DoW Parkinson's, Early Investigator Research Award
This grant funds early-career researchers studying Parkinson’s disease, offering two levels: mentored fellowships and independent investigator awards, both aligned with PRP focus areas but not supporting clinical trials.
Funder: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA
Due Dates: October 23, 2026: Pre-Application (Letter of Intent) | November 6, 2026: Full Application | November 13, 2026: Application Verification & Confidential Letters of Recommendation
Funding Amounts: ~$4.2M total; up to $300,000 (Level 1) or $1,000,000 (Level 2) per award over 2 years; ~7 awards expected
Summary: Supports early-career investigators conducting research on Parkinson’s disease addressing at least one FY26 PRP Focus Area; clinical trials are not allowed.
Key Information: Two-stage application (pre-application + full); mentor required for Level 1 only; preliminary data required for Level 2.
Description
This opportunity funds early-career researchers in Parkinson’s disease (PD) under the FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA). The award is designed to build research capacity and address critical gaps in PD research by supporting innovative, high-impact studies led by postdoctoral/clinical fellows (Funding Level 1) and early-career independent investigators (Funding Level 2). All proposals must address at least one of the FY26 PRP Focus Areas, which include biological and clinical heterogeneity, model system development, biomarkers, and interventions for unmet needs in PD. Clinical trials are not permitted; however, clinical research and human subjects research are allowed.
