FY11 Vision Research Program Hypothesis Development Award

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The Vision Research Program (VRP) was established in fiscal year 2009 (FY09) to provide support for scientifically meritorious research. Investigators continue to assess new technologies and therapies to address the ocular issues of service members. In order to implement therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat visual problems common to combat service members, the military wants to discover, develop and validate compounds and strategies. Congress has appropriated additional funds for fiscal year 2011 (FY11). The US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) is soliciting research that targets the causes, effects and treatment of eye damage, visual deficits due to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and diseases that, despite their different mechanisms and pathogenesis, all have a common end result: degeneration of the critical components of the eye and impairment or loss of vision. The results of this research are intended to be used for restoration and maintaining of visual function to ensure and sustain combat readiness. Basic, translational and clinical research efforts are sought to ensure that results of scientific research will be used to directly benefit the lives of military, veteran and civilian populations. Preliminary research proposals (pre-proposals) are required and will provide the basis for invited full proposals. Full proposals will be reviewed by an independent scientific peer review panel and qualified projects will be selected for funding by a programmatic panel. The Hypothesis Development Award supports the exploration of highly innovative, untested, high-risk/high-gain concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods that address an important problem in traumatic vision injuries. Results of basic studies conducted through this award may provide the scientific rationale upon which a new hypothesis can be based; or initial proof-of-principle of an innovative hypothesis. This award is designed to provide investigators the opportunity to pursue serendipitous observations that may reveal entirely new avenues for investigation. Presentation of preliminary data may be provided, if available. However, logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale for the proposed work must be provided.

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