DoW, Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy – Early-Career Investigator Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career researchers studying ovarian cancer through clinical trials. Applicants must be PhD, MD, or equivalent researchers within specific career stages. The Department of the Army funds investigator-initiated research and career development.
Both nonprofit research institutions and academic medical centers can apply. You must have institutional support and access to clinical trial infrastructure.
Proposed research must advance ovarian cancer treatment or outcomes. Work on clinical trial design, patient recruitment, and therapeutic development are supported. Research sites must meet federal compliance standards.
Program description
Summary: Created in FY23, the Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy (OCCTA) supports the next generation of Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) in clinical trial research to produce effective treatments and cures for ovarian cancer. The OCCTA, through its Leadership, provides for professional and leadership development of the ECIs to include skills and competencies needed to execute clinical trials, providing intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for junior clinical trialists. The OCCTA will bring together established investigators (the Academy Dean and Assistant Dean), established Career Guides (mentors), and a group of ECIs/Scholars to conduct successful, highly productive clinical trials in ovarian cancer.
Distinctive Features: Research funded under this FY26 funding opportunity will support translational research and small-scale, early-phase clinical trials in ovarian cancer. Preliminary data are required, however, these data do not necessarily need to be derived from the ovarian cancer research field. The ECI must be within 12 years of their last postdoctoral research position (Ph.D.), clinical fellowship (M.D.), or equivalent at the time of full application submission deadline. The ECI must commit no less than 25% effort to this award and/or OCCTA activities for the first two years. The Designated Mentor must be a clinical trialist with a strong record of mentoring and training early-career investigators.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 Application Form
- Project Narrative
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch (investigator and key personnel)
- Institutional Commitment Letter
- Research Compliance Documentation
- Clinical Trial Protocol (if applicable)
- Letters of Support
Program contact
- 👤 Christopher Meinberg Grantor
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 3016192657
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
-
$2,265,729,366
-
$800,631,761
-
$74,531,880
-
$67,205,571
-
$53,718,832
-
$34,191,124
-
$24,907,742
-
$21,394,379
-
$19,100,256
-
$19,002,641
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $3,150.1M
- NC 11 awards $132.3M
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- CA 11 awards $99.3M
- MA 7 awards $75.2M
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?
Early-career investigators with a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree. You typically need 3-10 years of postdoctoral or clinical experience. Applicants must hold a position at an eligible research institution.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 1, 2026. Applications open May 4, 2026. Submit early to allow review time before the deadline.
What types of research activities are supported?
Clinical trial design, ovarian cancer therapeutics, patient outcomes research, and recruitment strategies. Pilot studies and early-phase trials are preferred. Research must directly address ovarian cancer.
How competitive is this award?
Army-funded awards are typically very competitive. Your application must demonstrate research innovation and clinical impact. Strong preliminary data strengthens your chances.
What is the typical funding range?
Army clinical research awards vary widely. Budget should align with your research scope and timeline. Contact the agency for specific funding caps and allowable costs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your early-career status and commitment to ovarian cancer research. Show how this award will launch your independent career.
- Include strong preliminary data from prior studies or pilot work. This demonstrates feasibility and clinical readiness.
- Build relationships with your institution's research office early. Army awards require significant compliance documentation and institutional support.
- Clearly connect your trial design to ovarian cancer clinical outcomes. Show how patients benefit from your proposed work.
- Request a pre-submission meeting with the program officer. They can clarify expectations and strengthen your proposal before submission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Overscoping research without sufficient preliminary data. Weak institutional commitment or missing compliance documentation. Failing to address military relevance or broader clinical impact.
Similar grants
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Rangeland Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps – Bureau wide — Bureau of Land Management
- OPEN Infertility Training Center — Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
- OPEN FY26 Bureau of Land Management Eastern Nevada Conservation, Recreation and Development – NEVADA BLM — Bureau of Land Management