Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Research on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Risks for Abuse and Injury Among Vulnerable Children and Youth

Valerie Maholmes, PhD, CAS
301.496.1514
maholmev@mail.nih.gov

This opportunity is a Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) to fund research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and risks for abuse and injury among vulnerable children and youth. Emphasis is placed on disparity populations related to abuse and neglect prior to the pandemic, as well as populations that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus. Disparity populations include American Indians, Alaska Natives, LGBT youth, and children seen at rural emergency departments.

Research questions and topics of interest include:

• To what extent have rates and patterns of child abuse and abuse related injuries been affected by the current pandemic? What is the impact on treatment and care?
• What psychosocial issues compound the experience of abuse or neglect in children and youth in the context of the pandemic? What are the short- and long- term consequences of experiencing abuse and/or neglect in the context of the pandemic?
• To what extent have disparities in child abuse identification, screening and care deepened or become more pronounced as a result of the pandemic? What are the short- and long- term implications for disparity populations?
• What data sources, tools, and resources are needed to strengthen reporting and communication among systems of care during and after the current pandemic?
• Novel projects designed to improve short and long-term health outcomes for pediatric trauma patients including such complementary issues as family functioning and systems engagement
• Research resources and innovative approaches to improve screening, evaluation, and diagnosis of abuse or neglect related injury and illness in children during and after the pandemic including the use of biomarkers, imaging, and biomechanics
• Studies identifying lessons learned to address gaps and challenges in treatment and care of vulnerable children and youth for new and emerging disasters/crises

Confirm eligibility with the specific NIH announcement.

Eligible applicants for most NIH opportunities include:

• Higher education institutions
  • Public/state controlled institutions
  • Private institutions
• Nonprofit organizations
  • With 501(c)(3) status
  • Without 501(c)(3) status
  • Native American tribal organizations
  • Faith-based or community-based organizations
  • Regional organizations
• Governments
  • State
  • County
  • City or township
  • Special districts
  • Federally recognized Indian/Native American tribal governments
  • Indian/Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized)
  • Eligible agencies of the federal government
  • U.S. territory or possession
• Other
  • Independent school districts
  • Public housing authorities
  • Indian housing authorities
  • Non-domestic entities and non-domestic components of U.S. entities
  • Small businesses
  • For-profit organizations

Award amounts vary based upon the NIH announcement the applicant chooses to apply.

This is a NOSI that is attached to related NIH announcements:

• PA-20-185 – NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed
• PA-20-183 – NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Required)
• PA-20-200 – NIH Small Research Grant Program (Parent R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
• PA-21-221 – NICHD Small Research Grant Program (R03 Clinical Trial Required)
• PA-21-231 – NICHD Small Research Grant Program (R03 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
• PA-20-195 – NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
• PA-21-194 – NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required)
• PA-21-196 – NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

Applicants should submit proposals to the related announcement and indicate that it is a response to the NOSI.

The NOSI applies to due dates on or after June 5, 2019 and subsequent receipt dates through May 31, 2024.