DoD Autism, Career Development Award

Background
The FY24 ARP Career Development Award is managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). The program aims to support early-career, independent investigators and/or the transition of established investigators from other research fields to conduct innovative, high-impact ideas or early-phase, proof-of-principle clinical trials with the potential to have a major impact on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The ARP's vision is to improve the lives of individuals with ASD now and in their future, and its mission is to promote innovative research that advances the understanding of ASD and leads to improved outcomes.

Grant Details
The FY24 ARP Career Development Award supports early-career, independent investigators and/or the transition of established investigators from other research fields to conduct innovative, high-impact ideas or early-phase, proof-of-principle clinical trials with the potential to have a major impact on ASD. Applications are strongly encouraged to address one of the FY24 ARP Career Development Award Areas of Interest or provide justification that the proposed research addresses a critical problem, question, or need in ASD. The award enables such investigators to compete for funding separately from investigators with established programs of ASD research. Previous experience in ASD research is allowed but not required. The proposed research must be relevant to active-duty Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and/or the American public. Researchers are encouraged to establish effective collaborations and partnerships with community members to maximize the translational and impact potential of the proposed research.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include extramural and intramural organizations such as foreign or domestic for-profit and non-profit organizations, public entities, academic institutions, biotechnology companies, foundations, federal government organizations other than the DOD (intragovernmental organizations), and research institutes. The Principal Investigator must be an independent investigator at or below the level of Assistant Professor or equivalent; or an established independent investigator in an area other than ASD at or above the level of Assistant Professor seeking to transition to a career in ASD.

Period of Performance
The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 ARP Career Development Award should not exceed $550,000. Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.

Grant Value
$15M has been appropriated for FY24 ARP Career Development Award. Approximately $2.64M is expected to be allotted to fund approximately three Career Development Award applications.