DOD Parkinson’s Research Program(PRP) – Application
Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire with unit
Memorial Deadline: Tuesday 3rd, November 2026
External Deadline: Friday 6th, November 2026
Description
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative movement disorder of the central nervous system resulting from a loss of neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. These neurons produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for motor control; however, as PD progresses, the death of dopaminergic neurons results in reduced dopamine levels and impairment of motor control.
Early Investigator Research Award
To expand PD research capacity and address understudied PD research areas, the PRP Early
Investigator Research Award (EIRA) supports PD research conducted by investigators in the
early stages of their careers. The Early Investigator is considered the Principal Investigator (PI)
of the application and must exhibit strong potential for, and commitment to, pursuing a career as
an investigator at the forefront of PD research; however, the PI is not required to have previous
PD research experience. The FY26 PRP EIRA offers two levels of funding, which align to
the PI’s research career stage:
• Funding Level 1 applications are intended to support postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows,
or equivalent. Applications must include at least one mentor.
• Funding Level 2 applications are intended to support early-career, independent
investigators within 10 years of advanced degree or residency training completion, or
equivalent. Applications do not require a mentor.
Investigator-Initiated Research Award
The PRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports highly rigorous, multidisciplinary,
high-impact research projects that have the potential to make an important contribution to
Parkinson’s research. This award mechanism supports the full spectrum of research from basic
science through clinical trials.
Pre-Application Due: October 23, 2026
Application Due: November 6, 2026
To view the PRP funding opportunity announcements and submit a pre-application, visit https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/ProgramFY.htm?programFYId=731101