The intent of the FY23 ERP IDA is to solicit novel, innovative research that has the potential to increase our understanding of PTE to improve quality of life, especially in Service Members, Veterans, and/or their care partners. The work should innovatively challenge existing research paradigms or exhibit high levels of creativity. The FY23 ERP IDA offers two levels of funding dependent upon the level of experience of the Principal Investigator (PI):
• Funding Level I - Pathway to Independence Option – Early-career investigators ranging from the post-doctoral level (e.g., research associate, fellows, residents, or equivalent) to within 3 years of their first independent faculty position (or equivalent) may be named by the organization as the PI on the application (mentor required).
• Funding Level II - Innovative New Direction Option – Investigators at all career levels may be named by the organization as the PI on the application.
Deadlines:
- REQUIRED Pre-application Submission Deadline: May 19, 2023
- Full Application Submission Deadline: June 23, 2023
Applications to the FY23 ERP Idea Development Award (IDA) should address at least one of the Focus Areas listed below. Applications may address more than one Focus Area. An application that proposes research outside of these FY23 ERP Focus Areas is also acceptable, as long as the applicant provides a strong justification as to why the topic is critical to advance understanding of PTE and addresses the ERP mission.
• Markers and Mechanisms: Identifying biomarkers or mechanisms of PTE, which may include the following: ○ Predictive biomarkers of epileptogenesis (acute and chronic) ○ Research into the prevention of epilepsy and/or seizures
• Epidemiology: Epidemiological characterization of PTE following TBI, which may include the following: ○ Understanding and improving the quality of life of individuals with PTE, their families, and/or their care partners ○ Predictors of the development of epilepsy ○ Outcomes, including latency to and prevention of epilepsy, comorbidities, and mortality
• Longitudinal Studies: Studies of the evolution of PTE, which may include the following: ○ Understanding and improving the quality of life of individuals with PTE, their families, and/or their care partners ○ Treatment and healthcare outcomes research, including quality of care ○ Natural history of PTE and prognosis ○ Comorbidities (e.g., depression, functional deficits, sleep disorders, major illness)
• Innovative Research: Tools intended to better inform or improve upon PTE research and care, which may include the following: ○ Strategies that will improve seizure detection, characterization, visualization, or diagnosis ○ Development of new models or better characterization of existing etiologically relevant models for PTE
Funding Level I – Pathway to Independence Option:
• Principal Investigator o The named PI must be at or above the level of postdoctoral fellow (e.g., research associate, fellow, medical resident, or equivalent), or within 3 years of their first independent faculty position (or equivalent) at the time of the application submission deadline (excluding time spent in residence or on family medical leave). Lapses in research time or appointments as denoted in the biographical sketch should be explained in the application. o The PI can be from any field or discipline but must demonstrate suitable experience relevant to the proposed research.
• Mentor o The mentor must hold a position at or above the level of an associate professor (or equivalent). o The mentor must be a PTE researcher possessing qualifications, background, and experience in BOTH TBI and epilepsy as well as a track record for mentoring earlycareer investigators in the field.
The PI and mentor DO NOT need to be located at the same organization.
Funding Level II – Innovative New Direction Option:
• Principal Investigator o The named PI may be an investigator at any career level. The named PI can be from any field or discipline, but study teams are expected to demonstrate expertise in both TBI and epilepsy.
The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY23 ERP Idea Development Award – Funding Level I should not exceed $450,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.
The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for a FY23 ERP Idea Development Award – Funding Level II should not exceed $650,000.