DoW Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health, Translational Research Award

Background
The Translational Research Award (TRA) is part of the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP), managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) under the Defense Health Agency. The TRA aims to accelerate the conversion of scientific findings into impactful clinical applications, prioritizing innovative approaches that significantly improve clinical care and patient outcomes. The TBIPHRP was initiated in response to traumatic brain injuries and psychological health issues experienced by military personnel, with a vision to optimize prevention, assessment, and treatment of these conditions.

Grant Details
The TRA supports research that accelerates the conversion of scientific findings into impactful clinical applications. Basic research and clinical trials are prohibited, and preliminary data are required. Applications must describe animal models relevant to human conditions or include community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches for human subject research. The award offers two Research Levels: Level 1 supports refinement of mature ideas into tangible products, while Level 2 supports rigorous evaluation in preparation for first-in-human studies. An Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option allows for two Principal Investigators (PIs), one being an Early-Career Investigator. The maximum funding is $1.0M for Research Level 1 and $2.0M for Research Level 2, with a total budget of approximately $9.0M allocated for this program.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. Department of War organizations, both extramural and intramural, as well as foreign and domestic organizations, for-profit and nonprofit entities. Principal Investigators must be independent investigators affiliated with eligible organizations; individuals in mentored positions are not eligible. For the Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option, at least one PI must be within 10 years post-terminal degree completion.

Period of Performance
The maximum period of performance is 4 years from the award date.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is approximately $9.0 million, with individual awards capped at $1.0 million for Research Level 1 and $2.0 million for Research Level 2.