FRAXA nominated advocate, Jennifer Frobish, recently evaluated research applications submitted to the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
As a consumer reviewer, Jennifer was a full voting member, (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $370 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2022 will be spent on research.
Through the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, the US Department of Defense (DOD) has provided millions of dollars in funding for Fragile X research since 2010. The PRMRP, which was established and is run by Congress, covers crucial gaps left unattended by other funding organizations by fostering ground-breaking, high-risk, high-gain research.
Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Jennifer said that “consumer reviewers are so important because we bring these studies to life. We help other reviewers understand the true impact of the work, beyond the measurable outcomes they read about in the application.”
Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since FY99. COL Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted. We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant,” she said.
Researchers applying to the PRMRP propose to promote research to improve the health, well-being, and care of all Military Service Members, Veterans, and the American Public.
Learn more about the CDMRP PRMRP.
