DIRECTOR, USAMRAA, 820 CHANDLER ST, FORT DETRICK MD 21702-5014

A -- NEUROFIBROMATOSIS RESEARCH PROGRAM SOL 074&&&-9806-0002 POC MCMR, (301) 619-7079 (Site Code DAMD17) The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) has been directed by the Secretary of the Army to continue the Department of Defense (DOD) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP). The deadlines, format, and other criteria specified for proposals in this NFRP Announcement are based on program objectives, public needs, and regulatory guidance. General information on the USAMRMC can be obtained from the USAMRMC website (http://mrmc-www.army.mil). Specific information on the DOD NFRP can be obtained from the USAMRMC Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs website (http://mrmc-rad6.army.mil). A copy of this Announcement and associated forms (except for the Proposal Cover Booklet) can be downloaded from the USAMRMC congressionally Directed Medical Research Program website (http://mrmc-rad6.army.mil/documents.html). The allocation for Investigator-Initiated Research Awards, with or without nested posdoctoral traineeships, is approximately $7 M. The intent of these awards is to stimulate and reward creative research that may be viewed as speculative, but has the potential for high payoff. Although the proposed research may be inherently risky in nature, the research plan should demonstrate solid scientific judgment and rationale. Applicants should include preliminary data to support the feasibility of the proposed research hypotheses and scientific approach. It is the responsibility of the investigator to clearly articulate how the proposed research is innovative. A clear experimental and statistical plan should be included as part of the proposal. Nested Post-doctoral Traineeships are being offered as a part of Investigator-Initiated Research proposals. The intent of these nested Post-doctoral Traineeships is to enable recent doctoral degree graduates with limited post-doctoral experience (i.e., less than five years) to either extend ongoing research related to NF or broaden the scope of their research to include work relevant to NF under the guidance of a designated mentor who is submitting an Investigator-Initiated Research proposal. Nested Post-doctoral Traineeships can be requested for an average of $42,000 per year inclusive of direct and indirect costs for a maximum of $126,000 over three years. Funds may be requested for salary, expenses including research supplies, and travel to scientific meetings. Proposal due date: October 14, 1998 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Posted 07/14/98 (I-SN222920). (0195)

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