Alzheimer’s Research Program Transforming Care Award

The Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Defense Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) outlines various award mechanisms aimed at advancing research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Three primary awards are detailed: the Transforming Diagnosis Award, the Transforming Research Award, and the Transforming Care Award. Each award supports innovative studies that require community collaboration and prohibits clinical trials while allowing the use of existing data. The Transforming Diagnosis Award, with a maximum funding limit of $1.5M for the base option and $1.7M for career initiation or transition (CIT), focuses on enhancing diagnostic methods for AD/ADRD. The Transforming Research Award, limited to $1.0M, aims to mitigate risks and improve patient care through transformative research. The Transforming Care Award emphasizes person-centered research, allowing clinical trials, with funding up to $1.6M and $1.8M for CIT. All three awards require preliminary data submission, a pre-proposal for invited applications, and adherence to community collaboration. Submission deadlines for pre-proposals and applications fall on June 12, 2025, and August 29, 2025, respectively. This initiative underscores the federal commitment to improving outcomes for military personnel affected by AD/ADRD and TBI through strategic research support.

The Department of Defense’s FY25 Alzheimer’s Research Program is announcing the availability of funding for the Transforming Care Award, aimed at supporting innovative research focused on improving care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The program encourages applications from a diverse range of eligible organizations, including for-profit and non-profit entities, with a special emphasis on community collaboration. Approximately $5.2 million is allocated to fund around three awards, with specific cost caps depending on the type of application (single PI or partnership). Pre-applications are due by June 12, 2025, followed by a full application deadline of August 29, 2025. Successful projects should demonstrate innovative approaches to address caregiver burden, improve quality of life, and incorporate community perspectives. The awards can last up to four years and will finalize funding decisions by September 2026. A two-step application process requires initial pre-proposals, which must include a narrative outlining the research's significance and impact, followed by a comprehensive full application for those invited. Review criteria will assess the project’s impact, feasibility, strategy, and integration of community collaboration, ensuring that research meets the needs of those affected by Alzheimer's and related conditions. This initiative reflects a commitment to advance care and support for a vulnerable population while fostering cross-disciplinary cooperation.