DoD Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award

archived

The NFRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) mechanism was first offered in FY96. Since then, 321 IIRA Award applications have been received, and 92 have been recommended for funding. The NFRP IIRA supports basic and clinically oriented research that will: • Provide insight into the development of NF and Schwannomatosis, • Result in substantial improvements over today’s approach to the diagnosis and treatment of NF and Schwannomatosis, and • Enhance the quality of life of persons with those diseases. Areas of Encouragement: The FY10 NFRP encourages research proposals that specifically address the critical needs of the NF community in the following areas: • Complications of NF with high mortality such as neoplasms and cerebrovascular abnormalities; DOD FY10 Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award 3 • Complications of NF with high morbidity such as skeletal maladies, learning deficits, hormone-associated effects, and pain; • Refinement and standardization of imaging techniques, molecular and cellular markers, and quality of life metrics for use in future clinical trials; and • Translational research such as the development or preclinical testing of therapeutic agents for the treatment of NF. 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 supports 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.

High