The MSRP Concept Award mechanism is designed to support the exploration of a highly innovative new concept or untested theory that addresses an important problem relevant to MS.
Innovation and novelty of the concept are key features of this award mechanism.
The Concept Award is not intended
credit:
to support a logical progression of an already established research project but, instead, supports high-risk studies that have the potential to reveal entirely new avenues for investigation.
Innovative research may introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other uniquely creative qualities.
This may include high-risk, potentially high-gain approaches to MS research, provided that the scientific rationale supports the feasibility and development of the proposed concept.
Research that is an incremental advance upon published data is not considered innovative.
Inclusion of preliminary data is strongly discouraged.
This award is not intended to support ongoing work; therefore, the existence and presentation of preliminary data suggests that the proposed research would be more appropriately submitted to the FY10 MSRP Idea Award mechanism.
Use of human subjects and human anatomical substances is limited.
Because this award mechanism is designed to support preliminary investigations, research projects involving human subjects and/or human anatomical substances will not be supported unless they are exempt under Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 219, Section 101(b)(32 CFR 21 9. 101[b]).
In brief, exempt studies may include, but are not limited to, research on normal educational practices, special cases of educational tests and/or surveys, or the collection of existing data, documents,records, or pathological specimens in a de-identified method.
Exemption is first determined by the local Institutional Review Board (IRB) of record.
Investigators must review their institutional requirements and guidelines for filing with the IRB for exempt status.
Studies that do not qualify for exempt status will be administratively withdrawn and will not be funded.
Additional information regarding exempt status may be found on the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) Human Research Protection Office website (https://mrmc.amedd.army.mil/rodorphrpo.asp).