Translational Research Working Group Invites Input On December 4-5, most of the 60 members of NCI's Translational Research Working Group (TRWG) met for the first time. The meeting's goal was to lay the groundwork for a roundtable meeting in February 2006, where about 140 additional stakeholders and experts will join TRWG to discuss a model of what an effective translational cancer research enterprise might look like, and to develop recommendations about how to achieve it. A public comment period will be open from December 20-January 20 on the TRWG Web site (http://www.cancer.gov/ trwg/) to solicit public input on some of the key questions facing the TRWG. TRWG was established earlier this year to evaluate the status of NCI's investment in translational research, and to provide a blueprint for its future. Among the key questions under consideration is how to most effectively link research in the lab, the clinic, and the population to develop promising discoveries arising from any of these realms into new tools to reduce cancer incidence and its related morbidity and mortality. TRWG expects to provide recommendations to the National Cancer Advisory Board by early 2007. This initiative could have a significant impact on how NCI organizes its resources and prioritizes its efforts. "We're determined to provide a meaningful analysis and helpful recommendations," said Dr. Ernie Hawk, director of the NCI Office of Centers, Training and Resources. "We are striving to work constructively and creatively, to include everyone with a stake in the issues, and to make the process as transparent as possible."

Application Receipt Dates: April 1, Aug. 1, and Dec. 1, 2006; April 1 and Aug. 1, 2007.

This is a renewal of PA-04-156. This funding opportunity will use the R43 and R44 award mechanisms. For more information see http://cri.nci.nih.gov/4abst.cfm?initiativeparfa_id=3296. Inquiries: Dr. Sharon Ross - sr75k@nih.gov; Connie Dresser - cd34b@nih.gov; Dr. Audie A. Atienza - atienzaa@mail.nih.gov.

Bioengineering Approaches to Energy Balance and Obesity (STTR [R41/R42])
PA-06-056

Application Receipt Dates: April 1, Aug. 1, and Dec. 1, 2006; April 1 and Aug. 1, 2007.

This is a renewal of PA-04-156. This funding opportunity will use the R41 and R42 award mechanisms. For more information see http://cri.nci.nih.gov/4abst.cfm?initiativeparfa_id=3297. Inquiries: Dr. Sharon Ross - sr75k@nih.gov; Connie Dresser - cd34b@nih.gov; Dr. Audie A. Atienza - atienzaa@mail.nih.gov.

Research on Social Work Practice and Concepts in Health (R01)
PA-06-081

Application Receipt Dates: March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2006; March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2007; March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2008.

This funding opportunity will use the R01 award mechanism. For more information see http://cri.nci.nih.gov/4abst.cfm?initiativeparfa_id=3298. Inquiries: Crystal Wolfrey - crystal.wolfrey@nih.gov.

Research on Social Work Practice and Concepts in Health (R03)
PA-06-082

Application Receipt Dates: March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2006; March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2007; March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2008.

This funding opportunity will use the R03 award mechanism. For more information see http://cri.nci.nih.gov/4abst.cfm?initiativeparfa_id=3299. Inquiries: Crystal Wolfrey - crystal.wolfrey@nih.gov.

Research on Social Work Practice and Concepts in Health (R21)
PA-06-083

Application Receipt Dates: March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2006; March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2007; March 1, July 1, and Nov. 1, 2008.

This funding opportunity will use the R21 award mechanism. For more information see http://cri.nci.nih.gov/4abst.cfm?initiativeparfa_id=3300. Inquiries: Crystal Wolfrey - crystal.wolfrey@nih.gov.

Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25)
PA-06-087

Application Receipt Dates: Feb. 1, June 1, and Oct. 1, 2006; Feb. 1, June 1, and Oct. 1, 2007; Feb. 1, June 1, and Oct. 1, 2008; Feb. 1, 2009.

This is a renewal of PA-02-127. This funding opportunity will use the K25 award mechanism. For more information see http://cri.nci.nih.gov/4abst.cfm?initiativeparfa_id=3302. Inquiries: Dr. David Eckstein - eckstein@mail.nih.gov