DoW Parkinson’s, Early Investigator Research Award
🏛 Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA (DOD-AMRAA)
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career researchers pursuing Parkinson's disease research. Applicants must be investigators early in their careers with strong commitment to PD research, though prior PD experience is not required.
Funding Level 1 targets fellows or researchers who need mentorship. A designated mentor with PD research experience is required. Funding Level 2 targets early-career independent investigators without a mentor requirement.
All proposed research must address at least one FY26 PRP focus area. Clinical trials are not permitted. Cost sharing is not required.
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) supports Parkinson’s disease (PD) research for investigators in the early stages of their careers. The FY26 EIRA offers two funding levels, which align to the research career stage of the Principal Investigator (PI). Funding Level 1 (for fellows) requires the investigator to receive guidance from a designated Mentor, whereas Funding Level 2 (for early-career independent investigators) does not. Proposed research must address at least one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas.
Distinctive Features:
· The Early Investigator is considered the PI of the application and must exhibit strong potential for and commitment to pursuing a career as an investigator at the forefront of PD research; however, the PI is not required to have previous PD research experience.
· Funding Level 1: Applications must include at least one Mentor appropriate to the proposed research project who has experience in PD research and mentoring, as demonstrated by a record of active funding, recent publications, and successful mentorship. The selected Mentor(s) should also demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of the PI toward independence as a PD researcher. Preliminary data are encouraged but not required.
· Funding Level 2: Mentor not required. Preliminary data are required.
· Clinical trials are not allowed.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (research proposal)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch of PI
- Mentor Biographical Sketch and Mentor Commitment Letter (Level 1 only)
- Preliminary data or research support documentation (Level 2 required; Level 1 encouraged)
Program contact
- 👤 Jamie Shortall Grant Officer
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 301-619-2393
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
Do I need prior Parkinson's disease research experience?
No. Early investigators without prior PD experience can apply. You must demonstrate strong potential and commitment to a career in PD research.
What's the difference between Funding Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 is for fellows or those needing mentorship (mentor required). Level 2 is for early-career independent investigators (no mentor required). Level 2 requires preliminary data; Level 1 encourages but doesn't require it.
Can my research include a clinical trial?
No. Clinical trials are not permitted under this program.
What if I'm unsure about my career stage?
Funding Level 1 is typically for postdoctoral fellows and early researchers still developing independence. Level 2 is for researchers with some independent research trajectory. Consult the program officer if unclear.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is November 6, 2026. No rolling submissions or extensions are indicated.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify which FY26 PRP Focus Area your research addresses before starting your application.
- If applying for Level 1, select a mentor with demonstrated active funding, recent PD publications, and mentoring success.
- Strengthen your application by showing clear commitment to independence as a PD researcher, even without prior PD experience.
- For Level 2, ensure preliminary data are solid and directly support feasibility of proposed research.
- Start the application early; mentor letters and institutional approvals can take time.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying for the wrong funding level based on career stage. Selecting a mentor without sufficient PD research background or mentoring experience for Level 1. For Level 2, submitting without preliminary data or with insufficient evidence of independent research capacity.
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