DoD Peer Reviewed Alzheimer’s, Convergence Science Research Award | W81XWH 19 PRARP CSRA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DoD Peer Reviewed Alzheimer's, Convergence Science Research Award (CSRA)?

The Convergence Science Research Award (CSRA) is a Department of Defense (DoD) research funding opportunity under the Peer Reviewed Alzheimer's Research Program (PRARP). It is designed to move the field forward through highly innovative, creative, and potentially paradigm-shifting work related to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), particularly where the science converges with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

What is the primary goal of this award?

The main goal is to support novel research efforts and the development of research resources or tools that researchers and health science practitioners can use, as long as the work aligns with the PRARP mission. Projects are expected to create meaningful advances, not just incremental improvements.

What does the program mean by "convergence science"?

"Convergence science" refers to research that intentionally brings together expertise, methods, theories, or technologies from different disciplines to address a complex problem. In this funding call, the convergence focus is specifically on the intersection of TBI and AD/ADRD, and interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.

What scientific theme is emphasized in this opportunity?

A central theme is the convergence between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer's disease/ADRD. The opportunity highlights interest in understanding and addressing links between brain injury and later-life neurodegeneration or dementia-related outcomes.

How innovative does the proposed work need to be?

The opportunity is explicitly innovation- and impact-based. Proposed projects are expected to do more than add knowledge incrementally. They should challenge existing assumptions, introduce new or unconventional approaches, or create enabling capabilities that meaningfully change what the research community can do.

What kinds of outcomes is the program looking for?

Applications are expected to make a strong case for both (1) what is new or unconventional about the approach and (2) why the outcome will matter in practical terms. The program is oriented toward results that could translate into better understanding, prevention, diagnosis, or management of AD/ADRD, especially where that intersects with service-related health concerns.

Is the award focused only on military populations?

No. The program is oriented toward producing results that can benefit multiple populations. It places particular emphasis on relevance to military and Veteran communities while also supporting broader civilian impact.

What is expected regarding expertise in TBI and Alzheimer's/ADRD?

Study teams are expected to demonstrate relevant expertise in both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer's disease/ADRD. This reflects the program's interest in research that directly targets the TBI and AD/ADRD intersection.

Are interdisciplinary or cross-field collaborations encouraged?

Yes. The convergence science framing signals that interdisciplinary, cross-field collaborations are encouraged. Proposals that integrate methods, theories, or technologies from different disciplines may be especially competitive if they convincingly target the TBI and AD/ADRD intersection.

What are the funding levels and how are they defined?

The CSRA offers two funding levels structured around career stage:

• Funding Level I: Reserved for early-career investigators within three years of their first independent faculty position.
• Funding Level II: Aimed at more established principal investigators at or above the rank of assistant professor (or equivalent).

Who is eligible for Funding Level I?

Funding Level I is for early-career investigators who are within three years of their first independent faculty position. It is open to investigators from any discipline as long as they meet the timing requirement.

Is any special documentation required for Funding Level I applicants?

Yes. Level I applicants must include an Eligibility Statement (listed as Attachment 6) to confirm that the principal investigator meets the early-career criteria.

Who is eligible for Funding Level II?

Funding Level II is aimed at more established principal investigators who are at or above the rank of assistant professor (or equivalent). The opportunity does not restrict the field or discipline for Level II, consistent with the program's goal of attracting diverse perspectives.

Are applicants limited to certain disciplines or fields?

No. Both funding levels are described as open to investigators from any discipline, reinforcing the program's interest in bringing in new approaches and capabilities from across the research landscape.

What type of award mechanism is used?

The award mechanism can be either a grant or a cooperative agreement.

Which DoD organizations are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, and is managed by USAMRAA (U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity).

What is the CFDA number/category listed for this funding?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding within science, technology, and other research and development activities under CFDA 12.420.

How broad is the eligibility for applying organizations?

Eligibility is described as broadly unrestricted, meaning a wide range of entity types may apply, subject to any additional conditions that may be specified in the full announcement.

How many awards are expected?

The posting indicates an expected number of awards of around 10.

Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The notice lists an award ceiling as 0, which typically indicates applicants should rely on the detailed funding guidance in the full solicitation rather than interpreting that field as a literal maximum.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is W81XWH 19 PRARP CSRA.

What were the key dates listed in the posting?

The opportunity was created on May 16, 2019, and the original closing date listed is July 17, 2019.

What is the overall intent of this program in plain terms?

This program is a targeted DoD investment in bold, cross-cutting research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias that also connects directly to military and Veteran health priorities, especially through the lens of TBI-related risk, mechanisms, and interventions.