DoD Neurofibromatosis Research Academy-Leadership Award

All applications for this award must address at least the strategic goal “Increase research capacity” as stated in Section II.A.1 above.

The NFRP Neurofibromatosis Research Academy (NFRA) will bring together established investigators (Director and Deputy Director) and early-career independent investigators (Scholars) to develop successful, highly productive neurofibromatosis researchers that will conduct research with the aim of lessening the clinical impact of NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis. The NFRA is a unique, multi-institutional interactive virtual research academy focused on supporting innovative high-impact research in a collaborative research and career development environment. The NFRA will provide a framework of intensive monitoring and iterative guidance with proposed research, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for Scholars.

The NFRA is a platform that consists of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors) from different institutions, and an Academy Director and Deputy Director (see Figure 1 below). The Academy Director and Deputy Director catalyze the growth and professional development of the Scholars in collaboration with their Career Guides, assess the progress of the Scholars, and facilitate communication and collaboration among all Academy members. The Career Guide is not required to be at the same institution as the Scholar; however, if the (primary) Career Guide is from a different institution, a secondary Career Guide at the Scholar’s institution is needed. The NFRA will give Scholars opportunities to operate in a collegial, highly dynamic, and cutting-edge center to lead neurofibromatosis research to a new frontier. The NFRA will provide a platform for Scholars to collaborate with leaders in the neurofibromatosis field and advance research for neurofibromatosis patients. The NFRA leadership team will also provide opportunities to NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) Early Investigator Research Award and NFRP FY23 (and subsequent year awardees) New Investigator Award - Early-Stage Investigator researchers to engage with NFRP NFRA Scholars.

This FY23 funding opportunity is soliciting applications for an Academy Director and Deputy Director to lead the NFRA. The Academy Director and Deputy Director (referred to as Academy Leadership) must be established neurofibromatosis researchers and can be at different institutions. The Academy Leadership must demonstrate a strong record of mentoring and training early-career independent investigators, a commitment to leadership, the ability to articulate methods toward research collaborations, and the ability to objectively assess the progress of all Scholars in the NFRA. Early-career independent investigators interested in applying to become a member of the NFRA should refer to the FY23 NFRP Neurofibromatosis Research Academy - Scholar Award program announcement (HT9425-23-NFRP-NFRA-SA). Note: An invited oral presentation is a requirement for application review of the NFRP NFRA-LA, as described in Section II.D.2.b, Full Application Submission Content.