Department of Defense Neurofibromatosis Grant for New Investigator Development

The intent of the NFRP New Investigator Award is to support the continued development of promising Early-Stage Investigators and/or the transition of Established Investigators from other research fields into a career in the field of NF research. Prior experience in NF research is not required. However, Principal Investigators (PIs) with a limited background in NF research are strongly encouraged to have a collaborator who is experienced in the NF field.

Participants will share data following the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) Data Principles for reproducible science found in “The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship (https://www.nature.com/articles/sdata201618). Refer to the Data and Research Resources Sharing Plan document in Attachment 11.

Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

***New in FY23***The NFRP Neurofibromatosis Research Academy (NFRA) will bring together established investigators and early-career independent investigators to develop successful, highly productive neurofibromatosis researchers that will conduct research with the aim of lessening the clinical impact of NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis. The NFRA is a platform that consists of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors), and it is managed by an Academy Director and Deputy Director (i.e., the NFRA Leadership). The NFRA leadership team will also provide opportunities to NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) Early Investigator Research Award and NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) New Investigator Award – Early-Stage Investigator researchers to engage with NFRP NFRA Scholars. More information about the Academy can be found in Section II.B (Award Information) of the NFRP FY23 NFRA-Scholar Award program announcement.

The types of awards made under the program announcement will be assistance agreements. An assistance agreement is appropriate when the federal government transfers a “thing of value” to a “state, local government,” or “other recipient” to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring property or service for the direct benefit and use of the U.S. government. An assistance agreement can take the form of a grant or cooperative agreement. The level of involvement on the part of the Department of Defense (DOD) during project performance is the key factor in determining whether to award a grant or cooperative agreement. If “no substantial involvement” on the part of the funding agency is anticipated, a grant award will be made (31 USC 6304). Conversely, if substantial involvement on the part of the funding agency is anticipated, a cooperative agreement will be made (31 USC 6305), and the award will identify the specific substantial involvement. Substantial involvement may include, but is not limited to, collaboration, participation, or intervention in the research to be performed under the award. The award type, along with the start date, will be determined during the negotiation process.

The intent of the NFRP New Investigator Award is to support the continued development of promising Early-Stage Investigators and/or the transition of Established Investigators from other research fields into a career in the field of NF research. Prior experience in NF research is not required. However, Principal Investigators (PIs) with a limited background in NF research are strongly encouraged to have a collaborator who is experienced in the NF field.

Participants will share data following the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) Data Principles for reproducible science found in “The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship (https://www.nature.com/articles/sdata201618). Refer to the Data and Research Resources Sharing Plan document in Attachment 11.

Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

***New in FY23***The NFRP Neurofibromatosis Research Academy (NFRA) will bring together established investigators and early-career independent investigators to develop successful, highly productive neurofibromatosis researchers that will conduct research with the aim of lessening the clinical impact of NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis. The NFRA is a platform that consists of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors), and it is managed by an Academy Director and Deputy Director (i.e., the NFRA Leadership). The NFRA leadership team will also provide opportunities to NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) Early Investigator Research Award and NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) New Investigator Award – Early-Stage Investigator researchers to engage with NFRP NFRA Scholars. More information about the Academy can be found in Section II.B (Award Information) of the NFRP FY23 NFRA-Scholar Award program announcement.

The types of awards made under the program announcement will be assistance agreements. An assistance agreement is appropriate when the federal government transfers a “thing of value” to a “state, local government,” or “other recipient” to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring property or service for the direct benefit and use of the U.S. government. An assistance agreement can take the form of a grant or cooperative agreement. The level of involvement on the part of the Department of Defense (DOD) during project performance is the key factor in determining whether to award a grant or cooperative agreement. If “no substantial involvement” on the part of the funding agency is anticipated, a grant award will be made (31 USC 6304). Conversely, if substantial involvement on the part of the funding agency is anticipated, a cooperative agreement will be made (31 USC 6305), and the award will identify the specific substantial involvement. Substantial involvement may include, but is not limited to, collaboration, participation, or intervention in the research to be performed under the award. The award type, along with the start date, will be determined during the negotiation process.