DoD Spinal Cord Injury Translational Research Award
The SCIRP Translational Research Award mechanism was first offered in FY12. Since then, 21 Translational Research Award applications have been received, and 4 have been recommended for funding. The SCIRP Translational Research Award is intended to support translational research that will accelerate the movement of promising ideas in spinal cord injury research into clinical applications. Observations that drive a research idea may be derived from a laboratory discovery, population-based studies, or a clinicianÂ’s first-hand knowledge of patients and anecdotal data. While the ultimate goal of translational research is to move an observation forward into clinical application, Principal Investigators (PIs) should not view translational research as a one-way continuum from bench to bedside. The research plan must involve a reciprocal flow of ideas and information between basic and clinical science. Developmental pathways for translational research that may be useful for designing translational research studies for support under this mechanism may be found at http://www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/trwg/Pathways-to-Clinical-Goals. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that is relevant to SCI and the proposed research project. Optional Qualified Collaborator: The FY14 SCIRP strongly encourages multidisciplinary collaborations among academic scientists and clinicians, industry scientists, the military Services, the VA, and other federal Government agencies. Collaborations with early-career investigators in the SCI field are encouraged. Although more than one collaborator may participate in the application, only one may be named for this option. The PI must submit a Statement of Collaboration that clearly identifies the collaborating investigator and addresses how each of the criteria listed below are met. Additionally, the collaborator must provide a biographical sketch (see Section II.C.3, Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile) and a letter of collaboration (see Section II.C.2, Attachment 9: Statement of Collaboration) describing his/her involvement in the proposed research project. It should be clear that the success of the proposed research project depends on the complementary skills and contributions of both the PI and collaborator. The collaborator must significantly contribute to the proposed research project such that it could not be accomplished without his/her involvement. ○ A proposed research project in which the collaborator merely supplies tissue samples or access to patients will not meet the intent and will not be qualified for the higher level of funding. ○ At least a 10% level of effort is required of the collaborator. Contribution of the collaborator should be reflected in the applicationÂ’s budget. The collaborator must be in a position with freedom to pursue independent research goals without formal mentorship.
Office: U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity
301-682-5507
