DoW Multiple Sclerosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award
🏛 Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA (DOD-AMRAA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers conducting basic or translational multiple sclerosis research. Eligible applicants include individuals with doctoral degrees, established research programs, and institutions with facilities to support MS research. Both early-career and experienced investigators can apply. Funded research should advance understanding of MS pathology, mechanisms, or potential treatments. The Department of the Army USAMRAA prioritizes projects with clear scientific merit and potential military relevance.
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Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports highly rigorous, high-impact research projects that have the potential to make an important contribution to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research, patient care, and/or quality of life. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 MSRP IIRA focus areas. Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. The rationale for a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery, clinical trial results, population-based studies, a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to MS and the proposed research project.
Distinctive Features: This funding mechanism includes two options: Established Investigator or New Investigator. The New Investigator option supports applicants early in their faculty appointments.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application for Grants)
- Project Narrative (research aims, methods, timeline)
- Biographical Sketch (PI and key personnel)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of Support (collaborators, institutional commitment)
- Institutional Certification of Compliance
Program contact
- 👤 JoAnn Martin Grantor
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 301-619-2594
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.420 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$2,265,729,366
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$800,631,761
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$74,531,880
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$67,205,571
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$55,443,120
-
$34,191,124
-
$24,907,742
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$21,394,379
-
$19,100,256
-
$19,002,641
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $3,150.1M
- NC 11 awards $132.3M
- CA 12 awards $107.3M
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- TX 8 awards $76.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.420). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,483,968,520 | |
| 2025 | $1,201,153,417 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Investigators with doctoral degrees leading independent research projects. Institutions must have appropriate research infrastructure.
What types of research are funded?
Basic, translational, and clinical research on multiple sclerosis. Studies should address mechanisms, pathology, or therapeutic approaches.
Is institutional affiliation required?
Yes. Applicants must be affiliated with an eligible research institution. Fiscal sponsorship may be available for some applicants.
What is the typical funding range?
DoD grants typically range from $300,000 to $2 million depending on research scope. Exact amounts vary by program cycle.
When is the application due?
The fixed deadline is August 13, 2026. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 PM ET on that date.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with your research hypothesis clearly stated in plain language. Reviewers want to understand the scientific question immediately.
- Connect your MS research to military relevance where possible. Explain why the military invests in this research area.
- Include preliminary data showing feasibility. DoD reviewers expect concrete evidence your team can execute the plan.
- Build in collaboration with other institutions if it strengthens the application. Multi-site teams often score well.
- Submit early and allow internal review time. The institutional grants office may need 2-4 weeks to process.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak preliminary data or unclear feasibility. Reviewers reject applications lacking proof the team can deliver results. Failing to address military relevance. DoD programs expect connection to military health or operations. Overcomplicated budgets with unclear justification. Keep budget narrative concise and directly tied to research objectives.
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