DoW Vision, Investigator-Initiated Research Award
About
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Vision Research Program (VRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports basic through early translational research that will yield highly impactful discoveries or major advancements in the research and/or patient care of eye injury and/or visual dysfunction related to military exposure. The IIRA may be used to support preclinical studies and/or clinical research. Research must align with at least one of the FY26 VRP Focus Areas. The IIRA cannot be used to support clinical trials. Distinctive Features: · The IIRA 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 IIRA, contribution to the VRP portfolio, relative impact, and relevance to military health. · The VRP may share FY26 IIRA applications and reviews with the National Eye Institute (NEI) for independent funding consideration. https://cdmrp. health. mil/pubs/press/2026/vrppreann.
The DoW Vision, Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) is a federally funded grant program designed to support researchers conducting innovative investigations into eye injury and visual dysfunction related to military exposure. This program welcomes basic through early translational research that promises significant breakthroughs in understanding or treating vision-related conditions affecting military personnel. The IIRA is ideal for principal investigators and research teams seeking funding to explore new ideas or advance promising early-stage concepts in military ophthalmology and vision science. Researchers can pursue preclinical studies or clinical research—though clinical trials are not supported—with flexibility across two distinct funding levels accommodating projects at different maturity stages. The program uniquely offers a Partnering Principal Investigator Option at the higher funding level, enabling collaborative leadership between an Initiating PI and Partnering PI. Your research must align with at least one FY26 Vision Research Program Focus Area. The peer-review process evaluates research quality, feasibility, impact potential, and personnel qualifications, while programmatic review considers portfolio contribution and military health relevance. Selected applications may also be shared with the National Eye Institute for additional funding consideration, expanding opportunities for research support.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
November 12, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by funding level
Deadline
2026-11-12
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Research institutions and principal investigators investigating military-related vision conditions and eye injury
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DoW Vision, Investigator-Initiated Research Award?
Specific eligibility criteria are not detailed in the available information. Applicants should visit the official CDMRP announcement at https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2026/vrppreann for complete eligibility requirements, including institutional affiliations, researcher qualifications, and other participation requirements.
How much funding does DoW Vision, Investigator-Initiated Research Award provide?
Funding amounts vary and are not specified in the available information. The program offers two distinct Funding Levels to support research at different stages and maturity levels. Visit the official program announcement for current funding level details and award ranges.
How do I apply for DoW Vision, Investigator-Initiated Research Award?
Application procedures and submission portals are managed through the Congressional Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Detailed instructions, forms, and submission guidelines are available on the official CDMRP website at https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2026/vrppreann. The deadline for FY26 applications is November 12, 2026.
What can DoW Vision, Investigator-Initiated Research Award funding be used for?
Funding supports basic through early translational research addressing eye injury and visual dysfunction related to military exposure. Eligible projects include preclinical studies and clinical research (but not clinical trials). Research must align with at least one FY26 Vision Research Program Focus Area. The award can support innovative, investigator-initiated ideas with potential for significant scientific or clinical impact.
Last updated: July 5, 2026