The following description was taken from the R01 version of the FOA.
The main objective of this initiative is to fill gaps in our knowledge of the transition period from childhood to adulthood, and to elucidate trajectories of progression towards adult reproductive function. Investigation of various aspects of adolescent health concurrently and over time, in the context of socioeconomic, geographic or cultural influences will inform understanding of adolescent health and disease. Use of existing cohorts such as Add Health may facilitate the establishment of comprehensive normative data. Rather than having a narrow focus, an integrated comprehensive longitudinal approach is encouraged.
New scientific tools and methodologies, including smart phones, internet apps, exercise and sleep monitoring devices, validated hormonal assays including mass spectrometry for androgen levels, improved imaging and ultrasound technology among others, are available to enable more precise research on the pubertal transition. The availability of these tools will enhance the quality and comprehensiveness of data that can be collected and assessed.
Research topics that may be addressed in response to this FOA include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Investigation of menstrual cycle characteristics such as bleeding, pain, menstrual irregularity during the peripubertal transition in relationship to development of future reproductive and gynecologic diseases and disorders to establish normal ranges across the age spectrum and across populations.
- Longitudinal assessment of gender-based norms of pubertal progression and sexual development in adolescent and young adults by age and trajectory in of various ethnic and racial groups and in different populations.
- Characterization of the pattern, timing, level and trajectory of reproductive biomarkers through the adolescent transition to adulthood from age 9-18, including normal ranges for different ethnic groups and age ranges in males and females.
- Accurate and precise characterization of normal and abnormal anatomic, morphologic and biochemical characteristics across adolescence with regard to age, ethnicity and race.
- Effects of lifestyle factors such as obesity, stress, sleep, environmental pollutants, smoking, drugs and alcohol on pubertal progression.
Information and data collected from people aged 19 and above via retrospective recall is not within scope of this FOA. Similarly, longitudinal rather than cross-sectional approaches are preferred.
Deadlines: standard dates apply
URLs:
- R01 – http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-16-314.html
- R03 – http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-16-316.html
- R21 – http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-16-315.html
Filed Under: Funding Opportunities