DoW Melanoma Research Program Survivorship Research Award

The fiscal year 2026 Melanoma Research Program Survivorship Research Award, administered by the Defense Health Agency, seeks to fund innovative research aimed at improving the health and well-being of melanoma survivors, their families, and care partners. The program focuses on critical areas such as the preservation of physical function, symptom management, psychological and social impacts, treatment outcomes related to nutrition and lifestyle, and the improvement of healthcare delivery for underserved populations. Clinical trials are permitted, but proposals focusing exclusively on animal models or survival rates without considering quality of life or function are not responsive. A mandatory requirement for all applications is the inclusion of at least one melanoma consumer collaborator, such as a survivor or care partner, to provide lived experience expertise. The Department of Defense expects to allot approximately 2.04 million dollars to fund roughly two awards, with a cost cap of 1.02 million dollars per award and a maximum performance period of three years. The application process involves a two-tier review consisting of a peer review for technical merit and a programmatic review for relevance to military health and MRP priorities. Key deadlines include a pre-application due date of September 22, 2026, and a full application deadline of October 14, 2026. Applicants must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov, eBRAP.org, and Grants.gov. Funding for these awards will be made no later than September 30, 2027, with funds expiring on September 30, 2032.