DOD Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award

The NFRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) mechanism was first offered in FY96. Since that time, 293 IIRA applications have been received, and 86 have been recommended for funding. The NFRP IIRA supports basic and clinically oriented research that will:• Provide insight into the development of NF and related diseases,• 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.DOD Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award3Areas of Encouragement (Revised for FY09): The FY09 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;• 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.Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism. Principal Investigators (PIs) wishing to apply for funding for a clinical trial should utilize the Clinical Trial Award mechanism. 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 FY09 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. See the Program Announcement for the full Funding Opportunity Description.