*August 31, 2023*

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## Spotlight

### Letter From the Director: *Announcing the Inaugural Cohort of Leadership Scholars Program Awardees*

*Director, NIAMS*
*Director, ORWH*
*Director, ODSS*

Many studies have shown that autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women – nearly 80 percent of those with an autoimmune disease are women. Better understanding these types of health disparities, and identifying ways to mitigate them, is central to the mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is also one reason why we announced the Team Science Leadership Scholars Program in Women’s Health, Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases last year.

Read the full Director's Letter.

## News

### A Cellular and Molecular Understanding of Psoriasis

A research team, with funding from NIAMS and other components of the NIH, gained insights into the cellular and molecular features of psoriasis using a technique called spatial transcriptomics. The findings may inform additional research into how severe inflammation at one skin site is related to problems elsewhere in the body.

### A Fireside Chat With NIAMS Director Dr. Lindsey A. Criswell (Video)

Before becoming NIAMS Director, Dr. Lindsey Criswell was Vice Chancellor of Research and Chief of the University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) Health Division of Rheumatology. In a fireside video chat with UCSF’s Robert Wachter, M.D., Dr. Criswell describes her career journey, promising developments in rheumatology, the future direction of NIH, challenges faced by grant-funded and early career researchers, and more.

### BACPAC Research Program Publishes Papers in *Pain Medicine* Journal

The Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) Research Program has published a series of research papers in a special issue of Pain Medicine. BACPAC was launched as part of NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®, and is designed to take a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating back pain. During National Pain Awareness Month in September, follow NIAMS and NIH on social media using the hashtag #NIHPainProgress.

### I Am Intramural Blog: *Three-Minute Talks—Talk Science to Me*

NIH’s annual Three-Minute Talks competition helps Intramural Research Program (IRP) trainees practice the skills needed to get the word out to the public about important scientific research. NIAMS Postbaccalaureate Fellow Jordan Jarvis took second place this year as she described how “small but mighty cancer warriors” called nanoparticles could improve treatment for a rare and aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma.

### Understanding and Restoring Whole Joint Health in Pain Management: *An NIH HEAL Initiative Workshop*

On July 25, NIAMS Director Dr. Lindsey Criswell provided opening remarks along with Helene M. Langevin, M.D., Director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Rebecca Lenzi, Ph.D., Health Scientist Administrator, NIAMS Division of Extramural Research, chaired the first session, “Structural and Mechanical Factors in Joint Pain.” Watch the videocast: (Day 1)(Day 2). View the program book: [PDF–1.7 MB]

### NIH Seeks Input on Updating Mission Statement

NIH recently issued a Request for Information inviting feedback on a proposed update to the NIH mission statement. As the largest public funder of biomedical and behavioral research in the world, it is important that the mission statement accurately reflects NIH’s goal of turning scientific discoveries into better health for all. All comments must be submitted electronically on the submission website.

### Crucial Protein Reins in Overzealous Bone Growth: *IRP Study Answers Key Questions About Bone Development and Healing*

 A recent IRP study involving the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) sheds light on the role of a key molecule responsible for ensuring that bones bounce back strong after a fracture.

### NIH MedlinePlus Magazine: *From Discovery to Treatment—How NIH Works to Improve the Lives of People With Autoimmune Diseases*

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine provides an overview of how NIH approaches research into autoimmune diseases.

### NIH News in Health: *Living With Gout*

Gout is a common and painful type of arthritis (swelling in one or more of your joints). It usually first appears in a big toe or lower limb, but other joints can be affected. Most types of gout are treatable, especially if caught early.

### FDA’s Accelerating Rare disease Cures Program Emerges as a Conduit for Empowering Rare Disease Stakeholders

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research launched the Accelerating Rare disease Cures Program to help bridge the gap between the complexities of rare disease drug development and the pressing needs of patients. Read about the program’s progress.

### FDA Approves First Treatment for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

FDA approved Sohonos (palovarotene) capsules for reduction in the volume of new heterotopic ossification (extra-skeletal bone formation) in adults and children age 8 years and older for females, and 10 years and older for males with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Sohonos is the first drug approved for patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

### FY 2023 Funding Plan

NIAMS is operating under the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022.

**COVID-19 Updates:** Keep up with the latest on COVID-19 with health information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and research from NIH.

## Funding Opportunities

### NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Funding Opportunity Announcements

The online application period for FY 2024 extramural awards is September 1 to November 16, 2023. Intramural application due dates begin in January 2024. 

Additional information is provided on the LRP Eligibility and Programs and Apply pages.

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### Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (PA-23-189)

Find NIAMS-specific information on the NIAMS Diversity Supplement Program webpage.

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### Institutional Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in Biomedical and Behavioral Research Prize Competition

Application due date: September 26, 2023

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### Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Centers (MDSRC) (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) (NOT-NS-23-090)

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### Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Administrative Supplement for Accelerating Research in Understudied Skin Types (NOT-AR-24-008)

Application due date: October 2, 2023

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### Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Accelerating Research in Understudied Skin Types (NOT-AR-24-009)

Application due date: October 5, 2023

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### NIAMS Clinical Trial Planning Grant (R34) – Clinical Trial Not Allowed (PAR-22-205)

Next application due date: November 3, 2023

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### Ancillary Studies to Ongoing Clinical Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (PAR-23-025)

Next application due date: December 6, 2023

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### Ancillary Studies to Ongoing Clinical Projects (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (PAR-23-026)

Next application due date: December 6, 2023

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### HEAL Initiative Partnerships to Advance INterdisciplinary (PAIN) Training in Clinical Pain Research: The HEAL PAIN Cohort Program (T90/R90 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (RFA-NS-24-015)

To bolster the dwindling clinical pain research workforce, the HEAL PAIN Cohort Program will support interdisciplinary postdoctoral training to promote the next generation of independent clinical pain researchers.

Application due date: September 26, 2023

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### HEAL Initiative: Toward Developing Quantitative Imaging and Other Relevant Biomarkers of Myofascial Tissues for Clinical Pain Management (R61/R33, Clinical Trial Required) (RFA-AT-24-003)

Application due date: October 18, 2023

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### Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program - Addressing Overdose, Substance Use, Mental Health, and Pain (OT2) (OTA-23-007)

Application due date: November 1, 2023

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### Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program – Addressing Overdose, Substance Use, Mental Health, and Pain Native Research Resource Network (OT2) (OTA-23-008)

Application due date: November 1, 2023

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### HEAL Initiative: HEAL KIDS (Knowledge, Innovation and Discovery Studies) Pain: Acute Pain Clinical Trials Program (U01 Clinical Trial Required) (RFA-HD-24-011)

Application due date: November 20, 2023

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### HEAL Initiative: HEAL KIDS (Knowledge, Innovation and Discovery Studies) Pain Program Resource and Data Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (RFA-HD-024-012)

Application due date: November 20, 2023

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### All Open HEAL Opportunities List

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### **Stay Updated About Funding Announcements**

If you would like information about grants and funding opportunities, subscribe to funding-dedicated email newsletters, including periodic NIAMS Funding Alerts and a monthly NIAMS Funding News email, and follow our Twitter account (@NIAMSFunding) focused on funding opportunities. Also check out the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, the primary source for information about NIH funding opportunities. You can also request a weekly Table of Contents from the NIH Guide. In addition, the NIAMS website provides comprehensive information on NIAMS-related grants and processes.

## Resources

### Spotlight on Scientific Imagery: *The Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cell Line, MS-1*

The Merkel cell carcinoma cell line, MS-1, was imaged with the help of the Electron Microscope Laboratory, Advanced Technology Program at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI). The work and related efforts could help better understand this rare and aggressive form of skin cancer.

*Photo Credit: Dr. Natasha Hill, NIAMS Cutaneous Development and Carcinogenesis Laboratory*

### New NIH Virtual Tour: *Visit NIH Anytime*

Experience NIH through a new interactive virtual tour. Visitors can explore an interactive, aerial map of 32 buildings on the Bethesda, Maryland, campus, including the NIH Clinical Center, through photos and video clips. In-depth tour stops include research labs, a patient room, and the Children’s Inn. Along the way: 21 interviews with NIH researchers, senior leaders, administrators, and a patient.

## Events

### NIAMS Advisory Council

Watch the videocast of the NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting that took place on August 29. The next NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting will be held virtually on January 30, 2024.

### NIH Director’s Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series

**Upcoming Lecture:**

**Thymic Mimetic Cells: Tolerogenic Masqueraders**Diane Mathis, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School September 13, 2023   2 to 3 p.m. ETWALS William E. Paul Lecture Videocast available

Explore additional upcoming WALS lectures.

### NIH Science Lectures and Events Available via Internet

**Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome: Celebrating 25 Years of NIDCR Research**September 11, 2023 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

Look for past videocasts, including:
                          - Mapping the Path to Relief: Improving Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Through Neuromodulation —August 2023
                          - Understanding and Restoring Whole Joint Health in Pain Management—July 2023 ( Day 1 ) ( Day 2 )
                          - Innovative Long-Acting Therapeutics for Pain and Opioid Use Disorder —June 2023

*For additional online science seminars and events hosted by the NIH, view the NIH VideoCast Future Events and the NIH calendar.*

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