Sunday, May 11, 2025
5/11/2025
Technology Development Coordinating Center - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The NHGRI Genome Technology Program (GTP) encompasses a substantial diversity of scientific approaches and objectives, from instrumentation development to high-throughput application of technologies for characterizing the genomic basis for phenotypic traits. These research efforts have produced significant insight into biology and disease, and yet there are many opportunities to accelerate innovation, development, and early dissemination of genomic technologies. The goal of the Technology Development Coordinating Center (TDCC) is to maximize these opportunities by promoting interaction among grantees, supporting innovative new ideas through pilot funding, and aiding in the dissemination of research results and new technologies to the broader scientific community. The TDCC will focus on three primary areas, aligned with these goals: 1) Support information exchange across the GTP leading to cross-fertilization of ideas. We will build on established Scientific Working Groups (SWG) that provide a venue for discussion of work in progress and collaboration on areas of shared interested and by hosting the annual program meeting Advances in Genomic Technology Development (AGTD). We will also work with the Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS) each year to host the annual CEGS program meeting, providing logistical support and programmatic continuity, while encouraging evolution of the format based on the location and host priorities. We will use the SWGs to identify gaps in the field that will provide the foundation for solicitation of Opportunity Funds. 2) Establish and manage an Opportunity Funds program to support initial development of promising new technologies and ideas or to enhance dissemination of new technologies. Peer review will be conducted by an External Review Panel of experts representing the breadth of fields of the GTP. 3) Implement outreach activities to improve awareness of GTP successes and facilitate access to GTP research by the broader scientific community. Outreach activities will be a combination of online/webinar format, focused video productions, and in-person meetings that incorporate interactive components. We will incorporate input on content and format from other NIH programs. A targeted effort will be made to expose underrepresented and underserved populations in science to the advances and importance of the GTP through coordination with the NHGRI Diversity Centers for Genome Research and other contacts in minority-serving institutions. The annual and SWG meetings will provide opportunities for trainee engagement and contribution. Leveraging the experience of the large number of SBIR award recipients who are TDCC participants, we will focus on issues related to commercialization of new technologies providing researchers with information and perspective on how to expand access to new methods beyond the developers' labs. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is well qualified to serve as the TDCC, bringing together broad expertise in genomics, extensive experience in consortium management and conference development, and established relationships with NHGRI grantees.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).