DoW Vision, Mentored Clinical Research Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526VRPMCRA

About the Opportunity

The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Vision Research Program (VRP) Mentored Clinical Research Award (MCRA) supports patient-oriented vision injury research conducted by highly motivated military or civilian clinicians in training. The MCRA may be used to support a standalone study of high impact to vision injury care or the generation of clinical research data in preparation for a more expansive study. Research must align with at least one of the FY26 VRP Focus Areas. The MCRA may not be used to support preclinical research or clinical trials.

Estimated total program funding: $150,000. Expected number of awards: 2. No cost sharing or matching requirement.

Eligibility

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

Key Personnel

• An established clinician or Ph.D. clinical scientist as Principal Investigator (PI).
• A clinician in training (e.g., fellow, resident, junior clinician, or clinician in a Ph.D. program) who will conduct the proposed research under the PI’s mentorship. The clinician in training must have sufficient time remaining in their program to complete the research.
• Supporting personnel as appropriate.

Review Criteria

• Scored Peer Review:
  • Research Idea/Rationale
  • Research Strategy and Feasibility
  • Impact
  • Personnel
• Programmatic Review:
  • Adherence to the intent of the MCRA
  • Contribution to program portfolio
  • Relative impact and relevance to military health

Requirements

• Applicants must submit documentation of Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee (EC) approval or exemption by January 1, 2027, for the application to be considered for funding.

Additional information and full announcement

Contact

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