In the first major reorganization of NIGMS since 1994, we have just established two new divisions that bring together existing NIGMS programs with programs transferred to NIGMS from the former National Center for Research Resources (NCRR). These changes give us the opportunity to create synergies and strengthen efforts in areas that are central to our mission.
The Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (TWD) merges NIGMS research training programs with activities that were previously in the Institute’s Division of Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE). It also houses the Institutional Development Award program from NCRR. Our decision to create this division was informed by input we received from many stakeholders, and it responds to key goals and recommendations of our strategic plans. Its director is Clif Poodry, who formerly directed the MORE Division.
The Division of Biomedical Technology, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology (BBCB) combines programs of our Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB) with biomedical technology programs from NCRR. Karin Remington, who previously directed CBCB, is the director of this new division.
You might be wondering what the reorganization will mean for your current or future funding. The amount of money allocated to programs in the new divisions will not change as a result of the reorganization or the transfer of NCRR programs to NIGMS. The review of applications will stay the same, too, as will most of the staff who manage the grants and review the applications.
Our current organizational chart shows all six NIGMS divisions, including the two new ones.
I’ve been at NIGMS for many years—first as a program director, then as a division director and twice as acting Institute director. One of the things I like best about all these jobs is having a bird’s-eye view of the rapid evolution of science. The reorganization that is taking place at NIGMS reflects this evolution and, I expect, will enable NIGMS to further enhance the pace of science.
The “Contacts by Research Area” page does not yet list a contact for the newly-acquired Biomedical Technology component. Has the person to be in charge of this been identified? Who is to be the contact person?
Most of the grant assignments are not changing. For now, please contact the same person you contacted before. Here is the list of the NCRR program, review and grants management staff who are transferring to NIGMS:
Biomedical Technology program: Fred Friedman, Doug Sheeley, Amy Swain, Mary Wu
IDeA program: Sheila Caldwell, Yanping Liu, Maria Canto, Sidney McNairy, Fred Taylor, Regine Douthard, Raphael Gorospe
Scientific review: Steven Birken, Lee Slice
Grants management: Claudette Grubelich, Christy Leake, Courtney Tardd-Wright
We look forward to working with you on our NARCH projects.
Thank you for this update,
Susan Karol, MD, FACS
Chief Medical Officer
Indian Health Service