While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not a new illness, it has become more widely diagnosed. People with this illness suffer from extreme fatigue to the point of life being completely debilitated. Because the number of people now getting a firm diagnosis, it has become apparent to the Department of Education in coordination with the Department of Environment, Department of Health, and Income Security and Social Services that more in-depth research is needed on all levels to identify the underlying cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as effective treatment options.
The grant number PA-08-247, eligible applicants are invited to apply. The current closing date for the $200,000 award funds is September 07, 2011. In addition to this grant, others with similar focus are also open for eligible applicants to include the following:
• 93.113 – Environmental Health
• 93.114 – Applied Toxicological Research and Testing
• 93.115 – Biometry and Risk Estimation Health Risks from Environmental Exposures
• 93.121 – Oral Diseases and Disorders Research
• 93.213 – Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• 93.273 – Alcohol Research Programs
• 93.361 – Nursing Research
• 93.846 – Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research
• 93.853 – Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
• 93.855 – Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation Research
• 93.856 – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research
• 93.865 – Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research
• 93.866 – Aging Research
For the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Pathophysiology and Treatment (R21) grant, certain people, and groups are eligible to apply. Those from whom applications would be accepted are:
• Governments
• State
• County
• City/Township
o Special District
o Native American Tribal (Federally and Non-Federally Recognized)
• Independent School Districts
• Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
• Public and Indian Housing Authorities
• Non-Profit Organizations with and without a 501(c)(3) Status with the IRS (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
• Private Institutions of Higher Education
• For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)
• Small Businesses
• Miscellaneous Applicants
• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
• Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
• Faith or Community-Based Organizations
• Hispanic-Serving Institutions
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Non-Federally Recognized)
• Non-Domestic (Non-US) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
• Regional Organizations
• Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
• US Territory or Possession
The primary purpose of this grant is to encourage investigators and to initiate applications whereby the etiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would be examined at a more in-depth level. This illness, also called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis affects a wide variety of people of different genders, ages, and lifestyles, making it a challenge to understand.
Some of the applications that look at gaps in the understanding and connection of biological and environmental risk factors associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome need to be analyzed and addressed. In addition, determinants of heterogeneity of the groups of patients with this illness, as well as the shared mechanisms that influence a number of organs and systems within the body that are triggered or affected by people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also need to be researched and understood.
Although a number of areas are focused on with this grant, the main interest has to do with interdisciplinary research. The anticipation coming out of this research is that ultimately, expert’s knowledge of this particular disease process would be expounded on and enhanced. This along with evidence-based solutions whereby treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome could be improved is a key component of the grant as a means of improving the diagnosis and treatment for this illness so patients would be able to enjoy a better quality of life.
As mentioned, this particular grant runs parallel to many others, which would allow research to be delved into for a variety of areas. That way, all potential triggers could be identified and others ruled out. However, since the scope and nature of this type of research is going to vary for each application, the actual size and duration of each award would also be different. In fact, the total amount and number of awards funded and given out would depend on several factors such as mechanism, quality, duration, numbers, and cost for the grant applications received.
Since no paper applications will be considered, eligible applicants are required to submit the application electronically. The specific guidelines to apply for the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Pathophysiology and Treatment R21 grant, application rules can be found at www.grants.gov/apply. However, prior to completing the application process, applicants would be required to register a minimum of four weeks prior, according to Section IV.
