DoW Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award
About
Summary: The intent of the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) is to support conceptually innovative research that could lead to impactful discoveries or significant advancements that will accelerate progress toward reducing the burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases and conditions, and improving patient care and/or the quality of life. Applications should propose research that is conceptually innovative, introduces a new concept or question, challenges existing paradigms, approaches issues from a new perspective, or exhibits other uniquely creative qualities; and should not merely be a next logical step or an incremental advance on published data or ongoing research. Distinctive Features: A Career Development Option is available to eligible early-career investigators who propose to conduct impactful mechanism-relevant research under the mentorship of an experienced tick-borne disease researcher(s). Applications submitted under the IDA – Career Development Option (IDA-CDO) will be reviewed using separate, career development-specific evaluation criteria by a separate, dedicated peer review panel; and are subject to a lower cost limit than those submitted under the standard IDA. https://cdmrp. health. mil/pubs/press/2026/tbdrppreann.
The DoW Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award (IDA) is a federal grant program designed to support researchers proposing conceptually innovative research that addresses Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. This award is ideal for scientists and research teams seeking to challenge existing paradigms, introduce novel concepts, or approach tick-borne disease research from creative new perspectives. Rather than funding incremental advances on existing research, the IDA specifically targets breakthrough ideas that could lead to impactful discoveries and significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The program offers a specialized Career Development Option (IDA-CDO) for early-career investigators who will conduct their research under the mentorship of experienced tick-borne disease researchers, providing structured career advancement opportunities. Researchers proposing innovative mechanisms, novel therapeutic approaches, diagnostic improvements, or disease prevention strategies aligned with reducing the burden of tick-borne diseases should consider applying. The program emphasizes conceptual innovation and creative qualities that distinguish proposals from standard research extensions. With a deadline of October 22, 2026, this is an excellent opportunity for researchers committed to transforming tick-borne disease research and improving patient care outcomes nationally.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
October 22, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by application track; see official announcement
Deadline
2026-10-22
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (FY2026 cycle; deadline October 22, 2026)
Best For
Researchers proposing innovative tick-borne disease research, early-career investigators with mentorship, scientists challenging existing paradigms
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DoW Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award?
Specific eligibility criteria are not detailed in available information. However, the program offers a Career Development Option for early-career investigators. Applicants should consult the official CDMRP announcement at https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2026/tbdrppreann for complete eligibility requirements, including institutional requirements, citizenship status, and career stage definitions.
How much funding does DoW Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award provide?
Specific funding amounts are not listed in available materials. The Career Development Option (IDA-CDO) is noted to have a lower cost limit than standard IDA applications. Consult the official program announcement for current funding ranges and cost limits specific to each application track.
How do I apply for DoW Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award?
Applications are submitted through the official CDMRP process. Applicants should review the complete Fiscal Year 2026 program announcement at https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2026/tbdrppreann for detailed submission instructions, required documentation, formatting guidelines, and the official application portal. The deadline is October 22, 2026.
What can DoW Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award funding be used for?
Funding supports conceptually innovative research aimed at reducing the burden of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases and improving patient care and quality of life. Proposed research should introduce new concepts, challenge existing paradigms, or demonstrate unique creativity—not serve as incremental advances on published data. Research mechanisms, diagnostic improvements, therapeutic approaches, and prevention strategies aligned with these goals are appropriate uses of funding.
Last updated: July 5, 2026