DoW Hearing Restoration Focused Research Award
About
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Hearing Restoration Research Program (HRRP) Focused Research Award (FRA) supports promising research that accelerates drug discovery and therapeutic development for hearing restoration after military-relevant auditory system injury. The FRA may be used to support preclinical studies and/or clinical research. Research must align with at least one of the FY26 HRRP Focus Areas. The FRA cannot be used to support clinical trials, tinnitus research or vestibular research. Distinctive Features: • The FRA offers two Funding Levels to support research at different stages and the exploration/development of ideas of different maturity levels. • Funding Level 2 includes a Partnering Principal Investigator (PI) Option (PPIO) for two PIs, an Initiating PI and a Partnering PI. • Scored peer review criteria include Research Idea/Rationale, Research Strategy and Feasibility, Impact, and Personnel. • Programmatic review criteria include adherence to the intent of the FRA, contribution to the HRRP portfolio, relative impact, and relevance to military health.
The DoW Hearing Restoration Focused Research Award (FRA) is a federal grant program designed to support researchers and organizations advancing drug discovery and therapeutic development for hearing restoration following military-relevant auditory system injuries. This program is ideal for research scientists, academic institutions, and medical research organizations with promising preclinical studies or clinical research initiatives focused on hearing restoration. The FRA supports research aligned with specific FY26 Hearing Restoration Research Program (HRRP) Focus Areas, offering two distinct funding levels to accommodate research at different stages of development and idea maturity. Researchers should apply if they have innovative approaches to restoring hearing function after military-related injury, strong research strategies with demonstrated feasibility, and the potential to make significant impacts in auditory system recovery. The program emphasizes collaboration through its Partnering Principal Investigator Option for Funding Level 2, allowing teams to combine expertise. Note that the FRA does not support clinical trials, tinnitus research, or vestibular research. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking federal support to accelerate the translation of promising hearing restoration therapies from bench to clinical application.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
September 10, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by funding level (not specified)
Deadline
2026-09-10
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual - FY26 deadline September 10, 2026
Best For
Academic researchers, medical research institutions, and scientists conducting preclinical and clinical research on hearing restoration after military-related auditory injury
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DoW Hearing Restoration Focused Research Award?
Specific eligibility criteria are not detailed in the available program summary. Typically, federal research awards support researchers at academic institutions, medical centers, and research organizations. For precise eligibility requirements including institutional qualifications, researcher credentials, and any citizenship or organizational restrictions, please consult the official DoD grant announcement and application guidelines on the official DoD HRRP website or grants.gov.
How much funding does DoW Hearing Restoration Focused Research Award provide?
The specific funding amounts are not specified in the current program information. The FRA offers two Funding Levels with varying support for research at different stages. For exact funding ranges, budget limits, and cost-sharing requirements, please review the official FY26 HRRP program announcement or contact the DoD grant administration office directly.
How do I apply for DoW Hearing Restoration Focused Research Award?
Applications for federal DoD grants are typically submitted through grants.gov or the DoD's electronic submission system. The FY26 deadline is September 10, 2026. Applicants should prepare research proposals addressing the FY26 HRRP Focus Areas, demonstrating strong research rationale, feasibility, and potential impact. Proposals are evaluated through peer review (Research Idea/Rationale, Research Strategy and Feasibility, Impact, Personnel) and programmatic review. For detailed application instructions, proposal requirements, and submission portals, visit the official DoD HRRP website or the Federal grants portal.
What can DoW Hearing Restoration Focused Research Award funding be used for?
The FRA supports preclinical studies and/or clinical research focused on hearing restoration after military-relevant auditory system injury, including drug discovery and therapeutic development aligned with FY26 HRRP Focus Areas. The program does NOT support clinical trials, tinnitus research, or vestibular research. Funding may support research personnel, equipment, materials, and other direct costs necessary for conducting eligible hearing restoration research. For detailed allowable use of funds and cost policies, consult the official program announcement.
Last updated: July 5, 2026