DOD Orthopaedic Research Program(ORP) – Full Application
Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire with unit
Memorial Deadline: Friday 13th, November 2026
External Deadline: Wednesday 18th, November 2026
Description
The large majority of the injuries sustained by military personnel in U.S. combat efforts involve soft tissue wounds and skeletal fractures. Orthopaedic injuries sustained during combat-related activities tend to be heterogeneous and complex in nature, typically involving multiple limb trauma, open fractures, major tissue loss, and a high degree of wound contamination. These injuries may occur in harsh environments where access to optimal acute care can be limited. The Department of Defense Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP) was established by Congress in fiscal year 2009 (FY09) to support military-relevant, peer-reviewed orthopaedic research with potential to provide short- and long-term healthcare solutions for the injured Service member, Veteran, and civilian.
Applied Research Award
The FY26 ORP ARA seeks applied research applications focused on advancing optimal
treatment and restoration of function for individuals with orthopaedic injuries sustained during
combat and service-related activities. The ORP encourages applicants to address how the
proposed research will support patient care and allow patients to more quickly return to
duty/work. The program expects that any research findings will also provide benefit to the
general population.
The FY26 ORP ARA focuses on applied research, defined as work that refines concepts and
ideas into potential solutions with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of promising new
knowledge products, pharmacologic agents, behavioral and rehabilitation interventions,
diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, clinical guidance and/or emerging approaches and
technologies.
Clinical Research Award
The FY26 ORP CRA seeks clinical research that evaluates orthopaedic-specific factors and
interventions. The ORP intends for research supported by this mechanism to generate clinically
useful evidence with potential to optimize patient outcomes and inform clinical care or policy.
Applications must address how the proposed research will impact patient care and reduce the
burden of orthopaedic injury and sequela. The ORP expects that research findings benefit
Service Members, their families, Veterans and the general public. To meet the intent of the
award mechanism, applications must specifically address at least one of the FY26 ORP CRA
focus areas.
Pre-Application Due: August 19, 2026
Application Due: November 18, 2026
To view the funding opportunity announcement and submit a pre-application visit https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/ProgramFY.htm?programFYId=729103