DoD Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award

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The NFRP Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award (IIFRA) mechanism is being offered for the first time in FY10. Research Focus Areas: Proposals for this mechanism must address one or more of the following areas related to NF and/or Schwannomatosis: • Pain • Wound repair • Nerve regeneration • Stress and inflammation • Cognitive dysfunction • Health-related quality of life • Neurofibromin protein Research involving participation of human subject use is permitted; however, clinical trials are NOT ALLOWED under this funding opportunity. In general, a clinical trial is defined as a prospective study where an intervention (e.g., device, drug, behavioral, surgical procedure, or other) is tested on human subjects for a measurable outcome. Principal Investigators (PIs) wishing to apply for funding for a clinical trial should utilize the Clinical Trial Award mechanism. Refer to the General Application Instructions, Appendix 5, for additional information about studies involving human subjects, human subjects data, or human anatomical substances. Applications must include preliminary data originating from the PI, research team, or collaborator that is relevant to NF and the proposed project. Optional Qualified Collaborator(s): The FY10 NFRP strongly encourages collaborative research between basic scientists and clinical researchers, and between academic scientists and biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry scientists. Collaborations that bring new perspectives from other disciplines or bring new investigators into the NF field are also strongly encouraged. Collaborations that meet the criteria below will qualify for a higher level of funding as described in Section I.D. For the application to qualify for the higher level of funding, the PI must submit a Statement of Collaboration that clearly identifies the collaborating investigator and addresses how each of the criteria below are met. Additionally, the collaborator must provide a letter of collaboration describing his/her involvement in the proposed work. It should be clear that the success of the project depends on the unique skills and contributions of each partner. • The collaborator(s) must significantly contribute to the project such that the proposed work could not be accomplished without his/her involvement. ○ A proposed project in which the collaborator(s) merely supplies tissue samples or access to patients will not meet the intent and will not be qualified for the higher level of funding. • The collaborator(s) must be at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent). • At least a 10% level of effort is required of the collaborator(s). Contribution of the collaborator should be reflected in the application’s budget.

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