DOD Glioblastoma, Transformative Consortium Award

Background
The Department of Defense (DOD) recognizes the urgent need for improved outcomes for individuals with glioblastoma through the Glioblastoma Research Program (GBMRP). The FY24 Transformative Consortium Award (TCA) aims to support a collaborative effort involving at least four to five distinct yet complementary projects that collectively address a central hypothesis. This initiative is designed to foster innovative research and drive scientific discovery in the field of glioblastoma, ultimately improving patient survival and quality of life.

Grant Details
The TCA requires a multidisciplinary approach by a consortium of exceptional researchers and at least one consumer advocate. Applications must propose clinical or translational research projects and/or clinical trials that address at least one of the FY24 GBMRP Areas of Emphasis, which include:

1) Developing new treatments or advancing existing therapies for glioblastoma patients;
2) Identifying novel approaches for disease detection and monitoring;
3) Expanding glioblastoma resources for research and clinical communities.

Each project must demonstrate solid scientific rationale and include preliminary data supporting feasibility. The consortium structure must include a Consortium Director responsible for day-to-day management, along with Project Team PIs leading distinct projects that are interrelated under a central hypothesis.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include extramural and intramural organizations, both foreign and domestic, including for-profit and non-profit entities. The Consortium Director must be an independent investigator at or above the level of Associate Professor, committing at least 25% effort to manage the consortium. Project Team PIs can be independent investigators at any career level with a minimum commitment of 10% effort.

Period of Performance
The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance should not exceed $9.09 million, with awards expected to be made no later than September 30, 2025. Funds will expire on September 30, 2030.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is approximately $9.09 million, with an expectation to fund one Transformative Consortium Award application.