Melanoma Research Program Melanoma Academy Scholar Award

The DoD Melanoma Research Program Melanoma Academy Scholar Award is a forecasted federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Department of the Army, U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity. The opportunity is part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs and is intended to strengthen the melanoma research workforce by supporting early career investigators who are entering the melanoma research field. The award mechanism is specifically designed to integrate emerging researchers into the Melanoma Research Program Melanoma Academy, which operates as a collaborative and interactive virtual academy focused on mentorship, scientific networking, and career development. The program emphasizes long-term researcher development in addition to scientific output, with the goal of creating a sustainable pipeline of highly productive melanoma investigators. The opportunity supports independent investigators who are within seven years of their initial faculty appointment. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong potential for research achievement and career advancement in melanoma science. A defining feature of this award mechanism is the requirement that each Scholar designate a Career Guide who possesses demonstrated success in mentoring, substantial melanoma-related funding history, and a strong publication record in the field. The Career Guide is expected to provide professional guidance and scientific mentorship throughout the award period. The program is structured to create a collaborative environment in which Scholars can interact with established melanoma researchers and peers within the Academy framework. Funding under this opportunity is expected to support approximately two awards with an estimated total program funding amount of $1.54 million. Individual applications may request up to $770,000 in total costs over the full period of performance. The maximum project performance period is three years. The announcement indicates that awards are anticipated to be funded using fiscal year 2026 appropriations, which remain available for obligation through September 30, 2032. Awards are expected to be made no later than September 30, 2027, and projects are also expected to begin on September 30, 2027. The funding announcement does not identify a required cost share or matching requirement, indicating that applicants are not expected to contribute matching funds as a condition of award. The funding opportunity focuses on advancing melanoma-related scientific research while simultaneously developing future leaders in the field. The announcement explicitly states that preliminary data are not required for submission, which lowers barriers for promising early career investigators who may not yet have extensive independent research portfolios. The emphasis on both research capability and career potential indicates that reviewers are likely to consider the applicant’s scientific vision, professional trajectory, and mentorship environment alongside the proposed research activities. Because the mechanism is embedded within the Melanoma Academy structure, applicants should expect the program to value collaboration, interdisciplinary engagement, and active participation in Academy activities. The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development activities. Eligible applicants are described as unrestricted, subject to any additional clarifications that may appear in the full solicitation when released. As a forecasted opportunity, the detailed application package and complete submission instructions are not yet publicly available. However, applicants should anticipate that submission will occur through standard Department of Defense biomedical research systems and electronic application portals commonly used by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. The notice provides contact information for the eBRAP Help Desk, including both phone and email support, which suggests that eBRAP systems will likely be involved in the application process. The forecast was posted on May 5, 2026 and updated on May 6, 2026. The estimated posting date for the full opportunity announcement is June 1, 2026, and the estimated application due date is October 14, 2026. Because the opportunity is currently forecasted and not yet open for submission, applicants are in an early engagement phase and may use the lead time to identify Career Guides, develop research concepts, and prepare institutional support materials. The announcement does not identify any letter of intent, pre-application, or concept paper requirement at this stage. The opportunity appears to follow an annual federal funding cycle associated with Department of Defense medical research appropriations, although the forecast notice does not explicitly confirm recurring annual issuance.

Emphasize both scientific potential and long term career development in melanoma research. Select a Career Guide with a strong melanoma mentorship and publication history. Highlight collaborative engagement and future contributions to the melanoma research community.