CDMRP: FY26 Epilepsy Research Program (ERP)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The FY26 Epilepsy Research Program (ERP) from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), managed by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command, is expected to fund innovative research focused on post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and related comorbidities.
The program’s goal is to improve quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, caregivers, and the broader epilepsy community by advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms, epidemiology, progression, and treatment of PTE.
This announcement is a pre-announcement, meaning investigators should begin preparing ideas now. Application deadlines have not yet been released. The official Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), which will include submission deadlines, will be posted on Grants.gov.
How much funding would I receive?
Funding amounts depend on the award mechanism.
Idea Development Award
Maximum funding: $1 million total costs
Maximum period of performance: 3 years
Leveraging Research Award
Maximum funding: $800,000 total costs
Maximum period of performance: 3 years
Research Partnership Award
Maximum funding: $2 million total costs
Maximum period of performance: 3 years
Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Leadership Award
Maximum funding: $1.6 million total costs
Maximum period of performance: 4 years
Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Faculty Award
Maximum funding: $800,000 total costs
Maximum period of performance: 3 years
Total costs include direct and indirect costs.
What could I use the funding for?
ERP funding supports research designed to advance understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and related conditions. Applications should address at least one of the program’s focus areas:
Markers and Mechanisms of PTE
Identification of biomarkers predicting epilepsy development
Research into biological mechanisms that could prevent epileptogenesis or seizure activity
Epidemiological Characterization of PTE
Identifying predictors of epilepsy development
Studying patient outcomes such as latency to epilepsy onset, comorbidities, and mortality
Measuring impacts on quality of life for patients and caregivers
Longitudinal Studies of PTE Progression
Tracking disease progression over time
Evaluating treatment outcomes and quality of care
Studying interactions between epilepsy and comorbid conditions such as psychiatric disorders, cognitive deficits, sleep disorders, and fatigue
Innovative Research Tools and Technologies
Artificial intelligence or bioinformatics tools
Clinical databases and advanced device technologies for seizure detection and diagnosis
Models for studying post-traumatic epilepsy
Tools enabling future clinical trials
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Some award mechanisms provide benefits beyond funding.
For example:
Research Partnership Award
Supports collaborative research between two named Principal Investigators
Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Leadership Award
Provides funding to lead a virtual research center
Includes responsibilities such as mentoring investigators and facilitating collaboration
Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Faculty Award
Supports early-career researchers or investigators new to the PTE field
Includes mentorship and career development within a collaborative research environment
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
The process will include:
Pre-application submission through eBRAP
Pre-applications will be Letters of Intent
Full applications will follow the requirements outlined in the final FOAs on Grants.gov
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, which provides funding for the Epilepsy Research Program (ERP).
The program is administered by:
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)
Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command
ERP focuses on research that benefits Service Members, Veterans, caregivers, and the broader epilepsy community.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility depends on the award mechanism:
Idea Development Award
Independent investigators at any career level may serve as Principal Investigator
Leveraging Research Award
Independent investigators at any career level may serve as Principal Investigator
Research Partnership Award
Two named Principal Investigators who are independent investigators at any career level
Virtual P-TERC Leadership Award
Director and Deputy Director must be independent investigators with:
Strong history of PTE research funding
Peer-reviewed publications
Mentorship experience
Virtual P-TERC Faculty Award
Early-career investigators or investigators new to the PTE field
What companies and projects are likely to win?
ERP prioritizes research that:
Advances understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy and associated comorbidities
Improves quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, and caregivers
Demonstrates innovation or high creativity
Challenges existing research paradigms
Leverages existing datasets, cohorts, or research infrastructure
Includes strong collaborations where appropriate
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key requirements include:
Pre-applications must be submitted through eBRAP
All pre-applications are Letters of Intent
Full applications must follow the requirements of the final Funding Opportunity Announcements on Grants.gov
Applications must align with the ERP’s focus areas on post-traumatic epilepsy
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Preparation time will depend on the complexity of the project and research team.
Typical CDMRP submissions involve:
A Letter of Intent (pre-application)
A full application including research plan, budget, and supporting documentation
Because official deadlines have not yet been released, investigators should begin developing project concepts now so they are ready once the FOAs are posted.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO supports companies and research teams pursuing CDMRP and other federal research funding by:
Identifying the most competitive award mechanism
Developing a compelling proposal narrative aligned with program priorities
Structuring the research plan and milestones
Coordinating multi-institution collaborations
Managing the full submission process through eBRAP and Grants.gov
Our team has extensive experience helping applicants pursue defense health and biomedical research funding.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.