DoW Parkinson’s, Investigator-Initiated Research Award

The FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) seeks applications for high-impact, multidisciplinary research projects to advance Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. This funding opportunity, managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Defense Health Agency, aims to support research that decreases risk, slows progression, or eases PD symptoms, benefiting Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the general public. Projects must address at least one of four FY26 PRP Focus Areas, which include understanding PD heterogeneity, developing in vitro models, identifying biological mechanisms or biomarkers for unmet medical needs, and developing interventions for PD.The award offers approximately $10 million to fund five projects, with a maximum of $2 million per award over a three-year period. Eligibility extends to extramural and intramural U.S. Department of War organizations, including foreign, domestic, for-profit, and non-profit entities. Principal Investigators (PIs) must dedicate at least 15% of their effort, and a Partnering PI option is available. Preliminary data are required, and clinical trials are permitted.The application process is two-step: a pre-application (Letter of Intent) due October 23, 2026, and a full application due November 6, 2026. Submissions require active SAM.gov, eBRAP.org, and Grants.gov registrations. Applications undergo compliance, peer, and programmatic reviews based on research strategy, impact, personnel qualifications, and a post-award transition plan, with specific additional criteria for clinical trials. Unscored criteria include budget, environment, data sharing, and application presentation.