Date

NSF has announced a new program to foster people networking in the
biological sciences. More information about the Research Coordination
Networks (RCN) in Biological Sciences can be found at the NSF site at
http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf0056
You may also contact Dr. Sam Scheiner at 703/306-1481 x6429 or at

sscheine [at] nsf.gov.

Research Coordination Networks (RCN)
in Biological Sciences

Deadline Date:
Last Friday in June annually 2000 through 2004

GENERAL INFORMATION

The goal of this program is to encourage and foster communications and
collaborations among scientists with common goals and interests. Groups of
investigators will be supported to communicate and coordinate their research
efforts across disciplinary, organizational, institutional and geographical
boundaries. The proposed networking activities should have a theme as a
focus of its collaboration. The focus could be on a broad research question,
a specific group of organisms, or particular technologies or approaches.
Innovative ideas for implementing novel networking strategies to promote
research coordination and collaboration that enable new research directions
or advancement of a field are especially encouraged.

Cognizant Program Officer:

Chair, Research Coordination Networks Working Group, Biological
Infrastructure, Room 615, telephone (703) 306-1470, or by e-mail at
biorcn [at] nsf.gov.

I. INTRODUCTION

The Directorate for Biological Sciences announces plans to support research
coordination networks designed to foster communication and promote
collaboration among scientists with common interests from a broad background
across disciplinary, geographical, and organizational boundaries. The
ultimate objective is to move a field forward or to create new research
directions through increased research coordination and networking. It is
anticipated that this program will contribute to further advances in all
areas of biological sciences supported by the National Science Foundation.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Support will be provided for groups of investigators to communicate and
coordinate their research efforts across disciplinary, organizational,
institutional and geographical boundaries. The objectives are to facilitate
open communication and exchange of information and resources, to integrate
research activities of scientists working independently on topics of common
interest, to nurture a sense of community among young scientists, and to
minimize isolation and maximize cooperation so as to eliminate unnecessary
duplication of efforts. Specific features of the program include:

  1. Topic/focus of research coordination – The research coordination
    network/group will have a common theme as a focus of its activities.
    For example, the focus could be on a research question, a specific
    group of organisms, or particular technologies or approaches. All
    well-justified, cohesive proposals designed to advance a field of
    research through research coordination will be considered.

  2. Principal investigator (PI) – Although the research coordination
    networks are expected to involve investigators from multiple sites, a
    single institution must serve as the submitting institution for each
    proposal. The PI is the designated contact person for the group and is
    expected to provide leadership in fully coordinating and integrating
    the activities of the group. Strong, central leadership and clear lines
    of responsibility are essential for successful networking and, thus, it
    is anticipated that most proposals will be submitted without a Co-PI.
    In exceptional cases where a Co-PI is deemed essential this must be
    clearly justified in the proposal with the roles of the PI and Co-PI
    clearly defined with appropriate provisions for strong leadership.

  3. Group members – The size of a group/network is expected to vary
    depending on the theme and the needs of the proposed activity. The
    group may be regional, national, or international. It is expected that
    a proposed group will involve investigators at diverse institutions.
    The inclusion of new researchers, post-docs, graduate students, and
    undergraduates is encouraged, as appropriate. Specific efforts to
    increase participation of underrepresented groups must be included.
    Generally, in the case of a proposal involving international
    coordination, primary support for foreign participants/activities must
    be secured through their own national programs. In the proposal, an
    initial, core group of participants should be identified. However,
    there should be clearly developed mechanisms to maintain openness,
    ensure access, and promote participation by interested parties outside
    of the initial, proposed network.

  4. Coordination/management mechanism – The proposal should include a
    clearly defined management plan. The plan should include a description
    of the specific roles and responsibilities of the Coordinator and other
    members of the group/network. Mechanisms for allocating funds, such as
    a steering committee, should be clearly articulated. The plan should
    include provisions for flexibility to allow the structure of the group
    to change over time as membership and research foci evolve. Mechanisms
    for assessing progress and the effectiveness of the networking
    activities should be part of the management plan.

  5. Information and material sharing: - The goals of this program are to
    promote effective communication and to enhance opportunities for
    collaboration. Applicants are expected to develop and present a clearly
    delineated understanding of individual members’ rights to ideas,
    information, data and materials produced as a result of the award that
    is consistent with the goals of the program. When the proposed activity
    involves generation of community resources such as databases or unique
    biological materials, a plan for their timely release and the mechanism
    of sharing must be described in the proposal.