DoD FY15 Peer Reviewed Alzheimer’s Military Risk Factors Research Award
The intent of the FY15 Peer Reviewed Alzheimerâ₏™s Research Program (PRARP) Military Risk Factors Research Award (MRFA) is to facilitate high-impact, systematic, population-based research investigating the association between TBI and the subsequent development of AD. The research impact will benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. Applications should describe how the association of TBI and subsequent AD will be characterized. Applications should carefully consider how their studies will characterize the cognitive and behavioral symptoms that result in functional impairments in the proposed cohort. Studies that use combinations of measures (e.g., neuropsychological assessments, imaging, genomics, and cerebral spinal fluid biomarkers) are encouraged. Applications that develop interdisciplinary teams or consortia as part of the support plan for executing the research are encouraged. The MRFA is open to Principal Investigators (PIs) at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) from any field or discipline who seek to bring their expertise to address the PRARPâ₏™s mission. However, as part of the application, the PI should demonstrate that the study team has experience in both TBI and AD research. Preliminary data, while not required, is encouraged. Important Note: Applications must detail and demonstrate expedited access to a well-defined, already identified study cohort. Data that supports how the cohort will be used in the study is also required. The data must strongly support the proposed research hypothesis (or hypotheses). Refer to the Review Criteria in this Program Announcement/ Funding Opportunity for details. FY15 MRFA Overarching Challenges: This MRFA funding opportunity requires applications to address one or more of the following FY15 Overarching Challenges: Paucity of Research Resources: The paucity of research resources to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD for the military and Veteran communities. Paucity of Clinical Studies: The paucity of clinical or epidemiological studies to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD for the military and Veteran communities. Diagnostic Technologies, Tests, or Devices: The need for technologies, tests, or devices to detect the progression to AD subsequent to TBI. FY15 MRFA Focus Areas: In addition to addressing one or more of the specified FY15 Overarching Challenges, applications should address at least one of the following FY15 Focus Areas in support of the FY15 Overarching Challenges. An application that proposes research outside of these FY15 Focus Areas is acceptable, as long as the applicant provides a strong rationale. Genomics/Proteomics/Bioinformatics: Studies or technologies (e.g., genetic, proteomic, and epigenetic strategies) intended to characterize neurological change(s) associated with TBI and subsequent AD. In addition, relevant technologies or tests may be considered under this focus area. Pathology of Tau: Novel research and technologies dedicated to unraveling the basic pathological mechanisms of Tau associated with TBI and AD. Roles of Non-Neuronal Cells in TBI/AD Pathogenesis: Technologies, tests, studies, or devices that will examine the roles of astrocytes (or other non-neuronal cells) in AD neurodegeneration due to TBI. Imaging: Development and application of anatomic and molecular imaging strategies to characterize neurological change associated with TBI and subsequent AD. The following is specifically discouraged under the FY15 PRARP: Pharmacologic Interventions: Clinical or Basic research requiring investigational or U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs or medicines.
Office: U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity
Phone: 301-682-5507
Email: help@eBRAP.org
