Programs and Activities Highlights
- BioGRID: Walkthrough
ORIP published a video walkthrough of the Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets (BioGRID) program in March 2024. BioGRID is an open-access public database that uses structured curation to capture protein, genetic, and chemical interaction data from model organisms and humans.
- Aquatic Models Fact Sheet
ORIP updated its Aquatic Models Fact Sheet with up-to-date information in March 2024. ORIP updated previous program numbers and ensured that current notice of funding opportunity due dates are accurate. This fact sheet is one of several fact sheets that are valuable resources for potential investigators to learn about ORIP, ORIP-supported resources, and programs.
- ORIP Director’s Blog
In a blog post published in March 2024, the ORIP director describes how ORIP supported critical research infrastructure and technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. ORIP staff evaluated and developed new management plans, preserved and maintained animal resources, continued research center operations to support biomedical communities, and built new resources for COVID-19 research. Overall, the pandemic illustrated the value of critical infrastructure and technology to readily support urgent, emerging, and sustained research needs.
- National Science Foundation Site Visit: Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers
An ORIP staff member participated in a site visit in November 2023 to evaluate the annual progress of a National Science Foundation (NSF)–supported Engineering Research Center (ERC). The ERC program supports high-risk, high-payoff research centers focused on advancing engineered systems technology and education through multidisciplinary, cross-sector partnerships.
- National Disease Research Interchange Board of Directors Meeting
ORIP presented at the National Disease Research Interchange Board of Directors Meeting, which was held on October 27, 2023. Additionally, ORIP participated in discussions on the Human Tissue and Organ Research Resource and provided insight on ORIP’s strategic directions. Attendance and presentation at the meeting provided a unique opportunity for program staff to promote more awareness about ORIP’s mission, resources, funding opportunities, and strategic goals.
Read more in the archive.
Collaborations with Other NIH Institutes/Centers/Offices
- Conferences Supported by ORIP and the Office of AIDS Research
The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) hosted the 40th Annual Symposium on Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Models for AIDS in October 2023. This symposium offered a key scientific forum for exchanging information and developing collaborations among HIV investigators using NHPs who presented and discussed their work in advancing translation of NHP studies into real-world prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. The HIV Vaccine Trials Network hosted its 7th Annual Translational HIV Vaccine Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) Conference in conjunction with this symposium. This conference provided keynote presentations, learning and skill-building opportunities on priority topics, professional development sessions on grant writing, funding opportunities for and challenges of doing NHP research, advice on working successfully with NIH program officials, information on managing research funding, and opportunities for ESIs to network and interact in translational HIV research. ORIP and the Office of AIDS Research supported these meetings through R13 awards.
- Planning Discussion for Human Tissue and Organ Research Resource (HTORR) U42 Notice of Funding Opportunity Reissue in Fall 2024
The HTORR Steering Committee met on August 30, 2023, to address issues planned for the fall meeting. Program staff from ORIP, NEI, NHLBI, NIAID, NIAMS, and NIDDK were represented. Consideration was given to reissue a program announcement and include open competition. Stronger language was recommended related to quality control and innovations. An external advisory committee in the notice of funding opportunity has been incorporated.
- Request for Information: Infrastructure for Research in Nonhuman Primates (NOT-OD-23-150)
ORIP and OAR were seeking information on capabilities of commercial organizations, nonprofit organizations, and universities to provide research resources necessary for the conduct of biomedical research in nonhuman primates (NHPs), as well as information on expectations for future needs for NHP resource expectations by the research community between July and September 2023.
- Genomics Research to Elucidate the Genetics of Rare diseases (GREGoR) Steering Committee Meeting
An ORIP staff member presented on pilot centers for precision animal models at the GREGoR Steering Committee Meeting, which was held on June 21, 2023. The U54 Pilot Center Program was introduced to the Steering Committee and members of the GREGoR consortium, which is aimed at increasing the proportion of Mendelian disorders with an identified genetic cause through enhanced data sharing; collaboration; and an increased focus on the application of new technologies, sequencing strategies, and analytical approaches.
- National Institute on Aging (NIA) Summer Retreat
Two ORIP program staff members presented to NIA leadership and other NIA staff a concept for a new initiative on June 5, 2023. The concept focuses on improving rigor and reproducibility of animal studies by addressing extrinsic factors.
Read more in the archive.
