DOD Epilepsy, Idea Development Award

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The intent of the FY22 ERP IDA is to solicit novel, innovative research that has the potential to increase our understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy to improve quality of life, especially in Service Members, Veterans, and/or their care partners. The work should innovatively challenge existing research paradigms or exhibit high levels of creativity. The FY22 ERP IDA offers two levels of funding dependent upon the level of experience of the Principal Investigator (PI): • Funding Level I - Pathway to Independence Option – open to postdoctoral fellows or investigators within 3 years of their first independent faculty position (or equivalent) • Funding Level II - Innovative New Direction Option – open to independent investigators at or above the level of assistant professor (or equivalent) Funding levels are contingent upon meeting the eligibility requirements described in Section II.C, Eligibility Information. Important aspects of this award mechanism include: • Impact : Applications should articulate the short- and long-term impact of the proposed research on the PTE research field, patient care, and those living with PTE. Projects should address one or more of the FY22 ERP Focus Areas or provide a strong justification as to why the alternative topic is critical to advance understanding of PTE and addresses the ERP mission.  Applicants are encouraged to consult with individuals living with PTE during the development and execution of the proposed research project, to ensure research outcomes maximize translational and impact potential. • Innovation : Applications should propose innovative ideas or approaches to address questions relevant to PTE. Innovative research may introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. • Relevance to Military Health : Projects must be relevant to military Service Members, their families, and Veterans with PTE. Collaboration with military and VA researchers and clinicians is encouraged. • Experience in PTE Research : The PI on the application can be from any field or discipline; however, it is CRITICAL that the application demonstrate the study team’s experience in PTE research, including expertise in the fields of BOTH TBI and epilepsy. Preliminary data are encouraged but NOT required. Although preliminary data are not required, evidence demonstrating the ability of the applicant to execute the chosen model of TBI within their laboratory or the laboratory of a collaborator is required.

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