DoW Neurofibromatosis Research Academy Leadership Award

The Neurofibromatosis Research Academy Leadership Award is offered through the Department of Defense via the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity as part of its broader Military Medical Research and Development efforts. This program is designed to advance scientific understanding and treatment of neurofibromatosis, a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to form on nerve tissue. The funding opportunity specifically supports the establishment and leadership of a structured research academy focused on cultivating the next generation of neurofibromatosis researchers while strengthening collaboration across institutions. The award emphasizes both scientific leadership and mentorship capacity among established investigators in the field. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support experienced neurofibromatosis researchers who will serve as Academy Director and Deputy Director. These individuals are expected to lead a multi-institutional, interactive, and primarily virtual academy that includes early-career investigators, referred to as scholars, and their designated career guides. The program aims to foster mentorship, professional development, and collaborative research experiences, thereby building a sustainable pipeline of skilled researchers dedicated to neurofibromatosis. The leadership team is responsible for designing and executing programming that supports both research advancement and career development. Funding under this award supports both administrative and research-related activities associated with the academy. A key component includes one or more pilot research projects conducted collaboratively between the leadership team and participating scholars. While preliminary or published data related to neurofibromatosis are encouraged, they are not strictly required, allowing for innovative and exploratory approaches. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it more accessible to a wide range of eligible institutions. However, the scope of allowable costs is expected to align with federal research funding standards, including personnel, research activities, and program coordination. Eligibility for the award is broadly defined as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of entity types may apply, provided they meet the program’s specific role-based requirements. The Academy Director must be an established neurofibromatosis investigator at or above the level of Associate Professor or equivalent, with a strong record of funding, publications, and mentorship. The Deputy Director must meet similar qualifications and must be affiliated with a different institution than the Director, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on cross-institutional collaboration. These requirements ensure that leadership is both experienced and diverse in institutional representation. The application process is managed through federal grant submission systems and requires adherence to standard procedures for Department of Defense funding opportunities. Applicants are expected to prepare a comprehensive proposal detailing leadership qualifications, academy structure, mentorship plans, and proposed pilot research projects. While specific application components are not fully detailed in the summary, typical submissions include technical narratives, budget justifications, and supporting documentation demonstrating institutional capability and prior research success. The timeline for this opportunity includes a posted date of June 23, 2026, with a final application deadline of September 14, 2026. The funding opportunity is currently active and accepting applications within this window. Only one award is expected to be made, with an estimated total program funding of 2.4 million dollars. While the period of performance and award notification timeline are not explicitly stated, applicants should anticipate standard federal review and selection processes following submission. For additional support, applicants may contact the eBRAP Help Desk via phone or email for assistance with accessing application materials or resolving technical issues. This centralized support resource ensures that applicants can navigate the submission process effectively. Overall, the program represents a significant investment in leadership-driven research development and mentorship within the neurofibromatosis research community.

Emphasize strong leadership and mentorship track record; clearly articulate academy vision and collaboration strategy; align with strategic goals and areas of emphasis; demonstrate measurable scholar outcomes and impact