The DoD FY24 Vision Research Program (VRP) Focused Translational Team Science Award (FTTSA) funds collaborative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of eye injuries and visual dysfunction resulting from military-related trauma, such as blast and chemical exposure. This award supports a team approach to tackle an overarching scientific challenge, emphasizing long-term impact. Research teams should include three to five independent but related projects addressing key gaps in vision research, with a focus on fields like molecular mechanisms, therapeutic development, trauma models, and diagnostic tools.

Each project must be independently viable yet contribute to the overall research goal, spanning any research phase (e.g., basic, clinical, applied). One project may include a pilot clinical trial to test feasibility, though full-scale clinical trials are not supported. Preliminary data for all proposed projects is required.

The FTTSA team must designate an Overall Lead Principal Investigator (PI) to oversee the full effort and one of the projects, while additional Project PIs lead the other projects. All team members are expected to collaborate closely, and each PI will receive separate awards with individual reporting requirements. Regular collaborative meetings with participation from a CDMRP Science Officer are also required.

One award, totaling up to $6.4 million, is expected. Applications are due by November 12, 2024, with detailed guidelines available in the program announcement. Applicants can contact the CDMRP Help Desk for assistance.