The FY20 MRP Idea Award supports innovative, untested, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods in melanoma research. The advancement of knowledge in melanoma research, patient care, and/or treatment options in the Military Health System (MHS) is critical to active duty Service members, Veterans, other military beneficiaries, and the American public.
The purpose of the Idea Award is to generate novel research avenues for investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable novel hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design. The Idea Award is not intended to support a logical progression of an already established research project. A key characteristic of this funding opportunity is innovation. Innovative research may introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. Incremental advances, the next logical step, or switching a model system from one cancer to another cancer is not considered innovative.