The FY23 RTRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award is intended to support studies that have the potential to make an important contribution to reconstructive transplant research, patient care, and/or quality of life. Though the RTRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award mechanism supports groundbreaking research, all projects must demonstrate solid scientific rationale with military-relevant utility. Important aspects of this award mechanism include:
• Study Design and Feasibility: The proposed study design should be clearly described, rigorous, and support maximal reproducibility and translational feasibility. A statistical plan with appropriate power analysis should be included, as applicable.
• Impact: The short- and long-term impact of the proposed research should be clearly articulated. Projects must address at least one of the FY23 RTRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award Focus Areas.
• Military Relevance: All projects must be responsive to the health care needs of military Service Members and/or Veterans recovering from traumatic injury, and/or their family members, caregivers or clinicians, as well as the general public. Collaboration with military researchers and clinicians is encouraged, but not required.
• Preliminary Data: Observations that drive a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery, population-based studies, a clinician’s first-hand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to reconstructive transplantation and support the rationale for the proposed research must be included.
Investigator-Initiated Research Award applications may focus on any phase of research from basic through translational, including preclinical studies in animal models, human subjects, human anatomical substances, as well as correlative studies associated with an existing clinical trial.
Deadlines:
• Required Pre-Application Deadline: July 19, 2023
• Invitation to Submit an Application: Aug 2023
• Application Submission Deadline: Oct. 11, 2023
To meet the intent of the FY23 RTRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award mechanism, applicants must address at least one of the FY23 RTRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award Focus Areas listed below (select both a bolded Focus Area and the appropriate subtopic):
Improve or optimize VCA immunosuppression. • Define the unique targets and/or mechanisms of VCA immunogenicity. • Develop novel tolerogenic approaches for VCA immunosuppression. • Develop less toxic and/or personalized regimens for maintenance immunosuppression.
Identify and/or validate reliable non-invasive prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers, methods, or tools for monitoring VCA immunosuppression or rejection, including applications that would be suitable for point-of-care testing or home monitoring. • Identify and/or validate reliable non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring acute and chronic VCA graft rejection in the clinic (i.e., human clinical samples). • Develop assays or devices for clinical graft monitoring utilizing validated biomarkers; proposed devices should take into account human use factors unique to VCA recipients. • Identify and/or validate reliable non-invasive approaches to measuring/monitoring in vivo/clinical immunosuppression levels.
Independent investigators at all academic levels (or non-academic equivalent) are eligible to be named as a PI (or Initiating or Partnering PI[s] for the Multiple PI Option).
There are no limitations on the number of applications for which an investigator may be named as a PI (or Initiating or Partnering PI[s] for the Multiple PI Option); however, the RTRP strongly encourages PIs to focus on the quality of their applications rather than quantity.
An eligible PI, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or citizenship status, must be employed by or affiliated with an eligible organization.
The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY23 RTRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award should not exceed $1M for Single PI applications and $1.5M for applications submitted under the Multiple PI Option. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.
