DoW Epilepsy Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center Faculty Award

The Defense Health Agency, through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), is offering the Epilepsy Research Program Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center Faculty Award to support the development of investigators new to the post-traumatic epilepsy field. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to advance research into post-traumatic epilepsy, a condition that can develop following traumatic brain injury and significantly impact service members, veterans, and the general public. The program is designed not only to fund research but also to cultivate a new generation of researchers through structured mentorship and collaboration within a virtual research center environment. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to foster early-stage or field-new investigators by integrating them into the Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center, a collaborative and mentorship-driven network. Award recipients will conduct impactful research projects while receiving guidance from an experienced Career Guide who has a strong background in funding, publications, and mentorship. The program emphasizes both scientific advancement and career development, aiming to expand the quality and quantity of research in post-traumatic epilepsy. Funding supports research across a wide spectrum, including studies on biological mechanisms, prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, epidemiological patterns, and innovative technologies related to post-traumatic epilepsy. While a range of research phases is permitted, clinical trials are explicitly excluded. Allowable costs include research expenses, mentorship support, collaboration activities, travel for dissemination, and participation in required program workshops. Certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on tuition costs and clinical trial expenses. The program does not require cost sharing. Eligibility is broad and includes domestic and international organizations across public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Principal Investigators must be new to the post-traumatic epilepsy field, demonstrated by limited prior funding or publication history in the area. A Career Guide is required and must have demonstrated mentorship experience and research credentials. Applicants must ensure organizational registrations with required federal systems prior to submission. The application process follows a two-step submission model. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent through the Electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal, followed by a full application submitted through either Grants.gov or eBRAP depending on organization type. The full application requires multiple components including a project narrative, technical and lay abstracts, career development plan, letters of support, and additional documentation detailing research design, impact, and resource sharing. Applications are evaluated through a two-tier review process consisting of peer review and programmatic review. Evaluation criteria include the potential of the investigator, scientific merit of the research, quality of the career development plan, qualifications of the Career Guide, and overall impact on the field. Timeline milestones include a pre-application deadline in early August, full application submission in mid-August, peer review in October, and programmatic review in December. Awards are expected to be issued by September of the following year, with a maximum performance period of three years. For support during the application process, applicants may contact the eBRAP Help Desk or Grants.gov Support Center. Additional guidance materials and application instructions are provided through official program resources. This funding opportunity represents a structured and comprehensive pathway for emerging researchers to establish themselves in a critical area of neurological research.

Align proposal strongly with ERP focus areas; demonstrate PI potential and commitment; emphasize mentorship plan and collaboration; clearly articulate impact on PTE research