Alzheimers Research Program Transforming Research Award

The FY25 Alzheimer’s Transforming Research Award (TrRA), offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) through its Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), supports high-impact, solution-oriented research to mitigate the risk or prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). This opportunity is specifically designed to encourage robust, non-incremental advancements in understanding and preventing AD/ADRD, especially as they relate to military service and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The total funding available for the TrRA is approximately $4 million, with up to four awards anticipated for FY25. Projects must be completed within a three-year period, with funding capped at $1 million per award, regardless of whether the project includes one or two principal investigators under the Career Initiation or Transition (CIT) Partnership Option. Applicants must submit a two-step application process, beginning with a pre-application due June 12, 2025. Those invited must submit a full application by August 29, 2025. Awards will be announced no later than September 30, 2026. Only independent investigators at any career level affiliated with eligible organizations can apply. Eligible institutions include both domestic and foreign entities from the public or private sector, including academic institutions, research foundations, nonprofits, for-profit entities, and both intramural and extramural Department of Defense organizations. Cost sharing is not required. The TrRA mandates that applications directly address at least one of two focus areas: (1) risk factor knowledge, which involves identifying or validating risk and protective factors; and (2) risk reduction solutions, which entail developing and testing methods or technologies to reduce AD/ADRD risk. Proposed research must be non-incremental and informed by the lived experience community. Clinical research proposals require mandatory community collaboration. Clinical trials are not permitted, though observational clinical research is allowed. Projects must also adhere to principles of robust research, community-informed approaches, and ensure feedback to the affected community. Special emphasis is placed on addressing AD/ADRD risks relevant to military health. Applications must be submitted via eBRAP.org (pre-applications) and Grants.gov (full applications). Detailed submission instructions include numerous required attachments such as a project narrative, technical and lay abstracts, an impact statement, a community collaboration plan (if applicable), and detailed budgets. Review criteria include project impact, feasibility, research team capacity, and alignment with program goals. Applications are reviewed through a two-tier process consisting of peer review and programmatic review. Awards will only be made to organizations, and the official award instrument is a grant. For assistance, applicants may contact the eBRAP Help Desk at help@eBRAP.org or 301-682-5507 for pre-application or submission support. For Grants.gov technical support, the contact email is support@grants.gov and the phone number is 800-518-4726.