The FY22 PRARP IIRA is intended to support studies that will make important contributions to TBI and/or military-service-related factors as they pertain to AD/ADRD research, patient care, and quality of life. The work should innovatively challenge existing paradigms or exhibit high levels of creativity.
IIRA applications may focus on any phase of research from basic through translational. Permitted research includes preclinical studies in animal models (except where otherwise specified), research with human subjects, or human anatomical substances, as well as ancillary studies associated with an existing clinical trial. Inclusion of preliminary data is required. Use of animal models, if allowable, must be fully justified for relevance to human health. Clinical research applications are required to include a community collaboration research element.
Deadlines:
To address the intent of the award mechanism, applications submitted to this program announcement must address at least one of the FY22 PRARP IIRA Focus Areas listed below. Selection of the appropriate Focus Area is the responsibility of the applicant.
1. Individual, caregiver, and family support: Clinical research focused on long-term care, quality of life, psychosocial wellness and support, and community and home resources supporting aging-in-place and community living for individuals living with dementia, their families, and care partners. For this Focus Area, “family” is broadly defined as the family of choice and/or the family of origin. Study population diversity is strongly encouraged. Applications including animal studies are not allowed for this Focus Area.
2. Diagnostic, environmental, and prognostic factors: Research to better detect, diagnose, support treatment decisions, and predict long-term outcomes and risk factors associated with AD/ADRD following military service and/or TBI. Research of interest may include, but is not limited to, identification and validation of biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of AD and ADRD, including, but not limited to, fluid, tissue, and imaging biomarkers, psychosocialindicators, development and validation of devices/technologies, or a combination thereof. In addition, research could address the contribution and identification of risk and resiliency factors for development of AD/ADRD during and after military service, which may include, but are not limited to, life history, genetic, physiological, and psychosocial factors. Epidemiological studies examining TBI and/or military-service-related factors and AD/ADRD development are also included under this Focus Area.
3. Foundational research to improve understanding of the mechanisms, etiology, comorbidities, therapeutics/treatments for AD/ADRD after TBI.
Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent) may be named by the organization as the PI on the application.
Early-Career Investigator Partnering PI Option: The Early-Career Investigator must be an independent investigator within 10 years of their terminal degree by the time of the application submission deadline (excluding time spent in residency or on family medical leave) or new to the field. Investigators new to the field will have nominal, if any, publications or funding support in either TBI or AD/ADRD. Time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded. Lapses in research time or appointments as denoted in the biographical sketch should be explained in the application
The anticipated total (direct plus indirect) costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY22 PRARP IIRA will not exceed $750,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.
