DOD Glioblastoma, Hypothesis Development Award

The FY24 GBMRP Hypothesis Development Award supports the exploration of highly innovative, untested, exploratory, high-risk/potentially high-gain concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods that address an important problem relevant to one or more of the FY24 GBMRP Hypothesis Development Award Focus Areas.

This award is designed to provide investigators the opportunity to pursue serendipitous observations that may reveal entirely new avenues for investigation. Results of studies conducted through this award may provide the scientific premise upon which a new hypothesis can be based or initial proof-of-principle of an innovative hypothesis, laying the groundwork for future glioblastoma-focused research projects.

The GBMRP encourages applications from early-career investigators and applications that include meaningful and productive collaborations between investigators. PIs with little to no previous glioblastoma experience are encouraged to collaborate with experienced glioblastoma researchers and/or clinicians.

Key Aspects of the Hypothesis Development Award:

Presentation of preliminary data is inconsistent with the intent of this award mechanism and is therefore strongly discouraged. However, proposals should be based on sound scientific rationale that is established through logical reasoning and critical review and analysis of the literature.

Innovation: It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigators (PIs) to clearly and explicitly articulate how the proposed research project meets the exploratory intent of this mechanism and is innovative in the field of glioblastoma research.

Impact: The PI(s) should articulate the short- and long-term impact of the proposed research on both the glioblastoma research field as well as the patient community. The anticipated impact must be significant and move beyond an incremental advancement.

Partnering Principal Investigator Option: The FY24 GBMRP Hypothesis Development Award includes an option for more than one PI. One PI will be identified as the Initiating PI and will be responsible for the majority of the administrative tasks associated with application submission. The other PI will be identified as the Partnering PI. This funding opportunity allows one Partnering PI. Both PIs should contribute significantly to the development and execution of the proposed research project. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named on separate awards to the recipient organization(s). Each award will be subject to separate reporting, regulatory, and administrative requirements. For individual submission requirements for the Initiating and Partnering PI, refer to Section II.D.2, Content and Form of the Application Submission.