DoD Prostate Cancer, Idea Development Award

The FY25 Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) Idea Development Award (IDA), administered through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), supports innovative and high-impact research initiatives with the potential to make substantial advances in prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since 1997, Congress has appropriated more than $2.37 billion to the PCRP, including $75 million in FY25, to fund research addressing specific gaps in prostate cancer research, particularly for Service Members, Veterans, and other high-risk groups. The FY25 IDA encourages submissions under two distinct applicant categories: Established Investigator and New Investigator. Established Investigators may receive up to $1.7 million for a maximum performance period of 3 years, while New Investigators—defined as independent researchers within 10 years of completing their terminal degree—are eligible for up to $2.1 million over a 4-year project period. All applicants must address one or more of the PCRP’s FY25 Overarching Challenges, including defining lethal prostate cancer biology, improving treatments and quality of life, and expanding access to optimal care. Applicants must be from eligible organizations such as academic institutions, nonprofit and for-profit entities, and other public or private organizations, whether domestic or international. The principal investigator (PI) may only submit one IDA application and must choose between the New or Established Investigator category. Those applying as New Investigators must also include a prostate cancer-experienced collaborator and submit an eligibility statement and, if applicable, a statement of independence. Applications follow a two-step submission process: a required pre-application (letter of intent) via the eBRAP portal by August 8, 2025, and a full application by August 29, 2025, through either eBRAP (for intramural DoD) or Grants.gov (for extramural applicants). Key submission components include a detailed project narrative, lay and technical abstracts, impact and innovation statements, a transition plan, budget, biographical sketches, and letters of support. For New Investigator applicants, collaborator documentation is essential. The award does not support clinical trials but does allow for clinical research. Applications will be evaluated through peer and programmatic review, focusing on innovation, impact, feasibility, investigator capability, and alignment with PCRP priorities. Projects involving multidisciplinary collaboration and those relevant to military populations are especially encouraged. Notification of funding decisions is expected about six weeks following programmatic review in February 2026. The eBRAP Help Desk can provide technical assistance via help@eBRAP.org or 301-682-5507.