Opportunity Information: Apply for HT942526PRPEIRA
The FY26 Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Defense Health Agency (DHACA) designed to build the next generation of Parkinson's disease (PD) researchers by supporting investigators who are still early in their careers. The program is structured to help promising researchers establish or accelerate a focused PD research trajectory, even if they have not previously worked in Parkinson's research, as long as they can demonstrate strong potential and a clear commitment to becoming a leader in the field. Proposed projects must align with at least one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas, so applicants need to ensure their aims clearly map onto those priorities.
A key feature of this opportunity is that it offers two distinct funding levels that correspond to the applicant's career stage. Funding Level 1 is intended for fellows and requires the applicant (who serves as the Principal Investigator) to work under the guidance of at least one designated Mentor. The mentor is expected to be well-qualified in PD research and mentorship, with clear evidence such as active research funding, recent publications, and a track record of successfully training researchers. Just as important, the mentor should demonstrate an explicit commitment to helping the fellow develop toward research independence in Parkinson's disease. For Funding Level 1, preliminary data are encouraged but not required, which can make this level more accessible to trainees who are still building the foundation for a longer-term research program.
Funding Level 2 is aimed at early-career independent investigators and removes the formal mentor requirement, reflecting a higher expectation of independence and readiness to lead an autonomous research program. In exchange, Funding Level 2 requires preliminary data, meaning applicants should be prepared to provide concrete early evidence that supports feasibility and strengthens the rationale for the proposed approach. Across both levels, the Early Investigator is the PI of record and is positioned as the main driver of the project, emphasizing career development through leadership of a Parkinson's-focused research effort rather than playing a secondary role on someone else's grant.
The award mechanism is a grant under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category (CFDA 12.420). Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, which generally implies a broad applicant pool, though applicants should still confirm any detailed eligibility rules and institutional requirements in the full announcement and application instructions. The closing date is November 6, 2026, and the agency anticipates making about 7 awards. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this mechanism, so proposals should be clearly non-clinical-trial in nature (for example, basic, translational, mechanistic, computational, or other preclinical and non-trial clinical research activities, as permitted by the program rules).Apply for HT942526PRPEIRA
- The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DoW Parkinson’s, Early Investigator Research Award" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.420.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-18.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-11-06. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 7 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY26 Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) - FAQs
What is the FY26 PRP Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA)?
The FY26 Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Defense Health Agency (DHACA). It is designed to build the next generation of Parkinson's disease (PD) researchers by supporting investigators who are still early in their careers.
What is the main goal of this award?
The award is intended to help promising early-career researchers establish or accelerate a focused Parkinson's disease research trajectory. A central emphasis is career development through leading a PD-focused research effort as the Principal Investigator (PI) of record.
Who is this award intended to support?
This opportunity is aimed at investigators early in their careers. It includes two funding levels that align with career stage: one for fellows (Funding Level 1) and one for early-career independent investigators (Funding Level 2).
Do applicants need prior experience in Parkinson's research to apply?
No. Applicants may apply even if they have not previously worked in Parkinson's research, as long as they can demonstrate strong potential and a clear commitment to becoming a leader in the Parkinson's disease research field.
Do proposed projects need to fit specific topic priorities?
Yes. Proposed projects must align with at least one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas. Applicants should ensure their specific aims clearly map to at least one of those priorities.
What are the two funding levels under this award?
The EIRA provides two distinct funding levels tied to the applicant's career stage: Funding Level 1 for fellows and Funding Level 2 for early-career independent investigators.
Who should apply under Funding Level 1?
Funding Level 1 is intended for fellows. Under this level, the applicant serves as the PI but must work under the guidance of at least one designated Mentor.
Is a mentor required for Funding Level 1?
Yes. Funding Level 1 requires at least one designated Mentor.
What qualifications are expected of the Funding Level 1 mentor?
The mentor is expected to be well-qualified in Parkinson's disease research and mentorship. The opportunity description notes evidence such as active research funding, recent publications, and a track record of successfully training researchers. The mentor should also show an explicit commitment to helping the fellow develop toward research independence in Parkinson's disease.
Is preliminary data required for Funding Level 1?
No. For Funding Level 1, preliminary data are encouraged but not required.
Who should apply under Funding Level 2?
Funding Level 2 is aimed at early-career independent investigators. It reflects a higher expectation of independence and readiness to lead an autonomous research program.
Is a formal mentor required for Funding Level 2?
No. Funding Level 2 removes the formal mentor requirement.
Is preliminary data required for Funding Level 2?
Yes. Funding Level 2 requires preliminary data, meaning applicants should provide early evidence supporting feasibility and strengthening the rationale for the proposed approach.
Who is the Principal Investigator (PI) on this award?
Across both funding levels, the Early Investigator is the PI of record and is positioned as the main driver of the project. The structure is meant to support the early investigator in leading a Parkinson's-focused research effort rather than playing a secondary role on another investigator's grant.
What type of award mechanism is this?
This opportunity is a grant under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The CFDA number listed for this award mechanism is 12.420.
What does "eligibility is unrestricted" mean for applicants?
The opportunity lists eligibility as unrestricted, which generally implies a broad applicant pool. However, applicants are still expected to confirm detailed eligibility rules and any institutional requirements in the full announcement and application instructions.
Are clinical trials allowed under this award?
No. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this mechanism. Proposals should be clearly non-clinical-trial in nature.
What kinds of research projects are appropriate if clinical trials are not allowed?
The opportunity indicates projects should be non-clinical-trial in nature, such as basic, translational, mechanistic, computational, or other preclinical and non-trial clinical research activities, as permitted by the program rules.
When is the application closing date?
The closing date for this opportunity is November 6, 2026.
How many awards does the agency expect to make?
The agency anticipates making about 7 awards.
Which agency is offering this grant opportunity?
This grant opportunity is offered by the Defense Health Agency (DHACA).
What is the career-development emphasis of this award?
The award is structured to support career progression in Parkinson's disease research by positioning the Early Investigator as the leader of the project. For fellows, this includes mentored development toward research independence; for early-career independent investigators, it includes demonstrating independence backed by preliminary data.
What should applicants double-check before submitting?
Based on the information provided, applicants should confirm detailed eligibility rules and institutional requirements in the full announcement and application instructions, ensure the project aligns with at least one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas, and ensure the proposal does not include a clinical trial.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Previous opportunity: DoW Epilepsy Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Leadership Award
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HT942526PRPEIRA
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HT942526PRPEIRA) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Prosperity through Partnership: Catalyzing U.S.-Algerian Collaboration in Innovation, Commerce and English Language Apply for OFOP0002813 Funding Number: OFOP0002813 Agency: U.S. Mission to Algeria Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NIJ FY 2026 State and Local Collection and Reporting of Crime Data Apply for O NIJ 2026 172645 Funding Number: O NIJ 2026 172645 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Leadership Award Apply for HT942526NFRPNFRALA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPNFRALA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G26AS00149 Funding Number: G26AS00149 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $29,994 |
| 2026 U.S. Speaker Program Apply for OFOP0003124 Funding Number: OFOP0003124 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program Apply for TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24 Funding Number: TRIBALSAFETY OSTR24 Agency: 69A355 Research and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Interdisciplinary Transportation Law and Policy Technology Training Development Apply for LAWPOLICY OSTR24 Funding Number: LAWPOLICY OSTR24 Agency: 69A355 Research and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award Apply for HT942526NFRPSIA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPSIA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award Apply for HT942526NFRPIIRA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPIIRA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award Apply for HT942526NFRPNFRASA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPNFRASA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award Apply for HT942526NFRPEHDA Funding Number: HT942526NFRPEHDA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Vietnam CyberSafe Hacks 2026 Apply for FY26 PDS HCMC 01 Funding Number: FY26 PDS HCMC 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Vietnam Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $35,633 |
| Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Apply for DFOP0019227 Funding Number: DFOP0019227 Agency: Assistance Coordination Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS FOR IN SITU RESOURCE UTILIZATION (ESI26-ISRU) Apply for NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B7 Funding Number: NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B7 Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS (ESI26) Apply for NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B2 Funding Number: NNH26ZTR001N 26ESI B2 Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE) Apply for HQ003426NFOECAD04 Funding Number: HQ003426NFOECAD04 Agency: Washington Headquarters Services Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G26AS00151 Funding Number: G26AS00151 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $399,000 |
| Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Solutions for AI-Native RAN Apply for NTIA PWSCIF 26 01 Funding Number: NTIA PWSCIF 26 01 Agency: National Telecommunications and Information Admini Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2026 BioWatch Grant Program Apply for DHS 26 GPD 091 00 99 Funding Number: DHS 26 GPD 091 00 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Unlocking Dataset Value for AI-Enabled Scientific Discovery Apply for 26 512 Funding Number: 26 512 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HT942526PRPEIRA", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.