology. Blood and blood-forming organs, hematopoiesis, hemoglobin disorders, iron metabolism, sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure, iron deficiency, Cooley's anemia (thalassemia), and hemochromatosis. Specific topical areas of interest include: Anemia in CKD; Causes of CKD; CKD Tests and Diagnosis; Diabetic Kidney Disease; Eating Right for CKD; High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease; Managing CKD; Mineral and Bone Disorder in CKD; Nutrition for Advanced CKD; Preventing CKD; Eating and Nutrition for Hemodialysis; Hemodialysis; Kidney Transplant; Peritoneal Dialysis; Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease; Amyloidosis and Kidney Disease; Diabetes Insipidus; Ectopic Kidney; Glomerular Diseases; Goodpasture Syndrome; Henoch-Schönlein Purpura; IgA Nephropathy; Kidney Dysplasia; Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis); Kidney Stones; Lupus Nephritis; Medullary Sponge Kidney; Nephrotic Syndrome; Pain Medicine and Kidney Damage; Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD); Renal Artery Stenosis; Renal Tubular Acidosis; Simple Kidney Cysts; Solitary Kidney; Bedwetting; Bladder Control Problems and Nerve Disease; Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence); Bladder Infection (UTI); Cystocele (Prolapsed Bladder); Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention; Erectile Dysfunction; Hematuria (Blood in the Urine); Hydronephrosis; Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome); Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis); Kidney Stones; Penile Curvature (Peyronie's Disease); Perineal Injury in Males; Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia); Prostate Inflammation (Prostatitis); Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes; Urinary Diversion; Urinary Retention; Vesicoureteral Reflux.
NIDA is interested in supporting research that will reduce health disparities in drug abuse and related health and social consequences among AI/AN. Studies should employ the methodologies required by the NARCH, including that studies be developed and implemented using community based participatory approaches.
NIEHS conducts and supports environmental health science research to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives. A particular focus is innovative research that improves public health by preventing disease and disability. All applications must be aligned to NIEHS's mission, research priorities and strategic plan, particularly the goals of addressing environmental health disparities and environmental inequities that disproportionately affect AI/AN communities, and promoting bi-directional communication with AI/AN communities engaged in research. NIEHS is interested in supporting research projects in the following categories:
Applicants are encouraged to establish research collaborations with NIEHS-funded investigators and/or with NIEHS's Centers (Centers, Interagency Collaborations, and Consortia).
NIMHD leads scientific research to improve minority health and reduce health disparities, to realize an America in which all populations will have an equal opportunity to live long, healthy, and productive lives. To accomplish this, NIMHD raises national awareness about the prevalence and impact of health disparities and disseminates effective individual-, community-, and population-level interventions to reduce and encourage elimination of health disparities. NIMHD is interested in projects including, but not limited to, the following:
The mission of the ORWH is to improve the quality of women’s lives, reduce their disease burden across the life course, and address health disparities among populations of women in the United States. In support of this initiative, ORWH is interested in applications that address issues associated with women’s health and/or sex and gender influences on health and disease in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. There is a growing recognition that the quality and generalizability of biomedical research findings depend on the consideration of sex as a biological variable (SABV) to advance science for the health of women and men. The 2019-2023 Trans-NIH Strategic Plan for the Health of Women “Advancing Science for the Health of Women” identifies the guiding principles, research goals and objectives to advance the health of women.