The NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is inviting applications for the Urology Centers Program Interactions Core (U24), a central coordinating component within the George M. O’Brien Urology Research Centers (U54) and the FORWARD (P20) Centers. This initiative, under the CAIRIBU (Collaborating for the Advancement of Interdisciplinary Research in Benign Urology) Program, aims to enhance collaboration and information sharing across the Centers and with the broader urology research and clinical community. The Interactions Core will facilitate research in benign urology and interdisciplinary communication, training, and career development, particularly benefiting early-stage researchers and promoting the inclusion of new scientific expertise.

The Interactions Core will support collaboration among the U54 and P20 Centers, the KURe (NIDDK Urologic Research) and UroEpi (Urological Epidemiology) K12 training programs, and the wider urology community. Specific goals include fostering broad research collaborations, expanding interdisciplinary engagement, providing educational opportunities, and enhancing resource sharing. Core activities should include supporting the annual CAIRIBU meeting, developing a central CAIRIBU website and social media presence, and creating opportunities for trainee engagement. The Core will also manage the CAIRIBU Opportunity Pool Program, awarding up to $500,000 annually to encourage research among early-career investigators and those new to urology. Additionally, a Professional Development and Travel Award Program will support investigator exchanges, sabbaticals, and attendance at scientific meetings.

Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal entities, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and other eligible entities. However, non-U.S. institutions and entities with non-domestic components are ineligible. The Interactions Core Director (or a Co-Director in the case of multiple PIs) must have demonstrated leadership in urological research, administration, and team-building within the field. Directors may not concurrently serve as directors for other NIDDK-funded centers or programs to ensure focus and commitment to the Interactions Core.

The budget for the Interactions Core may request up to $500,000 in direct costs annually, with an additional $500,000 for Opportunity Pool Program activities and travel/professional development awards. The Core will be funded through a cooperative agreement, meaning the NIH will have substantial involvement in coordinating and monitoring Core activities. The maximum project duration is five years, with funding contingent on the scope of the proposed work.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and comply with all NIH application guidelines. Key dates include the opening submission date of October 21, 2024, with applications due by November 21, 2024. A letter of intent, though not required, is encouraged by October 21, 2024, to assist NIH staff with workload planning. Applications will be evaluated on the merit of their proposed collaborative and resource-sharing strategies, the qualifications and team-building history of the PD/PIs, the innovation in coordination and outreach efforts, and their budget justification. Reviews will consider scientific impact, resource-sharing plans, and alignment with NIH program priorities.

The Interactions Core’s activities are expected to catalyze advances in non-cancer urologic research, providing essential support for interdisciplinary teams while fostering an environment for emerging urology researchers. Applications should demonstrate robust plans for communication and training and offer an infrastructure that promotes the NIDDK’s mission to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in benign urology research.