DoW Parkinson’s, Early Investigator Research Award

The Fiscal Year 2026 Parkinson’s Research Program Early Investigator Research Award supports early-career researchers pursuing innovative, high-impact studies aimed at decreasing risk, slowing progression, or easing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, with a specific focus on reducing its burden on Service Members, Veterans, and military beneficiaries. Applicants must propose research addressing at least one of four designated focus areas: Clinical and Biological Heterogeneity, Model Systems, or Mechanisms and Biomarkers—including non-motor symptoms such as autonomic, cognitive, fatigue, olfaction, and pain. The award is offered at two funding levels: Level 1 provides up to $300,000 for fellow-level investigators who must be mentored by an experienced PD researcher with a demonstrated record of funding, publications, and mentorship success; Level 2 offers up to $1 million for early-career independent investigators and does not require a mentor. Preliminary data are encouraged but not required for Level 1, while they are mandatory for Level 2. Clinical trials are strictly prohibited. Applications must be submitted via eBRAP for federal entities or Grants.gov for extramural applicants, with a deadline of November 6, 2026. Required attachments include a Project Narrative, Statement of Work with clearly defined annual milestones, a Research Outcomes Plan, a Researcher Development Plan, and other documentation based on the nature of the research, such as Human Subjects or Animal Research Plans. All applications must include representations completed via Grants.gov and active registrations in SAM.gov, eBRAP.org, and Grants.gov, along with a Unique Entity Identifier. Indirect costs must follow the institution’s negotiated rate, and subaward costs are included within the primary award’s direct cost limit. Travel funding is permitted for one investigator to attend one scientific meeting per year in support of multi-institutional collaboration. Awards will be made no later than September 30, 2027, with funds available for obligation through September 30, 2032, and the maximum period of performance is two years. The selection process involves a two-tier review: an initial peer evaluation of the PI’s potential, budget adequacy, scientific environment, data sharing plan, and application clarity—each weighted equally—followed by a programmatic assessment evaluating alignment with PRP priorities, military health impact, and portfolio balance. Applicants must not propose classified research or outcomes, and all foreign affiliations of key personnel must be disclosed; failure to do so will disqualify the