Bone Marrow Failure Idea Development Award
The BMFRP Idea Development Award is intended to support innovative ideas and high-impact approaches based on scientifically sound evidence to move toward the BMFRP vision of understanding and curing BMF syndromes. This award mechanism is designed to support new ideas. Proposed research studies should have a high probability of revealing new avenues of investigation. Research projects should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and a developed and well-articulated research approach. Personnel on the proposed team should have a strong background in BMF research. This funding opportunity is open to established and early career investigators. The FY16 BMFRP has included an opportunity for one or more scientifically meritorious applications from applicants fitting the outlined description of an early career investigator. All early career investigators will be assessed using different criteria for Personnel during the review process (Section III.B.1, Personnel). The definition of an early career investigator for the BMFRP is an investigator within 10 years of completing a terminal degree (doctorate or any medical degree), excluding time spent in medical residency, or during family medical leave. Time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded and must be within the 10-year span from the time of terminal degree. This should be clearly articulated by the applicant in the biographical sketch. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply as early career investigators. The following are significant features of this award mechanism: 1. Research Approach: The scientific rationale and experimental methodology should demonstrate critical understanding and in-depth analysis of BMF. Experimental strategies may be novel or may be based on strong rationale derived from previously published data, presented preliminary data, or literature review. The feasibility of the research design and methods should be well defined, and a clear plan should be articulated as to how the proposed goals of the project can be achieved. Additionally, resources should be identified and supported through documentation. Identification of potential problems and pitfalls is strongly encouraged, with alternate approaches addressed. A statistical analysis of the proposed research should be included, if applicable, as well as a power analysis to support the design and sample size. 2. Preliminary Data: Preliminary data, such as unpublished results from the laboratory of the Principal Investigator (PI) or collaborators named on this application and/or data from the published literature relevant to BMF and the proposed research project, may be included but are not required. If preliminary data are not included, the proposed research should be based on a strong rationale with sound logical support from published literature. 3. Innovation: Innovative research may introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other creative qualities. This may include high-risk, potentially high-gain, approaches to BMF research, provided that the application demonstrates the potential for significant impact on the field of research, and/or patient care and/or quality of life. Research that is only an incremental advance is not considered innovative. 4. Impact: Proposed research projects should address a central critical issue or question in BMF research or clinical care. High-impact research will, if successful, significantly advance current methods and concepts for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and/or treatment of BMF. 5. Personnel: Personnel are considered a crucial element of the BMFRP Idea Development Award. The application should demonstrate the investigatorâ₏™s expertise in BMF through the PIâ₏™s background, research team, or through collaboration. Collaborations should be documented. a. An established investigator (EI) applying for the Idea Development Award should be at or above the level of Associate Professor (or equivalent). The established investigator should have BMF-related expertise and background as demonstrated by funding and publication records. The EI should plan research collaborations and dedicate a level of effort appropriate for the successful conduct of the proposed work. b. An early career investigator (ECI) applying for the Idea Development Award should be an independent investigator at the level of Assistant Professor, Instructor, or Assistant Research Professor (or equivalent) and less than 10 years from their terminal degree (excluding time spent in medical residency, or during family medical leave). This should be clearly articulated by the applicant in the biographical sketch. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply as ECIs. The early career investigatorâ₏™s training (postdoctoral or clinical) should demonstrate that the ECI will be able to accomplish the proposed work. Institutional commitment beyond financial backing such as, but not limited to, independent laboratory space, dedicated research time, and potential collaborations should be demonstrated. The level of effort dedicated to the proposed work by the ECI should be appropriate for the successful conduct of the research project.
Office: U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity
301-682-5507
