science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOD-AMRAA
DoW Parkinson’s, Early Investigator Research Award
Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · HT942526PRPEIRA
Total Program Funding
$4.2M
Expected Awards
7
Deadline
November 6, 2026
GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview
DoD's Parkinson's Research Program Early Investigator Research Award funds 7 grants ($4.2M total, ~$600K each) for early-career researchers studying Parkinson's disease. Career development + research funding for junior investigators establishing independent PD research programs. Must be within 10 years of terminal degree or residency.
Who Should Apply
Early-career Parkinson's disease researchers (within 10 years of degree/residency) at research institutions. Must propose PD-relevant research and demonstrate transition to independence.
Who Should NOT Apply
Established PD researchers, researchers outside neuroscience/PD, senior investigators, or anyone more than 10 years from their terminal degree.
Key Requirements (Plain English)
- •Must be an early-career investigator (within 10 years of degree/residency)
- •Must focus on Parkinson's disease research
- •7 awards totaling $4.2M
- •Must demonstrate transition to research independence
- •Unrestricted eligibility
- •No cost-sharing required
💡 GrantQuick Tip
7 awards for early-career PD researchers is quite generous. The DoD PD program exists because military personnel have elevated PD risk (head injuries, environmental exposures). While military relevance isn't required, mentioning the connection strengthens your application. This is a CAREER award — reviewers want to see your mentoring plan, timeline to independence, and how this funding bridges to your first R01. Show trajectory, not just one project.
Competitiveness: Moderate — 7 awards for early-career PD researchers. The PD research community is large, but early-career restrictions narrow the field significantly.
What This Grant Funds
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) supports Parkinson’s disease (PD) research for investigators in the early stages of their careers. The FY26 EIRA offers two funding levels, which align to the research career stage of the Principal Investigator (PI). Funding Level 1 (for fellows) requires the investigator to receive guidance from a designated Mentor, whereas Funding Level 2 (for early-career independent investigators) does not. Proposed research must address at least one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas.
Distinctive Features:
· The Early Investigator is considered the PI of the application and must exhibit strong potential for and commitment to pursuing a career as an investigator at the forefront of PD research; however, the PI is not required to have previous PD research experience.
· Funding Level 1: Applications must include at least one Mentor appropriate to the proposed research project who has experience in PD research and mentoring, as demonstrated by a record of active funding, recent publications, and successful mentorship. The selected Mentor(s) should also demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of the PI toward independence as a PD researcher. Preliminary data are encouraged but not required.
· Funding Level 2: Mentor not required. Preliminary data are required.
· Clinical trials are not allowed.
Attachments
Who Can Apply
Eligible Applicant Types
Funding Details
- Total Program Funding
- $4.2M
- Expected Number of Awards
- 7
- Cost Sharing Required?
- No
- Funding Instrument
- grant
Key Dates
Agency Contact
eBRAP Help Desk Phone: 301-682-5507 Email: help@eBRAP.org
help@eBRAP.orgReady to apply?
View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov