DoD Multiple Sclerosis, Early Investigator Research Award

Background
The Early Investigator Research Award is part of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Program initiated in 2009 to support pioneering concepts and high-impact research relevant to the prevention, etiology, pathogenesis, assessment, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) to lessen its personal and societal impact. The program is managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). The proposed research must be relevant to active-duty Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and/or the American public.

Grant Details
The Early Investigator Research Award supports MS-focused research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers, under the guidance of one or more designated Mentors. The proposed research must address one or more of the following Focus Areas: Central Nervous System Regenerative Potential in Demyelinating Conditions, Correlates of Disease Activity and Progression in MS, Biology and Measurement of MS Symptoms, and Factors Contributing to or Associated with MS Etiology, Prodrome, Onset, and Disease Course. The award mechanism includes a Principal Investigator (PI), Mentor(s), Researcher Development Plan, and Research Project. The total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance will not exceed $320,000.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include all organizations, including foreign organizations, foreign public entities, international organizations, local, state, and federal government agencies within the United States. The Principal Investigator (PI) must possess a doctoral degree from an accredited organization and have 4 years or less of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application submission. Only postdoctoral fellows are eligible for this award.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for an FY22 MSRP Early Investigator Research Award will end no later than September 30, 2023.

Grant Value
The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $1.9M to fund approximately six EIRA applications. The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance will not exceed $320,000.