dkNET community events and announcements in April, 2022

Dear dkNET Community,

dkNET provides updates on activities of interest to the NIDDK-supported community. You could keep up to date on these activities through our Twitter feed @dkNET_info, through our Community Calendar, or through dkNET e-mail list. If you have an event or funding opportunities you'd like to advertise, please contact us info_at_dknet.org.

dkNET News

• For those who attend EB2022 in Philadelphia, thanks for stopping by our booth #1130 and presentations! It was our plesure to meet so many great scientists! We hope you all enjoyed the meeting! For those who did not have chance to stop by our booth and presentations, you can still check our virtual booth information and poster presentation at EB2022 platform until May, 5, 2022 to learn about our newest services and tools, student summer program & funding opportunities! Learn more about our EB presentations: https://dknet.org/about/blog/2423 . 

• Join dkNET Upcoming dkNET New Investigator Pilot Program in Bioinformatics Awardee Webinar Series(1) “Beta Cell Biology In Space And Time,” presented by Dr. Rafael Arrojo e Drigo on April 8, 2022, 11 am-12 pm PT. (2) “Machine Learning to Analyze Pancreas Imaging in Diabetes,” is being presented by Dr. Jack Virostko on April 22, 2022, 11 am-12 pm PT.  Learn more: https://dknet.org/about/webinar 

• Recordings and Slides are Now Available for the dkNET webinars (1)  “Uncovering Novel Mediators and Mechanisms of Leptin Action,” presented by Dr. Alan Rupp on February 25, 2022: Recording; Slides. (2) “The Pediatric Obesity Metabolome And Microbiome Study (POMMS),” presented by Drs. John F. Rawls and Jessica R. McCann on March 11, 2022: Recording.

• The 2022 dkNET Summer of Data Student Program: Are you a student or do you know of students in an NIDDK-related research lab? Be sure to spread the word on this summer program and scholarship opportunity! dkNET Summer of Data Student Program is a 6-week opportunity for students (high school to Masters/ PhD graduate) to learn rigor and reproducibility practices, FAIR data management, & dkNET resources for experimentation! This program requires that students are involved with an NIDDK-related research lab during summer 2022. dkNET offers limited scholarships to student applicants. Application due date: April 18, 2022.

• New Resources Added to dkNET
• Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Resource Consortium (RRID:SCR_022033) is a consortium that develops and shares investigative resources, reagents, and expertise with the broader research community to accelerate innovation and discovery in the field of polycystic kidney disease. It provides assistance with protocols and troubleshooting and funding opportunities.

Events in April 2022

Apr. 01, 2022

Registration Deadline: NIDDK BPH and Male LUTS: Intersection between Pathology and Disease

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects 50% of men over age 50. Ninety percent of men over age 80 become affected. Often men with BPH present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and first-line treatment of such symptoms include medical management with 5a-reductase inhibitors to reduce prostate size and a -blockers to relax the urinary sphincter. Surgical therapies to resect the prostate can also be effective. However, many men do not find symptom relief from these prostate-targeted treatments and prostate size is often not correlated with severity of urinary symptoms. This raises the question as to whether male LUTS and BPH are syndromic or whether we should re-examine male LUTS within the framework of separating prostate pathology from bladder pathology. Over the last several years, new insights have emerged regarding the etiology of BPH, as well as the etiology of bladder dysfunction. There have also been significant advances in our understanding of the biology of aging, primarily from model systems. Given these advances, it is an opportune time to incorporate these data into a new understanding of BPH etiology and how prostate pathology relates to male LUTS.

Meeting: March 30 - April 1, 2022

Location:  Bethesda, MD, USA

More Information: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/news/meetings-workshops/2022/male-luts-prostate-workshop

Apr. 01, 2022

Trainee Application Due: NIDDK Workshop: The Social Component of Diabetes Health Disparities

The NIDDK is conducting a workshop titled “The social component of diabetes health disparities: new directions in analyses and interventions through social networks and structures”, to be held on May 19-20, 2022. The workshop will cover social influences in diabetes prevention, management and disparities broadly and, especially, how social network analyses may enhance understanding and interventions in these areas. We are currently accepting applications for fully-funded participation from trainees (e.g., student, resident, fellow, postdoctoral researcher, 1st/2nd year faculty) who are interested in this topic.

Meeting Dates: May 19-20, 2022

Registration Deadline: May 15, 2022

Location:  Bethesda, MD, USA

More Information: https://dknet.org/about/dknetnews/2421

Apr. 02-05, 2022

Experimental Biology 2022 *Meet the dkNET Team at booth#1130, poster and oral presentations! 

Experimental Biology (EB) is the annual meeting of five societies that explores the latest research in anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology, investigative pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. Participants represent scientists from academic institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and industry.

The meeting features plenary lectures, workshops, symposia, posters presentations, on-site career services and exhibits spotlighting products and services integral to this professional community.

Location: Philadelphia, PA

More Information: https://www.experimentalbiology.org/

Apr. 04, 2022 

Abstract Submission Due: European Islet Study Group Workshop

The aim of this Islet Study Group workshop is to encourage research on diabetes and support the rapid diffusion of acquired knowledge in the specific fields of the development of the pancreas and the beta cell, the function of the Langerhans islet, the regeneration of islet cells and the dangerous links between islets of Langerhans and diabetes. Talks will be held face-to-face as well as online.

Slots are available for short talks. A poster session (face-to-face only) is also included in the programme.

Meeting dates: June 13th, 14th and 15th, 2022

Registration & Payment Deadline: May 13, 2022

Abstract Submission Deadline: April 4, 2022

Location: Strasbourg, France and virtually

More Information: https://eisg.sciencesconf.org/

Apr. 06-07, 2022 

NIDDK Webinar: New PI Workshop

The purpose of this meeting is to provide first-time NIDDK R01 investigators with the information they will need to be successful in securing continued support for their research programs at a very critical juncture in their career. The meeting also will provide a networking forum for the new investigators to interact with NIDDK program and review staff and with each other. An abstract book will be provided to encourage networking among attendees and to provide easy access to NIDDK staff contact information.

More Information: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/news/meetings-workshops/2022/new-pi-workshop

Apr. 08, 2022 

DRTC Virtual Seminar Series

DRTC Friday Seminar Series: virtual webinar on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 12:00pm CST (10:00am PST)

Speaker: Benoit Gauthier, PhD, Charles Darwin University

More Information: https://www.vumc.org/vdrc/drtc-friday-seminar-series

Apr. 11, 2022 

Abstract Submission Due: PKD Connect Conference

The PKD Connect Conference (PKDCON) is an annual event that brings together every part of the PKD community—from patients and caregivers to researchers and physicians—to provide education, research updates, resources, and networking opportunities.

Virtual and free to attend this year, PKDCON 2022 will provide a rich educational experience, meaningful interactions with other participants, and engaging Q&A sessions with faculty. Join us for our second virtual conference June 24 – 25.

Conference dates: June 24-25, 2022

Abstract Deadline: April 11, 2022

More Information: https://pkdcure.org/conference/

Apr. 12, 2022 

LIPIDMAPS Webinar: "How many lipids are unknown? Large scale lipidomics cloud-based data processing with LC-Binbase"

Prof. Oliver Fiehn has pioneered developments and applications in metabolomics with over 400 publications to date, starting in 1998 as postdoctoral scholar and from 2000 onwards as group leader at the Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany.

Presented by: Professor Oliver Fiehn

Tune into this webinar on April 12th, 2022

5pm BST | 9am PDT | 12pm EDT

Register at link below.

More Information: https://www.lipidmaps.org/resources/webinars/21

Apr. 14, 2022 

Explore the Lipidome Part II

Explore the Lipidome is a three-part webinar series focused on lipidomics research hosted by Avanti Polar Lipids. The second part of the series will feature Dr. Federico Torta, National University of Singapore. Join us as we explore the world of lipidomics!

Date: Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 06:00-07:00AM EST (03:00-04:00AM PST)

Speaker(s): Federico Tesio Torta

More Information: https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServletV2?target=reg20V2.jsp&eventid=3499471&sessionid=1&key=1FCA647822770A85864F3CB2631AA4FC&groupId=3319607&partnerref=sphingobiowebinars&sourcepage=register

Apr. 15, 2022 

DRTC Friday Seminar Series

DRTC Friday Seminar Series: virtual webinar on Friday, April 15, 2022 at 12:00pm CST (10:00am PST)

Speaker: Mike Czech, PhD, U Mass  

More Information: https://www.vumc.org/vdrc/drtc-friday-seminar-series

Apr. 18, 2022 

Application Due: 2022 dkNET Summer of Data Student Program

The Summer of Data program provides students the opportunity to learn data management, FAIR data and rigor and reproducibility skills while performing their research.  It is a 6 week virtual summer program where students engage in weekly sessions with dkNET staff and associates to learn about how to use dkNET and other tools to support their research, while engaging in research projects within their labs.  A $1000 stipend is provided. 

Project Duration: June 13 to July 22, 2022

Application Due Date: April 18, 2022 [application should be submitted before April 18, 2022 11:59 pm PDT]

More Information: https://dknet.org//about/Summer-Internship

Apr. 20-22, 2022 

NIDDK Network of Minority Health Research Investigators (NMRI) Annual Meeting

The success of the NMRI, a network that is “owned” by its members and supported by the NIDDK, begins with the dedication of senior investigators who mentor and serve as role models for junior investigators. The participation of active members and the recruitment of new members is a primary reason for the Network’s success in the past and the reason for confidence that it will continue to grow in the future.

Registration Deadline: March 28, 2022

Meeting Dates: April 20-22, 2022

More Information: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/news/meetings-workshops/2022/nmri-annual-meeting-2022

Apr. 22, 2022 

DRTC Friday Seminar Series

DRTC Friday Seminar Series: "TBD" virtual webinar on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 12:00pm CST (10:00am PST)

Speaker: Danielle Dean, PhD, Vanderbilt University   

More Information: https://www.vumc.org/vdrc/drtc-friday-seminar-series

Apr. 22, 2022 

dkNET Webinar: Machine Learning to Analyze Pancreas Imaging in Diabetes

Join dkNET Webinar on Friday, Apr. 22, 2022, 11 am - 12 pm PDT

dkNET New Investigator Pilot Program in Bioinformatics Awardee Webinar Series: "Machine Learning to Analyze Pancreas Imaging in Diabetes"

Presenter: Jack Virostko, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Medicine, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin; Appointments in Oncology, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes

Abstract

The pancreas is smaller in individuals with diabetes and those at risk for developing the disease. Furthermore, quantitative measures of pancreas morphology and composition are altered in individuals with diabetes and display longitudinal changes accompanying disease progression. This talk will introduce MRI techniques for interrogating the pancreas. I will also demonstrate how machine learning may improve our understanding of pancreas changes in individuals with diabetes.

More Information: https://dknet.org/about/blog/2431

Apr. 27, 2022 

dkNET Webinar: T Cell Antigen Discovery: Experimental and Computational Approaches

Co-Hosted with Human Islet Research Network (HIRN)

Join dkNET Webinar on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 9 am - 10 am PDT

dkNET New Investigator Pilot Program in Bioinformatics Awardee Webinar Series - Co-Hosted with Human Islet Research Network (HIRN)

Presenter: Alok V. Joglekar, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Center for Systems Immunology and Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Abstract

T cells are key players in many autoimmune diseases including Type 1 Diabetes. T cell responses are highly antigen specific by virtue of their T cell receptors (TCRs), that recognize epitopes on target cells. The enormous diversity of TCRs in an immune response poses a challenge in studying them, particularly regarding their antigenic specificity. Several experimental approaches have been developed to identify T cell specificities, with a recent surge in cell-based assays. More recently, computational approaches to predict T cell specificity are being developed and show great promise. This webinar will provide an overview of the experimental and computational approaches to identify T cell antigens. Furthermore, we will highlight the research performed in the Joglekar lab towards applying these approaches for auto-antigen discovery in Type 1 Diabetes. Finally, we will project what the future of these approaches may be, particularly for studying autoimmune diseases.

More Information: https://dknet.org/about/webinar

Apr. 29, 2022 

DRTC Friday Seminar Series

DRTC Friday Seminar Series: "TBD" virtual webinar on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 12:00pm CST (10:00am PST)

Speaker: Rolanda Lister, MD, Vanderbilt University   

More Information: https://www.vumc.org/vdrc/drtc-friday-seminar-series

Apr. 30, 2022

Poster Abstract Submission and Registration Due: Microphysiological Systems (MPS) World Summit

The Microphysiological Systems (MPS) World Summit brings together a global audience, including institutions (government, health foundations, charities), the academic research community (universities, research institutes), environmental and human toxicity researchers, the industries (pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical, and others), medical centers and practitioners, patient associations, and policymakers and testing centers in a series of global conferences to create a roadmap for MPS technologies. This will be the first step in establishing an international MPS society.

Conference Dates: May 30 - June 3, 2022

Late Breakout Abstract Submission (POSTERS ONLY) Deadline Extended: April 30, 2022 11:59pm PST Conference Registration Open until April 30th, 2022 11:59pm PST

Location: New Orleans, LA, USA

More Information: https://mpsworldsummit.com/

Funding Opportunities Information and Deadlines in April 2022

Apr. 04, 2022 

NIH Funding Opportunity Application Due: Innovations for Healthy Living - Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R43/R44 - Clinical Trial Optional)

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) to submit Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications that propose to develop a product, process or service for commercialization with the aim of improving minority health and/or reducing and ultimately eliminating health disparities in one or more NIH-defined population groups who experience health disparities. Appropriate technologies should be effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable.

More Information: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-md-22-004.html

Apr. 07, 2022 

NIH Funding Opportunity Application Due: Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Administrative Supplements to Recognize Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Mentorship

The participating Institutes and Centers (ICs) are inviting applications to support administrative supplements to existing awards of scientists who are outstanding mentors and who have demonstrated compelling commitments and contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the biomedical sciences. Excellent mentorship and superior training are critical to the development of exceptional future scientists. This administrative supplement recognizes the crucial role great mentors play in the development of future leaders in the scientific research enterprise.

More Information: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not-od-22-057.html

Apr. 12, 2022 

NIH Funding Opportunity Application Due: Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Administrative Supplements to Support Enhancement of Software Tools for Open Science

This Notice announces the continuing availability of administrative supplements to active awards that focus on biomedical software development or have a significant software development component. The goal of these supplements is to invest in research software tools with recognized value in a scientific community to enhance their impact by leveraging best practices and design principles in software development and advances in technology including cloud computing. This initiative is part of a plan for implementing the NIH Strategic Plan for Data Science which describes actions aimed at modernizing the biomedical research data ecosystem to make data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) and provide robust, scalable, sustainable tools and workflows with high impact for open science. The supplements are intended to support and encourage collaborations between biomedical scientists and software engineers to enhance the design, implementation, and cloud-readiness of research software. Through these awards, the NIH Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) intends to help researchers who have developed scientifically valuable software to make their tools robust and sustainable, take advantage of new data science, software engineering, and computing paradigms, reach a broader community and contribute to open science.

More Information: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-22-068.html

Apr. 15, 2022 

ISAC Application Due: Innovative Science Accelerator Program Award

Seed funding for exceptionally innovative, disruptive (high-risk/high-reward) research relevant to KUH communities that has the potential to lead to groundbreaking or paradigm-shifting results that will change the field. ISAC awards are NOT Pilot & Feasibility projects for the generation of more preliminary data for traditional NIH applications (e.g., R01). Three-page applications may request up to $100,000 (direct + indirect costs) Total Costs for one year.

More Information: https://www.isac-kuh.org/shared/fundingPrograms.aspx

Apr. 17, 2022 

AASLD Foundation Funding Opportunity Application Due: Emerging Liver Scholars Program

The Emerging Liver Scholars program is a career-long accomplishment that begins with a sponsored trip to fully immerse yourself in everything The Liver Meeting® has to offer and continues year-after-year with the opportunity to become an ambassador or voice for AASLD and the ELS Program at your current and future institutions.

Created in 2012, the Emerging Liver Scholars Program promotes the study of hepatology among residents who have the potential for a career in academic medicine and who haven’t yet determined their long-term career goals. This program is targeted toward medical, surgical and pediatric residents and their mentors to attend The Liver Meeting® and participate in other AASLD activities throughout their training.

More Information: http://www.aasldfoundation.org/awards-programs/emerging-liver-scholars-program

Apr. 17, 2022 

NIDDK Funding Opportunity Letter of Intent Due: Advancing Research on Mechanisms and Management of Pain for Diseases and Conditions within NIDDK Mission Areas (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The impact of pain on patient quality of life for diseases and conditions within the mission of the NIDDK is enormous. Despite prior research efforts, our understanding of the underlying biological and clinical contributors of pain remains limited. In addition, new clinical management strategies that better measure, predict, and target pain and improve upon current interventions, such as opioids, are critically needed. The current Funding Opportunity Announcement will address these needs through the invitation of broad investigator-initiated research projects proposing novel basic, translational, and clinical studies and efforts to develop new approaches to assess and treat pain for disorders within the NIDDK's mission. Investigations are expected to provide important new insights into the pathophysiology and clinical features of pain and foster new and improved treatment and pain management strategies for patients.

More Information: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-dk-22-005.html

Apr. 18, 2022 

NIDDK CAIRIBU Funding Opportunity Application Deadline: CAIRIBU Interactions Core Collaboration Awards

Two awards are available, each allows up to $50,000 in

direct research costs for 1 year. Appropriate Indirect Costs may be included to yield a final Total Costs request. Applicants are eligible if they are affiliated with a CAIRIBU U54 George M. O’Brien or P20 Exploratory Center or a KURe or KUroEpi Program. 

More Information: https://niddkcairibu.urology.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1064/2022/02/2022-CAIRIBU-Collaboration-awards-description.pdf