DoD Neurofibromatosis New Investigator Award | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DoD Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) New Investigator Award (FY13)?

The NFRP New Investigator Award (FY13) is a Department of the Army funding opportunity designed to reduce the clinical impact of neurofibromatosis (NF). It supports innovative, high-impact research intended to open new directions in the field, especially in areas that have historically been underexplored, with the broader goal of improving outcomes for people affected by NF.

What conditions does this funding opportunity focus on?

This opportunity focuses on neurofibromatosis and explicitly includes NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis.

What types of research does the program want to support?

The program emphasizes scientifically strong research that is positioned to make a real difference for patients. This includes translational and clinical projects that can move promising concepts from laboratory studies toward patient benefit, as well as projects that bring innovative perspectives and methodologies into NF research.

Does the program encourage collaboration?

Yes. The announcement explicitly values multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration to bring fresh expertise and perspectives into NF research and to help build a balanced overall research portfolio across different forms and manifestations of NF.

What are the targeted Areas of Emphasis for proposals?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to focus on one or more of the following Areas of Emphasis:

• Cognitive and social dysfunction associated with NF
• Drug discovery efforts aimed at treating NF
• Understanding heterogeneity of neurofibromas and other NF-related tumors using approaches such as genomics, epigenetics, systems biology, and related methods
• Manifestations of NF after adolescence (changes and impacts across the lifespan)
• Development of novel disease markers, including imaging-based markers and proteomics
• Pain in the context of NF

What does the funder mean by focusing on "historically underexplored" areas?

Based on the announcement, the intent is to encourage innovative, high-impact work that opens new directions in NF research and addresses important needs that have not received as much attention. The Areas of Emphasis listed in the announcement reflect those critical needs identified within the NF community.

Who is this award intended for?

This mechanism is designed to grow the pipeline of NF researchers. It supports:

• Early-stage independent investigators building their careers
• Established investigators transitioning into the NF field from another area

Is prior experience in NF required to apply?

No. Prior NF experience is allowed but not required. The program is structured to lower barriers for strong investigators from adjacent disciplines to enter the NF field.

If an applicant has limited NF experience, is collaboration recommended?

Yes. Applicants with limited NF background are encouraged to partner with a collaborator who has NF expertise. This is intended to strengthen the credibility of the team and increase the likelihood that new entrants to the field are successful and well-supported.

Are preliminary data required?

Applications are expected to include preliminary or published data relevant to NF and the proposed project. This signals that proposals should be evidence-based and demonstrate feasibility rather than being purely conceptual.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is W81XWH-13-NFRP-NIA.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 3, 2013.

What was the application deadline for the FY13 cycle?

The application deadline for that cycle was July 11, 2013.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on August 10, 2013.

What funding instrument type is associated with this opportunity?

The funding instrument type is listed as a cooperative agreement and grant.

What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

How many awards were anticipated?

The program anticipated making about 3 awards.

What was the estimated total funding available?

The estimated total funding level was $1,920,000.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states that cost sharing or matching was not required.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted, meaning it was open broadly to entity types, subject to any specific clarifications in the full announcement.

What is the primary goal or vision of the NFRP described in this announcement?

The broader vision is to support work that meaningfully improves outcomes for people affected by NF (including NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis) by funding innovative research that can lead to patient benefit and reduce the clinical impact of the disease.

What kinds of tools or modern approaches are highlighted as relevant to NF tumor heterogeneity?

The announcement highlights modern approaches such as genomics, epigenetics, systems biology, and related methods for understanding heterogeneity in neurofibromas and other NF-related tumors.

Does the announcement emphasize NF impacts beyond childhood?

Yes. One Area of Emphasis specifically highlights manifestations of NF after adolescence, underscoring that the condition can continue to impact and change across the lifespan.

What kinds of disease markers are of interest under this announcement?

The announcement calls out the development of novel disease markers, including imaging-based markers and proteomics.

Is pain considered a priority topic in this funding opportunity?

Yes. Pain in the context of NF is explicitly included as an Area of Emphasis, described as a significant and sometimes under-addressed burden for patients.

Who should be contacted for access or technical issues related to the full announcement?

For access or technical issues, the listed point of contact was the CDMRP Help Desk at 301-682-5507.