Department of Defense: Multiple Sclerosis, Exploration- Hypothesis Development Award

The Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in the MS research field. The studies supported by this award mechanism are expected to lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design. The presentation of preliminary and/or published data is not required.

The proposed research project should be innovative. Innovative research may examine a novel paradigm, challenge current paradigms, look at existing problems from novel perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. Research that is an incremental advance beyond ongoing research and published data is not considered innovative and is not consistent with the intent of this award mechanism. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) to clearly and explicitly articulate how the proposed research project is innovative in the field of MS research.