The NIH has partnered with HHMI and the Wellcome Trust to launch a global science competition for new products and services that advance “open science,” the movement making scientific research data broadly accessible to the public.

For phase 1 of the competition, up to six teams of technology experts and researchers will win $80,000 each to develop their ideas into a prototype or to advance an existing early stage prototype. For phase 2, the prototype judged to have the greatest potential to advance open science will receive $230,000.

The deadline for phase 1 entries is February 29, 2016. For more information, see the Open Science Prize website or email openscience@wellcome.ac.uk with questions.

There’s still time to apply for the NIH Loan Repayment Programs, established by Congress in order to recruit qualified professionals into biomedical and biobehavioral research careers.

In exchange for a two-year commitment towards NIH mission-relevant research, the LRP’s will repay up to $70,000 of your eligible student loan debt. The programs aim to counteract the financial pressures that may be forcing scientists to abandon research careers for higher-paying private practice. There are five extramural programs that applicants can choose from: Clinical Research, Pediatric Research, Health Disparities Research, Contraception & Fertility Research, and Clinical Research for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds.

The current application cycle closes on November 16, 2015. For more information, see the Application Process Interactive Roadmap.

Ever wondered what those indirect costs, also referred to as “overhead” or “Facilities and Administration (F&A)” costs, are used for? Dr. Sally Rockey, Deputy Director for Extramural Research at NIH, recorded the following presentation to explain the background and use of indirect costs in supporting research. For a better understanding of the costs of research, both direct and indirect, check it out:

For tips and reminders that may help in preparing your research grant applications, particularly SF424 (R&R) applications, see Developing Your Budget.