DOD Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) – NRA Leadership Award – Application
Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire with unit
Memorial Deadline: Wednesday 9th, September 2026
External Deadline: Monday 14th, September 2026
Description
Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Leadership Award
The FY26 NFRALA mechanism is soliciting applications for a Director and Deputy Director to
stand up and lead the Neurofibromatosis Research Academy (NFRA). The Academy Director
and Deputy Director (referred to as Academy Leadership) must be established NF researchers
and should be at different institutions. The Academy Leadership must demonstrate a strong
record of mentoring and training early-career independent investigators, a commitment to
leadership, the ability to articulate methods toward research collaborations, and the ability to
objectively assess the progress of all early-career investigators (Scholars) in the NFRA.
The intent of the NFRA is to establish a multi-institutional interactive virtual academy platform
that provides a framework of intensive mentoring and iterative guidance with proposed
research, national networking, collaborations and a peer group of Scholars to increase research
and vital resources in the field of NF. The NFRA will bring together established NF investigators
(one Director and one Deputy Director) and Scholars with their Career Guides for the purpose of
developing successful, highly productive NF scientists and clinicians to conduct research that
will lessen the clinical impact of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis disorders. The NFRA
affords Scholars the opportunity to operate in a scientifically focused, collegial virtual center to
advance cross-disciplinary investigations that range from basic to clinical research while also
providing professional and leadership development, including required skills and competencies
needed to fund and manage a productive laboratory as future leaders in the NF field.
The functioning NFRA will consist of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors) from different
institutions, and an Academy Director and Deputy Director (see Figure 1 below). The NFRA
Leadership will catalyze the growth and professional development of the Scholars in
collaboration with their Career Guides and assess the progress of the Scholars. The Academy
Leadership facilitates communication and collaboration among all Academy members as well as
with national research and patient advocacy communities. NFRA fosters connections between
Scholars and Career Guides and other national and international NF experts who may not be
directly affiliated with the NFRA.
Pre-Application Due: August 31, 2026
Application Due: September 14, 2026
To view the funding opportunity announcement and submit a pre-application visit https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/ProgramFY.htm?programFYId=735101