DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award
About
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Epilepsy Research Program (ERP) Idea Development Award (IDA) solicits novel research that has the potential to increase understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and associated comorbidities to improve quality of life, especially in Service Members, Veterans and/or their care partners. The work should innovatively challenge existing research paradigms, exhibit high levels of creativity and be a new research direction for the investigator. The IDA is NOT intended to expand or extend previously published findings or continue a line of research already well-established in the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) laboratory. Distinctive Features: •The IDA offers funding for investigators at all career levels. •**NEW for FY26** An investigator may be named on only one FY26 ERP IDA application as a PI.
The DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award (IDA) is a competitive grant program designed to fund novel and innovative epilepsy research with significant potential to advance understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and its associated comorbidities. This program is particularly valuable for researchers seeking to improve quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, and their care partners. The IDA welcomes investigators at all career levels, making it an excellent opportunity for both early-career researchers and established scientists looking to pursue a new research direction. Unlike many grants that fund incremental advances, the IDA specifically seeks groundbreaking research that challenges existing paradigms and introduces creativity to the field. The program is NOT designed for researchers who wish to extend previously published work or continue established research lines within their laboratories. If you are a researcher with a fresh, innovative approach to understanding post-traumatic epilepsy and its impacts on military and veteran populations, the DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award offers a pathway to secure funding for your high-impact work. The FY26 cycle includes a new requirement limiting investigators to serve as PI on only one IDA application per cycle, encouraging focused, quality submissions.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
August 17, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Amount not specified in available information
Deadline
2026-08-17
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Researchers investigating post-traumatic epilepsy, novel epilepsy research directions, early-career and established investigators, research benefiting Service Members and Veterans
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award?
The DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award welcomes investigators at all career levels. However, specific institutional affiliations, degree requirements, and citizenship criteria are not detailed in the available information. Notably, FY26 includes a new restriction: an investigator may be named as PI on only one FY26 ERP IDA application. For comprehensive eligibility requirements, visit the official Department of War or Defense Health Agency website hosting the full solicitation.
How much funding does DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award provide?
The specific funding amount or range for the DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award is not provided in the available information. Funding amounts may vary by fiscal year and project scope. Contact the administering agency or consult the official FY26 solicitation document for current funding details.
How do I apply for DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award?
Applications for the DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award are submitted through the official Department of War or Defense Health Agency grant management system. The FY26 application deadline is August 17, 2026. Prospective applicants should review the full solicitation on the official website for submission requirements, application components, evaluation criteria, and specific instructions. Early review of guidelines is recommended to ensure your research aligns with program goals.
What can DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award funding be used for?
The DoW Epilepsy Idea Development Award funds novel research aimed at increasing understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and associated comorbidities. Research should innovatively challenge existing paradigms and represent a new research direction for the investigator. The ultimate goal is to improve quality of life, particularly for Service Members, Veterans, and their care partners. The award is specifically NOT intended to expand, extend, or continue previously published research or well-established research lines.
Last updated: July 5, 2026