DOD Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) – Pre-application
Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire with unit
Memorial Deadline: RIS Review not required for pre-application
External Deadline: Tuesday 8th, September 2026
Description
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of three genetically distinct disorders that cause tumors to grow in the nervous system. It also produces other abnormalities in the skin and bones.
Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award
The NFRP EHDA supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and
potentially groundbreaking concepts in NF research. Studies should lay the groundwork for
future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a wellformulated, testable hypothesis based on a strong scientific rationale and study design.
Investigator-Initiated Research Award
The NFRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award is intended to support highly rigorous, highimpact research projects that have the potential to make an important contribution to NF
research and/or patient care. Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding
clinical trials. The rationale for a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery,
population-based studies, a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data.
Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and
the proposed research project.
Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award
The intent of the NFRA-SA is to solicit Scholars to join the NFRA. This award mechanism
enables the Scholar (the early-career investigator named as the PI on the application) to pursue
a research project and to establish themselves as a leading investigator or clinician-scientist at
the forefront of NF and schwannomatosis research.
The NFRA is a multi-institutional, interactive, virtual academy platform that provides a
framework of intensive mentoring and iterative guidance with proposed research. The NFRA
consists of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors) from different institutions, an Academy
Director, and a Deputy Director (see Figure 1). The Academy Director and Deputy Director will
catalyze the Scholars’ growth and professional development in collaboration with their Career
Guides, assess their progress, and facilitate communication and collaboration among all
Academy members. The NFRA affords Scholars the opportunity to collaborate within a collegial,
highly dynamic, and cutting-edge center to move early-career investigators towards positions as
leaders in NF conducting impactful research.
Synergistic Idea Award
The NFRP Synergistic Idea Award supports new ideas that represent synergistic approaches to
NF research involving two or three PIs. These investigators should utilize their complementary
and synergistic perspectives to address a central problem or question in NF research. This
award is designed to support both new and pre-existing partnerships and encourages
participation of PIs from other research fields. Applications must include preliminary and/or
published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.
The NFRP seeks applications from investigators working in a wide spectrum of disciplines,
including, but not limited to, basic science, engineering, bioinformatics, population science,
translational research and clinical research.
Pre-Application Due: September 8, 2026
Application Due: September 22, 2026
To view the funding opportunity announcement and submit a pre-application visit https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/ProgramFY.htm?programFYId=735101