DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award

The FY26 Epilepsy Research Program (ERP) Idea Development Award (IDA) seeks innovative research to understand post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and its comorbidities, aiming to improve the quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, and their care partners. Administered by the Defense Health Agency, this funding opportunity (HT942526ERPIDA) will allocate approximately $2.0M for two awards, each capped at $1.0M over a maximum of three years. Key dates include a pre-application due date of August 3, 2026, and an application due date of August 17, 2026. Eligible applicants include extramural and intramural U.S. Department of War organizations, with independent investigators at any career level. The program emphasizes novel, hypothesis-driven research aligned with ERP focus areas, such as markers and mechanisms of PTE, epidemiological characterization, longitudinal studies, and innovative research tools. While preliminary data is not required, innovation and impact on the PTE field and patient care are critical. Collaborative research approaches, especially with individuals living with PTE, are encouraged. Clinical trials are not permitted. Applications undergo a two-tier review process: peer review for technical merit and programmatic review for relevance to ERP priorities. Compliance with federal regulations and data sharing requirements, including FITBIR for TBI-related clinical research, are mandatory post-award.