Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers
Grant: Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers
Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Division: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Deadline: September 10, 2010, for projects beginning July 1, 2011. Applications for the next round of this grant competition will be due August 15, 2011.
Description: This program supports Education and Research Centers (ERCs) that are focused on occupational safety and health training and research training. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is mandated to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out the purposes of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the ERCs are one of the principal means for meeting this mandate. ERCs are academic institutions that provide interdisciplinary graduate training and continuing education in the core occupational safety and health areas of industrial hygiene, occupational health nursing, occupational medicine residency, occupational safety and other closely related occupational safety and health fields.
An ERC is expected to provide continuing education training to a minimum of 600 trainees per year. ERCs must describe plans to target occupational safety and health training to occupational physicians, industrial hygienists, occupational health nurses and safety professionals.
A priority for this program is to establish or continue new and innovative training technologies, including distance learning programs and short-term programs, designed to prepare a cadre of skilled practitioners in occupational safety and health.
Fit for public broadcasting: While the eligibility requirements allow for public broadcasting stations to be the lead applicant for this grant program, the fit seems to be in more of a partnership capacity. This grant funds Education and Research Centers, so applicants must have the ability to conduct occupational safety and health trainings, as well as research. NIOSH, the funding agency, is particularly interested in applicants who establish distance learning programs, and local stations could add expertise to the development of media involved in these training programs.
Eligibility: For-profit or nonprofit organizations, public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories, units of state and local government, tribal governments and designated organizations, and community-based organizations are all eligible to apply.
Anticipated funding: New applicants may request project periods of three years and a total budget of up to $1.8 billion per year. Applicants submitting renewal applications may request a project period of up to five years and a total budget of up to $1.8 billion per year.
How to apply: Application materials can be obtained online. Applications must be submitted via mail.
Resources:
Program notice
Education and Research Centers for Occupational Safety and Health website
NIOSH website
