DoD Neurofibromatosis New Investigator Award

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The NFRP New Investigator Award mechanism was first offered in FY99. Since then, 256 New Investigator Award applications have been received, and 56 have been recommended for funding.The intent of the NFRP New Investigator Award is to support the continued development of promising independent investigators and/or the transition of established investigators into a career in the field of NF research. Experience in NF research is not required. However, Principal Investigators (PIs) with a limited background in NF research are strongly encouraged to have a collaborator who is experienced in the NF field.Research projects may focus on any phase of research from basic through translational, including preclinical studies in animal models or human subjects, as well as correlative studies associated with an existing clinical trial. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that is relevant to NF and the proposed research project.All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of preclinical research. The standards are described in Landis, S.C., et al. A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 2012, 490:187-191 (www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in research and should be applied. For projects involving animal studies, applicants should consult the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) guidelines to ensure relevant aspects of rigorous animal research are adequately planned for and, ultimately, reported. The ARRIVE guidelines can be found at http://www.nc3rs.org.uk/page.asp?id=1357.Research involving human subjects and human anatomical substances is permitted; however, clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity. For more information on clinical trials and clinical research overall, a Human Subject Resource Document is provided on the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) system athttps://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm. PIs wishing to apply for funding for a clinical trial should utilize the FY14 NFRP Clinical Trial Award mechanism (Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-14-NFRP-CTA).

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