DoD Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award

DoD Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award is sponsored by Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA. Supports Parkinson’s disease research for early-career investigators, fostering new talent in the field.

The PRP EIRA supports Parkinson’s disease-focused research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers, under the guidance of a designated Mentor.

The Early Investigator is considered the Principal Investigator (PI) of the application and must exhibit strong potential for, and commitment to, pursuing a career as an investigator at the forefront of Parkinson’s disease research; however, the PI is not required to have previous Parkinson’s disease research experience.

Applications must include at least one Mentor, appropriate to the proposed research project, who has experience in Parkinson’s disease research and mentoring as demonstrated by a record of active funding, recent publications, and successful mentorship. The selected Mentor(s) should also demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of the PI toward independence as a Parkinson’s disease researcher.

**The following are important aspects of the EIRA:** • **_All applications for the EIRA are to be written by the PI, with appropriate direction from the Mentor(s). _** • **Principal Investigator:**The EIRA supports early-career investigators exploring innovative, high-impact ideas or new technologies applicable to Parkinson’s disease research and/or patient care.

The PRP seeks applications from investigators working in a broad spectrum of disciplines including, but not limited to, basic science, engineering, bioinformatics, population science, translational research, and clinical research. The application should demonstrate the PI’s potential for, and commitment to, pursuing a career in Parkinson’s disease research under the guidance of a designated Mentor(s).

• **Researcher Development Plan:**The application must outline an individualized Parkinson’s disease-focused Researcher Development Plan. The Researcher Development Plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise that will enable the PI to successfully complete the proposed research project and foster the PI’s development as an independent Parkinson’s disease researcher.

An environment appropriate to the proposed mentoring and research at the PI’s institution must be clearly described. Additional necessary resources and/or mentorship may be provided through collaboration(s) with other institutions. If the PI will be utilizing resources at another institution to successfully complete the proposed project, then the PI is strongly encouraged to designate a co-Mentor at the collaborating institution.

• **Focus Area:**The proposed research **_must_**address the FY18 PRP EIRA Focus Area, “mechanisms of cognitive and psychiatric symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. ” • **Research Strategy and Feasibility:**Experimental strategies may be novel or may be based on strong rationale derived from previously published data, presented preliminary data, or literature review.

The feasibility of the research design and methods should be well defined, and a clear plan should be articulated as to how the proposed goals of the project can be achieved. **_Preliminary data are not required. _**Any unpublished, preliminary data provided should originate from the PI, Mentor(s), or member(s) of the collaborating team.

The preliminary data must support the feasibility of the study. • **Impact:**The proposed research should impact an area of paramount importance in Parkinson’s disease. The application must clearly and explicitly describe the potential impact of the proposed study on Parkinson’s disease and convey its level of significance.

The research should benefit individuals with Parkinson’s disease, including Service members and Veterans, by improving the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The proposed research must be relevant to active duty Service members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and/or the American public.

The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY18 PRP EIRA will not exceed **$340,000**. Refer to Section II. D.

5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. The types of awards made under the Program Announcement will be assistance agreements (grants or cooperative agreements). The level of involvement on the part of the Department of Defense (DoD) during project performance is the key factor in determining whether to award a grant or cooperative agreement.