The NFRP Synergistic Idea Award supports new ideas that represent synergistic approaches to NF research involving two or three Principal Investigators (PIs). These investigators should utilize their complementary and synergistic perspectives to address a central problem or question in NF research. This award is designed to support both new and pre-existing partnerships and encourages participation of PIs from other research fields. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.
The NFRP seeks applications from investigators working in a wide spectrum of disciplines including, but not limited to, basic science, engineering, bioinformatics, population science, translational research, and clinical research.
Deadlines:
• Required Pre-Application Submission Deadline: Aug. 11, 2023
• Application Submission Deadline: Aug. 25, 2023
Areas of Emphasis: The FY23 NFRP strongly encourages research applications that specifically address the critical needs of the NF community in one or more of the Areas of Emphasis listed below. All applications are also encouraged to include materials and data from diverse populations in their research.
• NF2 and Schwannomatosis-related areas (e.g., hearing, balance, schwannoma, ependymoma, meningioma, LZTR1, SMARCB1)
• Endpoint validation, biomarker discovery, and technological innovation for assessments
• Application of data science
• Non-tumor manifestations not limited to: o Pain o Cognitive manifestations o Sleep
• Heterogeneity of NF-related phenotypes
• Genetics, genomics, epigenetics, systems biology, metabolomics, or similar approaches
• Preclinical efficacy studies
• Target identification and drug discovery
• Nutritional, environmental, and other modifiers of NF
• Health services research
Each PI must be at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) and plan to commit at least a 10% level of effort for each budget year throughout the entirety of the award. An eligible PI, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or citizenship status, must be employed by, or affiliated with, an eligible organization.
The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY23 NFRP Synergistic Idea Award should not exceed $2.0M. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.
