DoD Neurofibromatosis Research Academy-Scholar Award

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The NFRP Neurofibromatosis Research Academy (NFRA) will bring together established investigators (Director and Deputy Director) and early-career independent investigators (Scholars) to develop successful, highly productive neurofibromatosis researchers that will conduct research with the aim of lessening the clinical impact of NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis. The NFRA is a unique, multi-institutional interactive virtual research academy focused on supporting innovative high-impact research in a collaborative research and career development environment. The NFRA will provide a framework of intensive monitoring and iterative guidance with proposed research, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for Scholars. The NFRA is a platform (see Figure 1 below) that consists of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors), and it is managed by an Academy Director and Deputy Director (i.e., the NFRA Leadership). The Neurofibromatosis Research Academy Scholar (the investigator named as the Principal Investigator [PI] on the application) is expected to participate in all development and training activities hosted by the NFRA Leadership, such as participation in monthly webinars and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Additionally, the Scholar and Career Guide (mentor) are expected to communicate and collaborate with other members of the NFRA (other Scholars and Career Guides, NFRA Leadership), and build relationships within the neurofibromatosis patient and advocacy community. The NFRA Leadership serves as a resource for the Scholars and Career Guides, assessing the progress of Scholars, and facilitating communication and collaboration among all Scholars and Career Guides, as well as with national NF research and advocacy communities. In addition to fostering scientific development, the NFRA, through its Leadership, provides opportunities for professional and leadership development of the Scholars to include skills and competencies needed to fund and manage a productive laboratory. The NFRA leadership team will also provide opportunities to NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) Early Investigator Research Award and NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) New Investigator Award - Early-Stage Investigator researchers to engage with NFRP NFRA Scholars. This FY23 funding opportunity is soliciting Scholars to join the NFRA. This award mechanism enables the Scholar to pursue a neurofibromatosis project that may be basic, translational, and/or clinical research, and addresses at least one of the FY23 NFRP Areas of Emphasis under the guidance of a Career Guide. The Career Guide is not required to be at the same institution as the Scholar; however, if the (primary) Career Guide is from a different institution, a secondary Career Guide at the Scholar’s institution is needed. In addition to activities described above, the Scholar, and their (primary) Career Guide, are required to attend a DOD NFRP biennial multi-day NFRA workshop. In alternate years, they must also attend a DOD NFRP NFRA 1-day workshop. The NFRP encourages applications from Scholars whose ability to commit to conducting neurofibromatosis research is limited by minimal resources or a lack of resources, such as a qualified Career Guide at their institution, access to NF research tools, opportunities for establishing collaborations, or other obstacles. The NFRP also welcomes applications from existing researchers who are new to NF and encourages applications from underrepresented minorities and persons.

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