BioSci researchers have free access to the UCI Center for Statistical Consulting

BioSci continues to support and invest funds in the Center for Statistical Consulting, allowing researchers in our school to use the Center’s services for free. The Center provides support to the campus community that covers all aspects of the statistical design, analysis, and interpretation of investigations in science and industry. Interested BioSci researchers can contact the Center or its director, Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie.

How to get elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

1. Become a AAAS member, if you aren’t already one.

2. Affiliate with up to 3 sections at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Options include Biological Sciences, Neurosciences, Atmospheric and Hydrological Sciences, Education, and 20 others.

3. Maintain a continuous AAAS membership for 4+ years to become eligible for nomination.

4. Get nominated through a section or the 3-fellows process.

   • Section nominations: Each section is given a quota for the maximum number of fellows they can nominate per year, and the quota is based on the number of primary members who affiliate with that section. The quota for Biological Sciences far exceeds 100 per year whereas the quota for History and Philosophy of Science is 4. Each section must nominate individuals who have 4+ years of continuous membership (with the exception that each section can nominate 1 person per year who doesn’t meet the 4-year requirement).

   • The 3-fellows process: If you have been a AAAS member for 4+ years and have credentials fitting of an honorary AAAS fellow, you can be nominated by 3 AAAS fellows in good standing. Follow the directions and verify that all sponsors are eligible to submit nomination materials. AAAS maintains a list of fellows online.  

5. AAAS Fellow nomination packets using the 3-fellows process are due on April 20, 2022. 

6. Wait 6 months for an outcome, while nomination materials get reviewed by AAAS staff, the section steering group, the council, and the board of directors.

March

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Seminar

Dr. Wilton is Lecturer in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Room 1114 Natural Sciences I

March

Anatomy and Neurobiology Seminar Series

Dr. Leutgeb is the Walter F. Heiligenberg Professor of Neuroethology Professor of Neurobiology in the Division of Biological Sciences Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind at the University of California, San Diego.

Updated NIH policy on instruction in the responsible conduct of research

NIH is updating its policy for instruction in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) that will affect current RCR plans beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year and new and renewal proposals beginning with the September 25, 2022 due date. The updated policy provides new recommendations on the format, frequency, and timing of RCR instruction. NIH requires an RCR plan as part of research training projects/proposals: research training, career development, research education, and dissertation research grants. This includes research grants that support graduate students and postdocs, such as R01s. You can find more information on this updated policy here.

NIH to update its policy on special review for well-supported investigators

NIH currently requires proposals from investigators who receive $1M or more in annual direct costs to undergo special review. The purpose of this special review is to determine if well-supported investigators should receive additional funding. Beginning with the FY 2022 May/June Council round, proposals from investigators with $2M or more in annual total costs will undergo special review. You can read the original policy here and the updated policy here.

SOM Office of Research Informational Webinar: Cancer Center Shared Resources

Dr. Melanie Oakes, Manager of the UCI Genomics High-Throughput Facility (GHTF), will discuss GHTF resources that are available to UCI researchers. Please click here to register for the webinar on Thursday, March 3 from 12 PM to 1 PM.

The mission of the GHTF is to bring emerging nucleic acid technologies to UCI and provide genome-wide analysis for clients interested in gene expression, regulation of gene expression, and genome sequence and variation. GHTF will introduce new technologies including spatial transcriptomics, single cell ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, digital PCR and bead arrays for genotyping and methylation.

CNLM High-Risk, High-Reward Pilot Program

The Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM) is accepting applications for one-year pilot project awards of up to $25,000. These awards will support high-risk, high-reward research projects that advance our understanding of learning and memory (and memory disorders). Projects should be interdisciplinary, collaborative, and in their early stages. Applications from early-stage investigators and new interdisciplinary collaborative teams will be prioritized. Investigators from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science are strongly encouraged to apply. Please click the link above for more information about the program and application requirements.

Due date: April 1, 2022

NIH Administrative Supplements to Recognize Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Mentorship

NIH is accepting applications for administrative supplements to existing awards of scientists who are outstanding mentors and who have demonstrated compelling commitments and contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the biomedical sciences. Supplements will provide up to $250,000 (direct costs), not to exceed the cost of the parent award, to grants supporting faculty members who have mentoring/mentorship as part of their existing awards and have demonstrated a commitment to outstanding mentorship and training, especially to those from underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences. The parent award must be active, and the research proposed in the supplement must be accomplished within the competitive segment. Please click here for more details on projects, eligibility, and proposal instructions.

Due date: April 7, 2022

A Comparison of FY 2020 and 2021

The total grant funding awarded to BioSci faculty per year in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 differed by only $100,000.

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Submit details about seminars and other research-related events on campus here. 

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If you’re a faculty member, postdoc, graduate student, or other researcher in the School of Biological Sciences and would like help with a grant submission, please email bio-research@uci.edu.

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