Description:
The NINDS Cooperative Program in Translational Research Small Business Awards provides funding through the U44 cooperative agreements mechanism. As a cooperative agreement, implementation will involve participation of NINDS program staff in the planning and execution of these therapy-directed projects. The U44 cooperative agreements support translational research projects that are focused on a single problem or approach to therapy development for a neurological disorder, or a group of closely related neurological disorders. Consortium agreements are permitted.
Milestones: Phase II applications must include proposed yearly go/no-go milestones that are the subject of a special review criterion. During the execution of the project, NINDS staff will assess progress toward and achievement of milestones. Achievement of these milestones will be evaluated by NINDS prior to releasing funding for each year of the award. Guidance for preparation of milestone plans will be provided by NINDS in pre-application teleconferences and is available at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/research/translational/DevelopingMilestones.htm.
Collaboration among awardees will be encouraged and facilitated by NINDS program staff. Investigators will have the opportunity to share data, materials, and expertise. It is expected that lessons learned and techniques developed within one disease community will be relevant to the efforts of other communities.
