This program invites applications to participate as the Administrative Coordinating Center (ACC) for the NHLBI Cardiovascular Development Consortium (CvDC) (RFA-HL-15-013 ) and the NHLBI Pediatric Cardiac Genomics Consortium (PCGC) (RFA-HL-15-012 ). These consortia compose a NHLBI translational program in pediatric cardiovascular disease called the Bench to Bassinet Program (B2B). The B2B was launched by the NHLBI in 2009 as a novel approach to break through the major barriers of translational research, identify the causes of human congenital heart disease, and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with congenital heart disease. The B2B strategy is to accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into clinical practice through collaborations of basic, translational, and clinical researchers. The consortia interact with each other, and with the NHLBI Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) to encourage translation of results from basic science to clinical research, and to provide clinical input on pressing needs for basic and translational research.
The goal of the CvDC (RFA-HL-15-013 ) is to generate and disseminate comprehensive data about the molecular networks that regulate cardiovascular development. The CvDC will build on the current robust body of knowledge about the underlying mechanisms controlling cardiovascular development by facilitating the collaborative use of powerful new technologies and the adoption of common methods of data collection, integration, and analysis. The CvDC will comprise of up to four Research Centers (RCs). Scientific activities will include single-center projects and coordinated development and implementation of multi-center collaborative projects.
The PCGC (RFA-HL-15-012 ) aims to harness new genetic technologies and resources to move toward a comprehensive understanding of the genetics and genomics of congenital heart disease in humans. Another important goal of the PCGC is to understand how genetic variants affect clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The PCGC will perform coordinated patient recruitment and phenotyping at up to five RCs utilizing common protocols. Scientific activities will include coordinated development and implementation of multi-center collaborative projects. At least one project will focus on the neurodevelopmental aspects of congenital heart disease.
Eligible applicants include:
Letters of Intent must be submitted by February 17, 2015. A Letter of Intent is not required and it is not binding.
Applications must be submitted March 17, 2015 by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.