Research Project Award proposals are categorized by TRDRP into Primary and Complimentary areas of study. Proposals in the Primary areas have a distinct advantage in the funding process. Funding mechanisms other than Research Project Awards (i.e., career development awards, IDEAs, and collaborative research awards) may address all areas of tobacco use and tobacco-related disease.
PRIMARY AREAS
The Primary areas encompass the following seven topics that TRDRP identified through the strategic planning process described on page 4 as important health problems or scientific issues. Some factors that went into selecting the Primary areas below include: maintaining a broad scientific portfolio; identifying questions that have been historically understudied; targeting issues that are of particular concern for Californians; focusing on tobacco-related diseases that demand urgent attention; and highlighting areas with limited funding from other tobacco research funders. The Primary areas encompass the following seven topics:
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease
Mechanisms by which tobacco use promotes development or complications of cardiovascular disease and stroke, e.g., by pathologic effects on vascular function, inflammation, oxidation, thrombosis or metabolism.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Inception and pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis and emphysema (collectively referred to as "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" or COPD); the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying differences in COPD susceptibility and progression, including differences between genders; and research on more effective diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Development of Nicotine Dependence Treatments
Disrupting the nicotine reward mechanism; understanding and developing treatments that can block the uptake of nicotine, either through desensitizing or "vaccinating" tobacco users; and animal or human studies to elucidate interventions that can break the causal chain in nicotine addiction and lead to more effective treatments for nicotine addiction and smoking cessation.
Lung Cancer
Etiology and pathogenesis; molecular markers of susceptibility, inception, and progression; state-of-the-art methods for early detection and screening; novel and innovative treatments, particularly molecular-targeted therapies and pharmacogenomics; and chemoprevention.
Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use and Tobacco-Related Health Disparities in California's Diverse Populations
Prevention and cessation of tobacco use in racial and ethnic groups, youth and young adults, women and girls, low SES and rural populations, and the LGBT community; detection, diagnosis, and treatment of tobacco-related disease in these under-researched populations; the differential distribution of tobacco-related cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and cancer in these under-researched populations; traditions, habits and patterns of tobacco use or other environmental or genetic variables in these under-researched populations.
Public Policy and Economics of Tobacco Use
The effectiveness of public policies and programs for tobacco control, including their economic impact, especially among California's diverse populations; the role of anti- and pro-tobacco forces and activities in shaping and affecting California's tobacco control policies, including new strategies employed by the tobacco industry to maintain its political and commercial influence in California; and studies of approaches to enhance the effectiveness of tobacco control efforts in California.
Secondhand Smoke and Outdoor Tobacco Smoke
Assessment of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS), especially measures or models of exposure to SHS/OTS in non-laboratory settings (e.g., residences such as apartments or houses, outdoor dining areas, and buildings' entrances and ventilation areas); the relationship of exposure to SHS/OTS and tobacco-related disease or reproductive health effects; and program interventions, public policy, and economic studies studies designed to minimize or eliminate SHS/OTS.
COMPLEMENTARY AREAS
Research areas not listed under Primary Areas that are relevant to TRDRP's mission will be categorized as Complementary. The Scientific Advisory Committee will recommend funding of proposals in the Complementary areas only after they have recommended proposals in the Primary areas. Thus, a more stringent payline will be used in the Complementary areas than in the Primary areas. In other words, TRDRP expects to fund a smaller percentage of applications in the Complementary areas than in the Primary areas. TRDRP has not set a priori amounts to be allocated to the Primary and Complementary areas.
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