DoW Vision, Investigator-Initiated Research Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526VRPIIRA

About the Opportunity

The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Vision Research Program (VRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports basic through early translational research that will yield highly impactful discoveries or major advancements in the research and/or patient care of eye injury and/or visual dysfunction related to military exposure. The IIRA may be used to support preclinical studies and/or clinical research, but cannot be used to support clinical trials.

Research must align with at least one of the FY26 VRP Focus Areas. The program offers two funding levels to support research at different stages and maturity levels. Funding Level 2 includes a Partnering Principal Investigator (PI) Option (PPIO) for two PIs: an Initiating PI and a Partnering PI.

Funding Details

• Estimated Total Program Funding: $4,400,000
• Expected Number of Awards: 5
• Assistance Listing: 12.420 -- Military Medical Research and Development
• No cost sharing or matching requirement

Eligibility

Unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarification in the "Additional Information on Eligibility" section.

Review Criteria

Scored peer review criteria include:

• Research Idea/Rationale
• Research Strategy and Feasibility
• Impact
• Personnel

Programmatic review criteria include:

• Adherence to the intent of the IIRA
• Contribution to the VRP portfolio
• Relative impact
• Relevance to military health

The VRP may share FY26 IIRA applications and reviews with the National Eye Institute (NEI) for independent funding consideration.

Key Dates

• Posted Date: May 05, 2026
• Last Updated Date: May 05, 2026
• Closing Date for Applications: November 12, 2026
• Archive Date: December 12, 2026

Additional Information

Link to full announcement

For assistance, contact the eBRAP Help Desk at 301-682-5507 or help@eBRAP.org.