Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Applied Research Award

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The PRORP Applied Research Award (ARA) mechanism was first offered in FY15. Since then, 44 ARA applications have been received, and 6 have been recommended for funding. The PRORP ARA seeks applied research applications focused on advancing optimal treatment and restoration of function for military personnel with musculoskeletal injuries sustained during combat or combat-related activities. It is expected that any research findings would also provide benefit to the general population. To meet the intent of the award mechanism, applications must specifically address one and only one of the FY16 PRORP Focus Areas listed in Section I.B. above. Awards may not be used to support fundamental basic research. Basic research is defined as research directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward process or products in mind. The FY16 PRORP ARA is focused on applied research, defined as work that refines concepts and ideas into potential solutions with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of promising new knowledge products, pharmacologic agents, behavioral and rehabilitation interventions, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, clinical guidance, and/or emerging approaches and technologies. Research Scope: Research proposed under the FY16 PRORP ARA may include small- to large-scale projects. These awards are expected to yield potential health products, approaches, or technologies positioned for human testing. Upon successful completion, the proposed research is expected to yield knowledge products, approaches, or technologies that have the potential to advance toward clinical translation. Presentation of preliminary data is required: Inclusion of preliminary and/or published data relevant to the research question is required. In addition, investigators must demonstrate logical reasoning. To be competitive, the application must include a sound scientific rationale and a well formulated, testable hypothesis established through a critical review and analysis of the literature. Studies allowed under the FY16 PRORP ARA may include, but are not limited to:  Refinement of concepts and ideas into potential solutions with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of emerging approaches, technologies, and promising new knowledge products.  Evaluation, maturation, and/or down-selection of potential product candidates (drugs, biologic constructs, or devices/systems) in vitro and/or in vivo.  Preparation activities needed to support a future clinical trial or regulatory submission. Awards may not be used to support clinical trials: A clinical trial is defined as a prospective accrual of human subjects where an intervention (e.g., device, drug, biologic, surgical procedure, rehabilitative modality, behavioral intervention, or other) is tested on a human subject for a measurable outcome with respect to exploratory information, safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy. This outcome represents a direct effect on the human subject of that intervention or interaction. For more information on how to distinguish clinical research from clinical trials, see the Human Subject Resource Document at https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm. Investigators seeking support to conduct a clinical trial should apply to the FY16 PRORP Clinical Trial Award (W81XWH-16-PRORP-CTA) mechanism, which can be accessed at http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/default.shtml.

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