DoW Spinal Cord Injury, Clinical Translation Research Award

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) Clinical Translation Research Award (CTRA) supports high-impact, new, or emerging clinical research that requires additional preliminary studies, such as feasibility, pilot, or optimization, to prepare for future larger-scale clinical trials or implementation. Primary objectives of this mechanism include: • Accelerating the translation of current and emerging techniques or interventions into clinical use by addressing specific barrier(s) to clinical success for the purpose of de-risking or informing the design of definitive trials. • Identifying the most effective diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation options to support critical decision-making for patients, clinicians, care partners and policymakers. Distinctive Features: • This funding opportunity contains an Early-Career Partnership Option, which allows for two principal investigators (PIs). If this option is selected, at least one of the named PIs must be an early-career investigator. Be advised, all associated applications for a research project may be withdrawn if the initiating or partnering application is rejected or administratively withdrawn. • Applications to this funding opportunity must name at least two spinal cord injury (SCI) community partners who will provide advice and consultation throughout the planning and implementation of the research project.

Estimated Total Program Funding

$6,120,000

Expected Number of Awards

3

This opportunity from Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Healthcare are especially encouraged to review the requirements.

Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:

• Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
• Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
• State, local, and tribal governments
• Colleges, universities, and research institutions
• Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)

Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.