DoW Vision, Translational Research Award

The Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Vision Research Program (VRP) outlines four award mechanisms for independent investigators and clinicians in training affiliated with eligible organizations. These include the Clinical Trial Award, supporting rapid implementation of clinical trials for eye injuries with a maximum of $2.6 million over 3 years; the Investigator-Initiated Research Award, with two funding levels up to $1.2 million over 3 years for exploratory or clinically translational research; the Translational Research Award, offering up to $1.6 million over 3 years for transforming discoveries into new drugs or devices; and the Mentored Clinical Research Award, providing up to $75,000 over 1.5 years for clinical research by trainees under a mentor. All mechanisms require pre-application submissions (preproposals or letters of intent) by July or August 2026, with full applications due in September or November 2026. Specific requirements, such as IND/IDE approval for clinical trials and preliminary data for certain research levels, are detailed for each award.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Vision Research Program (VRP) outlines four award mechanisms: Clinical Trial Award, Investigator-Initiated Research Award, Translational Research Award, and Mentored Clinical Research Award. Each mechanism targets independent investigators affiliated with eligible organizations, except for the Mentored Clinical Research Award, which is for clinicians in training. The Clinical Trial Award supports rapid implementation of clinical trials for service-related eye injuries, requiring IND/IDE approval and a maximum of $2.6 million over three years. The Investigator-Initiated Research Award offers two funding levels, supporting exploratory research or advancement toward clinical translation, with funding up to $1.2 million over three years. The Translational Research Award focuses on transforming discoveries into new drugs or devices, offering up to $1.6 million over three years. The Mentored Clinical Research Award supports clinical research by clinicians in training under an established mentor, with a maximum of $75,000 over 1.5 years. All awards, except the Mentored Clinical Research Award, require preproposal submission by July 28, 2026, and application by November 12, 2026. The Mentored Clinical Research Award requires a Letter of Intent by August 25, 2026, and an application by September 10, 2026.