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Mentored Young Investigator Award Program
Request for Applications

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) issued by the Hydrocephalus Association is to support young scientists and clinicians to build careers in hydrocephalus research. This award is designed to help insure that qualified scientists enter the field of hydrocephalus research and receive research training and experience under the guidance of highly trained, well-respected researchers who have demonstrated success in their field of research. The goal is that the young scientists become high-caliber, productive independent researchers with an enduring focus on research relevant to hydrocephalus.

Background

The Mentored Young Investigator (MYI) Program was initiated by the Hydrocephalus Association in 2009 in response to concerns about the need for greater numbers of scientists and physician scientists in hydrocephalus research. The MYI Program supports research career development of scientists who demonstrate their intention and ability to continue in hydrocephalus research so that our investment is enduring. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have received their MD or PhD degree (or both) and are in post doctoral training or the first five years of their career in research or clinical practice. Candidates at the dissertation research stage of their doctoral training will also be considered if they show evidence of both high academic performance in the sciences and substantial interest and promise in areas of high priority for hydrocephalus research.

Senior investigators with established research programs in basic, translational and clinical research relevant to hydrocephalus will provide intellectual and technical guidance as they serve as mentors for the young scientists supported through this program.

Objectives and Scope

The overall objective of the MYI Program is to develop research independence and foster enduring interest in hydrocephalus through a mentored research experience. This support is intended to help young scientists to make successful applications for NIH K or R awards.

Our great hope is that the researchers supported in this program will develop as independent researchers able to sustain viable careers with an enduring focus on hydrocephalus research and mentor those that follow them.

Types of Research and Experimental Approaches

The research scope is not limited. Applications will be entertained for basic, translational and clinical research. Our objective is to seed high quality, innovative, relevant and timely research by promising young investigators which will advance our understanding, lead to improved treatments and find ways to prevent or cure hydrocephalus.