DoW Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Idea Development Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers seeking early-stage funding to develop novel ideas about tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Eligible applicants typically include academic medical centers, research institutions, and individual researchers with appropriate credentials. Applicants must have institutional affiliation and access to research facilities. The award supports exploratory and preliminary research to generate pilot data before pursuing larger grants.
Funding is available to U.S. institutions and organizations. International collaborators may participate but the lead institution must be U.S.-based. Research must comply with federal regulations governing human subjects, animal care, and biosafety. TSC-focused research across basic science, translational, and clinical approaches is encouraged.
This grant is for researchers seeking early-stage funding to develop novel ideas about tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Eligible applicants typically include academic medical centers, research institutions, and individual researchers with appropriate credentials. Applicants must have institutional affiliation and access to research facilities. The award supports exploratory and preliminary research to generate pilot data before pursuing larger grants.
Funding is available to U.S. institutions and organizations. International collaborators may participate but the lead institution must be U.S.-based. Research must comply with federal regulations governing human subjects, animal care, and biosafety. TSC-focused research across basic science, translational, and clinical approaches is encouraged.
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) supports conceptually innovative and high-impact research that could ultimately lead to critical discoveries in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) research and/or improvements in patient care.
Distinctive Features: This funding mechanism allows for established and new-to-the-field investigators. New-to-the-field investigators are independent investigators that are early in their faculty appointments and/or established investigators transitioned from other research fields into TSC research. Applications to the New-to-the-Field option will compete separately from the Established Investigators submitting to the regular Idea Development Award (IDA).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for researchers seeking early-stage funding to develop novel ideas about tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Eligible applicants typically include academic medical centers, research institutions, and individual researchers with appropriate credentials. Applicants must have institutional affiliation and access to research facilities. The award supports exploratory and preliminary research to generate pilot data before pursuing larger grants.
Funding is available to U.S. institutions and organizations. International collaborators may participate but the lead institution must be U.S.-based. Research must comply with federal regulations governing human subjects, animal care, and biosafety. TSC-focused research across basic science, translational, and clinical approaches is encouraged.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Research Proposal/Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch(es)
- Institutional Endorsement/Support Letter
- Curriculum Vitae(s) of Key Personnel
- Research Plan and Methods
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
-
$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 can apply for this grant?
Researchers at accredited research institutions with appropriate credentials. You need institutional affiliation and access to research facilities. Graduate students, postdocs, and faculty are all eligible.
What is the deadline and how long do I have to apply?
Applications open May 5, 2026 and close August 6, 2026. You have about 3 months to prepare and submit your application.
What kind of research can I propose?
Early-stage, exploratory TSC research is supported. This includes basic science, translational studies, and clinical research approaches focused on tuberous sclerosis complex.
How competitive is this award?
Idea Development Awards are moderately competitive. Strong preliminary data, clear innovation, and feasible timelines improve competitiveness. Budget constraints require focused scope.
What is the typical funding range?
Idea Development Awards typically fund projects at lower levels than large grants. Budgets are generally limited; check the NOFO for exact funding caps and allowed project periods.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your research as addressing a gap in TSC knowledge. Show how your idea is novel and differs from existing approaches.
- Develop preliminary data or strong justification if you lack it. Early-stage work should demonstrate feasibility despite limited resources.
- Keep your specific aims focused and limited in number. Idea Development Awards require narrow scope; avoid overambition in a short timeframe.
- Align your research with DoD USAMRAA priorities and TSC research needs. Check recent literature and program announcements for emphasis areas.
- Budget conservatively and justify every expense. Limited funding means efficient spending and clear cost-to-benefit ratios matter.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting unfocused proposals with too many aims or unclear TSC relevance. Lack of preliminary data or feasibility evidence for the proposed research. Exceeding budget caps or proposing timelines that are unrealistic for the funding level.
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