The PCRP Idea Development Award mechanism was first offered in FY97. Since then, 5,748 Idea Development Award applications have been received, and 1,029 have been recommended for funding. The Idea Development Award supports new ideas that represent innovative approaches to prostate cancer research and have the potential to make an important contribution to the PCRP mission. Although groundbreaking research often involves a degree of risk, applications should be based on a sound scientific rationale that is established through logical reasoning and/or critical review and analysis of the literature. Due to this awardÂ’s emphasis on innovation, the presentation of preliminary data relevant to prostate cancer and the proposed project is encouraged but not required. Research deemed innovative may represent a new paradigm, challenge current paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. Research that is an incremental advance upon published data is not considered innovative. The PCRP seeks applications from the wide spectrum of basic, population-based, translational, and clinical research. In addition, applicants are expected to address at least one of the PCRP focus areas and are highly encouraged to address one of the PCRP overarching challenges. If the proposed project does not address any of the overarching challenges, the application should include a description to justify how the project will nevertheless address a critical need in the field of prostate cancer research and/or patient care. New Investigator Option: The FY13 Idea Development Award mechanism encourages applications from investigators in the early stages of their careers. The New Investigator Option is designed to allow applicants early in their faculty appointments, or in the process of developing independent research careers, to compete for funding separately from established investigators. Applications from New Investigators and Established Investigators will be peer- and programmatically reviewed in separate groups. PIs using the New Investigator Option are strongly encouraged to strengthen their applications through collaboration with investigators experienced in prostate cancer research and/or possessing other relevant expertise. It is the responsibility of the PI to describe how collaboration will augment his or her expertise to best address the research question. All applicants for the New Investigator Option must meet specific eligibility criteria as described in Section I.C., Eligibility Information.