HGPI

Human Genome Project Information Archive
1990–2003

Archive Site Provided for Historical Purposes

[6450-01-P]
Department of Energy
Office of Energy Research

Energy Research Financial Assistance Program Notice 95-15: Human Genome Program - Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications

AGENCY: Department of Energy (DOE)
ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications.

SUMMARY: The Office of Health and Environmental Research (OHER) of the Office of Energy Research (ER), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hereby announces its interest in receiving applications in support of the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) subprogram of the Human Genome Program (HGP). The HGP is a coordinated, multidisciplinary, goal-oriented, research effort aimed at improving technologies that will lead to a detailed understanding of the human genome at the molecular level. This particular research notice encompasses research grants that address ethical, legal, and social issues that may arise from the use of information and knowledge resulting from the HGP.

DATES: Formal applications submitted in response to this notice must be received by 4:30 p.m., E.D.T., July 13, 1995, to be accepted for merit review in September and to permit timely consideration for award in Fiscal Year 1996.

ADDRESSES: Formal applications referencing Program Notice 95-15 should be forwarded to: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Research, Acquisition and Assistance Management Division, ER-64 (GTN), Washington, D.C. 20585, ATTN: Program Notice 95-15. The following address must be used when submitting applications by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or any commercial mail delivery service, or when handcarried by the applicant: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Research, Acquisition and Assistance Management Division, ER-64, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Daniel W. Drell, Office of Health and Environmental Research, ER-72 (GTN), Office of Energy Research, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585, (301) 903-6488.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DOE encourages the submission of applications to conduct multidisciplinary, empirical research on privacy issues from the creation, use, maintenance, and disclosure of genetic information. This may include (but is not limited to) issues of ownership and control of genetic information and the protection of the privacy of genetic information in various settings including the workplace. Applications should demonstrate knowledge of the relevant literature, and should include detailed plans for the gathering and analysis of factual information and the exploration of the specific issues of interest. All applications should include, where appropriate, detailed discussion of human subjects protection issues; e.g., storage of, manipulation of, and access to data. Where appropriate, provisions to ensure the inclusion of women, minorities, and potentially disabled individuals must be described, unless specific exclusions are scientifically necessary and justified in detail. All proposed research applications should address the issue of efficient dissemination of results to the widest appropriate audience.

The DOE is also soliciting applications for the preparation and dissemination of educational materials in any appropriate medium that will enhance public understanding of both the scientific aspects and the ethical, legal, and social aspects of the HGP. In addition, the DOE is encouraging applications for the support of conferences focusing on specific issues or areas of concern related to the ethical, legal, and social implications of the HGP. This may include (but is not limited to) implications of advances in the genetic characterization of complex traits and diseases. Educational and conference applications should also demonstrate awareness of the relevant literature, and include detailed plans for the accomplishment of project goals, including, where appropriate, video productions. In the case of applications that propose the production of series for broadcast, audio-visuals or other educational materials, the DOE strongly recommends that samples of previous similar work by the producers and writers be submitted along with the application. In the case of all educational activities, the DOE strongly recommends inclusion of assessments of effectiveness of the proposed activities. In the case of all conferences, a fairly detailed and complete roster of committed speakers is necessary. At the completion of the conference, a summary or report is required. Educational and conference applications must also demonstrate awareness of the need to reach the widest appropriate audience.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a brief preapplication in accordance with 10 CFR 600.10(d)(2), that consists of two to three pages of narrative describing the research project objectives and methods of accomplishment. These will be reviewed relative to the scope and research needs of the DOE's Human Genome Program. Preapplications referencing Program Notice 95-15 should be received by April 13, 1995, and sent to Dr. Daniel W. Drell, Office of Health and Environmental Research, ER-72 (GTN), Washington, D.C. 20585. Telephone and FAX numbers are required parts of the preapplication, and electronic mail addresses are desirable. A response to the preapplications discussing the potential program relevance of a formal application generally will be communicated within 30 days of receipt.

It is anticipated that approximately $700,000 will be available for grant awards in this area during FY 1996, contingent upon availability of appropriated funds. Multiple year funding of grant awards is expected, and is also contingent upon availability of funds. Previous awards have ranged from $60,000 per year up to $500,000 per year with terms from one to three years; most awards average about $200,000 per year for two or three years. Similar award sizes are anticipated for new grants.

Information about development and submission of applications, eligibility, limitations, evaluation, selection process, and other policies and procedures may be found in the Application Guide for the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program and 10 CFR Part 605. The Application Guide is available from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, Health Effects and Life Sciences Research Division, ER-72 (GTN), Washington, D.C. 20585. Telephone requests may be made by calling (301) 903-6488.

As part of its grant regulations, ER requires at 10 CFR 605.11(b) that a grantee funded by ER and performing research involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with the National Institutes of Health "Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules" (51 FR 16958, May 7, 1986), or such later revision of those guidelines as may be published in the Federal Register.

The dissemination of materials and research data in a timely manner is essential for progress towards the goals of the DOE Human Genome Program. The OHER requires the timely sharing of resources and data. Applicants should, in their applications, discuss their plans for disseminating research results and materials that may include, where appropriate, publication in the open literature, wide-scale mailings, etc. Once OHER and the applicant have agreed upon a distribution plan, it will become part of the award conditions. Funds to defray the costs of disseminating results and materials are allowable; however, such requests must be sufficiently detailed and adequately justified. Applicants should also provide timelines projecting progress toward achieving proposed goals.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 81.049, and the solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR Part 605.

D. D. Mayhew
Director, Office of Management
Office of Energy Research
[FRDoc. 95-6107 Filed 3-10-95; 8:45 am]
Billing code 6450-01-P
Published in the Federal Register, V. 60, No. 48, Monday, March 13, 1995, pp. 13433-13434

Human Genome Project 1990–2003

The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international 13-year effort, 1990 to 2003. Primary goals were to discover the complete set of human genes and make them accessible for further biological study, and determine the complete sequence of DNA bases in the human genome. See Timeline for more HGP history.

Human Genome News

Published from 1989 until 2002, this newsletter facilitated HGP communication, helped prevent duplication of research effort, and informed persons interested in genome research.