The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for a cooperative agreement to support the biennial ELSI Congress, a major event for the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Community. This conference will be held in 2026, 2028, and 2030, with each event expected to gather a multidisciplinary group of 300-400 attendees from national and international locations. The primary aims are to facilitate the presentation of ELSI research findings, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and support the professional development of trainees and early career researchers. This event will provide a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual access to enhance accessibility, allowing for broader participation by those unable to attend in person.

The awarded organization will be responsible for venue selection, program planning, publicizing the event, organizing travel for speakers, and managing registration and AV needs. The recipient will collaborate closely with NHGRI to form an inclusive Organizing Committee that ensures diverse representation, including trainees, individuals with disabilities, and international researchers. The committee will set thematic areas, invite plenary speakers, and oversee the peer review of abstracts and travel grant applications, particularly those from trainees or researchers from resource-limited institutions or low- and middle-income countries. Accessibility for all attendees, including those with disabilities, is emphasized with strategies for accessible presentations and virtual participation.

Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, government entities, and other organizations such as independent school districts, public housing authorities, and tribal organizations. Foreign organizations are not eligible, but foreign components within U.S.-based organizations are permitted. A single award is anticipated, with a maximum annual budget of $350,000 during the years in which the ELSI Congress will be held. The project duration is up to five years. A permission-to-submit letter from an NIH Institute or Center contact is required, and applicants must complete mandatory registrations through systems like SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons before submission.

Applications should include a detailed Diversity Plan, describing how the conference will broaden participation among underrepresented groups. A Dissemination Plan is also required to explain how research findings from the Congress will be shared, with suggestions for publicly accessible platforms or a special journal issue. Proposals must detail a strategy for allowing seamless engagement for virtual attendees, family care resources, and plans for conference assessment and iterative improvement. Compliance with NIH’s standards on non-discrimination, harassment prevention, and accessibility is essential, and the recipient will be required to develop a Safety Plan addressing these issues.

Applications will be evaluated based on their significance to ELSI research, the qualifications of key personnel, the inclusivity and diversity of the organizing committee, and the robustness of the plans for participant engagement and accessibility. NIH reviewers will also consider the applicant's dissemination and diversity strategies, as well as the project's feasibility and potential impact on advancing ELSI research. Submission of the application is due by November 19, 2024, with the scientific review scheduled for March 2025 and an earliest start date in July 2025.

This cooperative agreement represents NIH's commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and accessible conference environments. Selected proposals must demonstrate rigorous plans for inclusivity and accessibility, alignment with ELSI research priorities, and compliance with NIH’s nondiscrimination policies. The process for evaluation involves an initial scientific review by NHGRI’s review committee, followed by further assessment based on funding availability and program relevance.