DOD Epilepsy, Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center Faculty Award

Description

The ERP seeks to advance PTE research through development of early-career investigators and investigators new to the PTE field. The ERP Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center (Virtual P-TERC) is a unique, interactive virtual research center providing intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for new PTE investigators. The overarching goal of the Virtual P-TERC is to develop successful, highly productive PTE researchers in a collaborative research and career development environment to enhance quality and expand quantity of the PTE research field.The Virtual P-TERC is a multi-institutional career development and research training platform that consists of Faculty and their Career Guides (primary mentors), and is managed by a Director and Deputy Director.The Virtual P-TERC Leadership (the Director and the Deputy Director) serve as a resource for the Faculty and Career Guides, assessing the progress of Faculty, and facilitating communication and collaboration among all of the Faculty and Career Guides, as well as with national research societies and representatives from the community with lived PTE experience. In addition to fostering scientific development, the Virtual P-TERC, through its Leadership, provides for professional and leadership development of the Faculty to include skills and competencies needed to fund and manage a productive PTE research laboratory.This FY22 program announcement is soliciting Faculty members to join the Virtual P-TERC. Under this award mechanism, the application should focus on BOTH the Faculty member’s research and career development. This award allows the Faculty member (the investigator named as the Principal Investigator [PI] on the application) to pursue an impactful research project with an emphasis on discovery that investigates questions across the PTE research spectrum (Biology/Etiology, Prevention, Diagnosis/Detection, Prognosis, Treatment, and Quality of Life). Applications should address at least one of the FY22 ERP Focus Areas or provide a strong justification as to why the alternative topic is critical to advance understanding of PTE and addresses the ERP mission. This research must be performed under the guidance of a Career Guide. The Career Guide is not required to be at the same institution as the Faculty member.The Faculty member is required to participate in all development and training activities hosted by the Virtual P-TERC, including monthly calls with Virtual P-TERC Leadership. Additionally, the Faculty member and Career Guide are required to attend a biennial multi-day Virtual P- TERC workshop and, in alternate years, a Virtual P-TERC 1-day workshop.The ERP encourages applications from Faculty members whose ability to commit to conducting PTE research is limited by minimal resources or a lack of resources, such as a qualified Career Guide at their institution, access to PTE research tools, opportunities for establishing collaborations, or other obstacles.Important aspects of this award mechanism include:• Principal Investigator: The PI must be an independent investigator new to the field of PTE research with the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of the field. This award mechanism is not limited to early-career investigators. Independent investigators at any stage of their career are eligible to be named as PI provided that they have only nominal publication and/or funding history in the field. The PI’s record of accomplishments will be evaluated regarding their potential for becoming an established PTE investigator, as will their commitment to the Virtual P-TERC.• Career Guide: The Faculty member must designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must be an experienced PTE researcher, as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications. In addition, the Career Guide must demonstrate a commitment to advancing and sustaining the PI’s career in PTE research. The Career Guide must also be committed to fully participating in the Virtual P-TERC and potentially serving on the Virtual P-TERC Advisory Board as requested by the Virtual P-TERC Leadership.• Career Development: A Career Development and Sustainment Plan (Attachment 6) is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Career Guide. The Career Development Plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise to advance and sustain an independent career at the forefront of PTE research. The PI must articulate commitment to interactions with the Virtual P-TERC.• Impact: Applications should articulate the short-term and long-term impact of the proposed research on the PTE research field, patient care, and those living with PTE. Projects should address one or more of the FY22 ERP Focus Areas or provide a strong justification as to why the alternative topic is critical to advance understanding of PTE and addresses the ERP mission. Applicants are encouraged to consult with individuals living with PTE during the development and execution of the proposed research project, to ensure research outcomes maximize translational and impact potential.• Relevance to Military Health: Projects must be relevant to military Service Members, their families, and Veterans with PTE. Collaboration with military and VA researchers and clinicians is encouraged.Preliminary data are encouraged but NOT required, though evidence demonstrating the ability of the applicant to execute the chosen model of TBI within their laboratory or the laboratory of a collaborator is required.

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