OARS funding Neuroscience

Announcement supports applied and translational research to advance the development of knowledge and materiel products for rehabilitation and restoration of function following TBI. PIs should explain how their work will inform the development, refinement, and/or revision of existing standards of care, clinical recommendations, or guidelines. TBI is defined as being caused by (1) a direct blow or impact to the head, (2) a penetrating head injury, or (3) an exposure to external forces such as blast waves that disrupt the function of the brain. Not all blows to the head or exposure to external forces result in a TBI. The severity of TBI may range from "mild," a brief change in mental status or consciousness, to "severe," an extended period of unconsciousness or confusion after the injury. Definitions of TBI severity can be found in Table 1 of the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Concussion-Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. The FY17/18 PH/TBIRP CTRR-CRA supports clinical research but not clinical trials. Supported research can include observational research studies. The Clinical Research Award (CTRR-CRA) is intended to support clinical research focused on understanding the clinical sequelae and mechanisms of recovery associated with TBI and TBI rehabilitation interventions. The overarching goals of this award are to address TBI-related impairments and deficits including sensory, sensorimotor, and cognitive dysfunction to (1) develop and validate rehabilitation outcome measures; (2) define and evaluate mechanisms of injury progression or recovery associated with rehabilitation interventions; and (3) improve clinician-driven assessment strategies to guide return-to-duty decision making.

The BrightFocus Foundation provides research funds for U.S. and international researchers pursuing high-risk studies that illuminate areas for which there currently is little understanding, helping to bring to light crucial knowledge about Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The organization's mission is to save mind and sight by funding innovative research worldwide and by promoting better health through education. To that end, the foundation is accepting applications for its Alzheimer's Disease Research and National Glaucoma Research programs. 1) Alzheimer's Disease Research: Grants of up to $300,000 over three years will be awarded to researchers for innovative investigator-initiated research projects. The program is designed to give scientists the opportunity to develop the preliminary data necessary to be considered competitive for larger government or corporate types of sponsorship. Applications must be received no later than October 18, 2017. 2) National Glaucoma Program: Grants of up to $150,000 over two years will be awarded to researchers for innovative investigator-initiated glaucoma-related research projects. The program is designed to give scientists the opportunity to develop the preliminary data necessary to be considered competitive for larger government or corporate types of sponsorship. Typically these awards are made to junior investigators, or to more established investigators who are proposing particularly innovative research.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in partnership with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), invites applications for funding to support institutional career development awards designed to train clinician and research scientists to conduct PCOR research within learning health systems (LHS) focused on generation, adoption, and application of evidence in order to improve the quality and safety of care.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is associated with the Beau Biden Cancer MoonshotSM Initiative that is intended to accelerate cancer research. The purpose of this FOA is to increase case ascertainment and optimize delivery of evidence-based healthcare for individuals at high risk of cancer due to an inherited genetic susceptibility. Specifically, this FOA targets the following area designated as a scientific priority by the Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) Recommendation E: "To realize the potential of cancer prevention and early detection in our nation, NCI should sponsor an initiative to improve the current state of early detection, genetic testing, genetic counseling, and knowledge landscape of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with cancer development. This initiative should include demonstration projects that will show how cancer screening programs can simultaneously save lives, improve quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs."

TBI is defined as being caused by (1) a direct blow or impact to the head, (2) a penetrating head injury, or (3) an exposure to external forces such as blast waves that disrupt the function of the brain. Not all blows to the head or exposure to external forces result in a TBI. The severity of TBI may range from "mild," a brief change in mental status or consciousness, to "severe," an extended period of unconsciousness or confusion after the injury. Definitions of TBI severity can be found in Table 1 of the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Concussion-Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. The FY17/18 PH/TBIRP CTRR-CRA supports clinical research but not clinical trials. Supported research can include observational research studies. The FY17/18 PH/TBIRP Complex TBI Rehabilitation Research - Clinical Research Award (CTRR-CRA) is intended to support clinical research focused on understanding the clinical sequelae and mechanisms of recovery associated with TBI and TBI rehabilitation interventions.

This funding opportunity supports projects that test whether modifying electrophysiological patterns during behavior can improve cognitive, affective, or social processing. Applications must use experimental designs that incorporate active manipulations to address at least one, and ideally more, of the following topics: (1) in animals or humans, determine which parameters of neural coordination, when manipulated in isolation, improve particular aspects of cognitive, affective, or social processing; (2) in animals or humans, determine how particular abnormalities at the genomic, molecular, or cellular levels affect the systems-level coordination of electrophysiological patterns during behavior; (3) determine whether in vivo, systems-level electrophysiological changes in behaving animals predict analogous electrophysiological and cognitive improvements in healthy persons or clinical populations; and (4) use biologically-realistic computational models that include systems-level aspects to understand the function and mechanisms by which oscillatory and other electrophysiological patterns unfold across the brain to impact cognitive, affective, or social processing.

The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate tools and resources to facilitate the detailed analysis of brain microconnectivity. Novel and augmented techniques are sought that will ultimately be broadly accessible to the neuroscience community for the interrogation of microconnectivity in healthy and diseased brains of model organisms and humans. Development of technologies that will significantly drive down the cost of connectomics would enable routine mapping of the microconnectivity on the same individuals that have been analyzed physiologically, or to compare normal and pathological tissues in substantial numbers of multiple individuals to assess variability. Advancements in both electron microscopy (EM) and super resolution light microscopic approaches are sought. Applications that propose to develop approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged. Proof-of-principle demonstrations and/or reference datasets enabling future development are welcome, as are improved approaches for automated segmentation and analysis strategies of neuronal structures in EM images.

The goal of the K12 Institutional Career Development Program in HIV-related Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep (HLBS) research is to encourage institutions to develop and sustain programs that support inter-disciplinary, intensive mentored research training and career development for junior PhDs and MDs in AIDS co-morbidities as well as cell and gene therapies for HIV cure and prevention of HIV transfusion transmission.

The intent of the research funded through this award is to (1) support research to alleviate, stabilize, or characterize the symptoms or deficits common to TBI and AD/ADRD, and (2) reduce the burden of care on the caregiver for individuals living with the common symptoms of TBI and AD/ADRD. Research may be proposed to either facet of the intent. Both are equally important. As part of the research strategy, all applications must include cognitive, neuropsychological, or otherwise appropriate measures.The FY17 PRARP QUAL is open to Principal Investigators (PIs) at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) from any field or discipline. As part of the application, the PI should demonstrate that the study team has experience in both TBI and AD/ADRD research. Preliminary data, while not required, are encouraged. Preliminary data may come from the PI's published work, pilot data, or from peer-reviewed literature. Applications should also address how all of the included study measures address the research strategy and the study's hypothesis or hypotheses.The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY17 PRARP QUAL will not exceed $500,000. The maximum period of performance is 3 years. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.The research impact is expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. To this end, the PRARP has identified QUAL Overarching Challenges and Focus Areas by which the intent of this mechanism can be facilitated. These should be carefully considered as part of the application process.FY17 PRARP QUAL Overarching Challenges: T

The intent of the FY17 PRARP NIRA is to support early-career investigators interested in novel research efforts or new technologies within TBI and AD/ADRD in support of the PRARP's mission. The FY17 PRARP NIRA is open to Principal Investigators (PIs) within 3 years of their first independent faculty position, from any field or discipline. As part of the application, the PI should demonstrate that the study team has experience in both TBI and AD/ADRD research. Preliminary data, while not required, are encouraged. Preliminary data may come from the PI's published work, pilot data, or from peer-reviewed literature. Note that PIs will be required to verify their eligibility for this award. The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY17 PRARP NIRA will not exceed $225,000. The maximum period of performance is 3 years. The research impact is expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. To this end, the PRARP has identified NIRA Overarching Challenges and Focus Areas by which the intent of this mechanism can be facilitated. These should be carefully considered as part of the application process.FY17 PRARP NIRA Overarching Challenges: This FY17 PRARP NIRA funding opportunity requires applications to address one or more of the following FY17 PRARP NIRA Overarching Challenges: The paucity of research resources to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD for the military, Veteran, and civilian communities.

The intent of the FY17 PRARP CSRA is to support efforts to generate research resources, tools, or novel research efforts for researchers and/or practitioners in health sciences related to the PRARP's mission. The FY17 PRARP CSRA is open to Principal Investigators (PIs) at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) from any field or discipline. As part of the application, the PI should demonstrate that the study team has experience in both TBI and AD/ADRD research. Preliminary data, while not required, are encouraged. Preliminary data may come from the PI's published work, pilot data, or from peer-reviewed literature.The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY17 PRARP CSRA will not exceed $500,000. The maximum period of performance is 3 years. The research impact is expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. To this end, the PRARP has identified CSRA Overarching Challenges and Focus Areas by which the intent of this mechanism can be facilitated. These should be carefully considered as part of the application process.FY17 PRARP CSRA Overarching Challenges: This FY17 PRARP CSRA funding opportunity requires applications to address one or more of the following FY17 PRARP CSRA Overarching Challenges:* Paucity of Research Resources: The paucity of research resources to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD for the military, Veteran, and civilian communities.

The intent of the FY17 ERP IDA is to solicit research to understand the magnitude and underlying mechanisms of PTE. The FY17 ERP IDA offers two levels of funding. Funding Level I is intended to support high-risk or high-gain research from Principal Investigators (PIs) at or above the level of a postdoctoral fellow (or equivalent), but below the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent). Note that PIs submitting Funding Level I applications will be required to verify their eligibility for this award. Funding Level II is intended to support a more mature, hypothesis-driven research project. To be considered for an FY17 ERP IDA Funding Level II, the PI must be an independent investigator at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent). While not required, applications to either Funding Level I or II should provide relevant preliminary data. Preliminary data for either Funding Level may come from the PI's published work, pilot data, or from peer-reviewed literature. The requested budget level should be appropriate for the scope of research proposed.For Funding Level I:The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY17 ERP IDA award will not exceed $300,000. The maximum period of performance is 2 years. For Funding Level II:The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY17 ERP IDA award will not exceed $500,000. The maximum period of performance is 3 years. FY17 ERP IDA Focus Areas: The research impact for the FY17 ERP IDA is expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities.

NIFA requests applications for the Mental Health Research Project (MHRP) for the fiscal year FY 2017 to support the Air Force Medical Operations Agency (AFMOA) MHRP in promoting the psychological health and well being for Airmen and there families through staff development, consultation, program and resource development; program evaluation, and data tracking.The primary objective for this project is to assess, develop, and evaluate programming to treat and prevent mental health problems to support the Mental Health Division of the Air Force Medical Operations Agency (AFMOA).This work also supports the mission of the DoD-USDA Partnership for Military Families Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2010 by NIFA and DoD senior leadership. The goal of the MOU is "…to enhance federal interagency coordination and build capacity for partnerships and collaboration among the agencies and across public and private sectors to sustain programs and services for military service members and their families."

The Parkinson's Disease Digital Biomarker DREAM Challenge is a first of its kind challenge, designed to benchmark methods for the processing of sensor data for development of digital signatures reflective of Parkinson's Disease. Participants will be provided with raw sensor (accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer) time series data recorded during the performance of pre-specified motor tasks, and will be asked to extract data features which are predictive of PD pathology. In contrast to traditional DREAM challenges, this one will focus on feature extraction rather than predictive modeling, and submissions will be evaluated based on their ability to predict disease phenotype using an array of standard machine learning algorithms.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA), in support of the NIH Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, is one of several FOAs aimed at supporting transformative discoveries that will lead to breakthroughs in understanding human brain function. Guided by the long-term scientific plan, BRAIN 2025: A Scientific Vision, this FOA specifically seeks to support efforts addressing core ethical issues associated with research focused on the human brain and resulting from emerging technologies and advancements supported by the BRAIN Initiative. The hope is that efforts supported under this FOA might be both complementary and integrative with the transformative, breakthrough neuroscience discoveries supported through the BRAIN Initiative.

This FOA encourages preclinical and clinical research to study whether, and how, different neurodegenerative disease processes interact with one another to initiate and/or hasten progression of neuropathology and dementia.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA), in support of the NIH Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, is one of several FOAs aimed at supporting transformative discoveries that will lead to breakthroughs in understanding human brain function. Guided by the long-term scientific plan, "BRAIN 2025: A Scientific Vision," this FOA specifically seeks to support efforts addressing core ethical issues associated with research focused on the human brain and resulting from emerging technologies and advancements supported by the BRAIN Initiative. The hope is that efforts supported under this FOA might be both complementary and integrative with the transformative, breakthrough neuroscience discoveries supported through the BRAIN Initiative.

December 7, 2017, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on December 7, 2017 No late applications will be accepted for this Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

The goal of this FOA is to transform our understanding of how dynamic interactions among multiple cell types involved in neuroimmune interactions (e.g., neurons, glia cells, neurovascular units, or other neuroimmune components) mediate the transition from normal central nervous system (CNS) function to disorder conditions. Previous findings have markedly advanced our knowledge of neuroimmune interactions during normal brain function, neurodevelopment, and in the context of established diseases. However, there is a lack of understanding of how multiple neuroimmune components mediate transitions from normal brain function to the early stages of CNS disorders, how changes in immune signaling are integrated into neuronal networks, and how disease progression is orchestrated by multiple neuroimmune components. With this FOA, we encourage projects that combine diverse expertise and use innovative approaches to address these questions at the molecular, cellular, and circuitry levels. The outcomes of this research will provide an integrated view of the dynamic changes among multiple neuroimmune components and how they contribute to the onset and progression of CNS disorders.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is dedicated to the discovery of therapeutic Biotechnology Products and Biologics (e.g., peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, gene therapies, and cell therapies) for disorders that fall under the NINDS mission. It supports the optimization of therapeutic lead(s) showing convincing proof-of-concept. At the end of the funding period, projects that successfully advance through support from this program will have identified a optimized candidate, which has sufficient bioactivity, stability, manufacturability, bioavailability, in vivo efficacy and/or target engagement, and other favorable properties that are consistent with the desired clinical application, and will be ready for entry into the CREATE Bio Development track for further development to enable filing for an Investigational New Drug (IND).