DoW Neurofibromatosis Research Academy - Leadership Award
This grant funds established neurofibromatosis researchers to lead a virtual academy, mentor early-career investigators, and conduct collaborative pilot research projects.
Funder: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA
Due Dates: August 31, 2026: Pre-Application (Letter of Intent) | September 14, 2026: Full Application | September 21, 2026: End of Application Verification Period
Funding Amounts: Up to $2.4M total costs over 4 years; one award anticipated.
Summary: Supports established neurofibromatosis investigators to lead a multi-institutional virtual research academy and conduct collaborative pilot projects with early-career scholars.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not permitted; Director and Deputy Director must be at or above Associate Professor level at different institutions.
Description
This opportunity from the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) funds the leadership of the Neurofibromatosis Research Academy (NFRA) through the Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Leadership Award. The program seeks visionary, established neurofibromatosis (NF) investigators to serve as Academy Director and Deputy Director, who will establish and manage a multi-institutional, interactive, virtual academy for early-career NF researchers ("Scholars"). The leadership team will provide intensive mentoring, foster national networking, and collaborate with Scholars on pilot research projects relevant to NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. The overarching goal is to increase research capacity, promote multidisciplinary collaboration, and support the next generation of NF researchers and clinicians.
Distinctive features include:
- Mandatory collaboration between a Director and Deputy Director at different institutions.
- Execution of at least one collaborative pilot research project with Scholars.
- Establishment of a Patient Advocacy Panel and an Advisory Panel.
- Organization of annual and biennial workshops for Academy members.
- Strong emphasis on mentorship, leadership, and career development for early-career investigators.
