The FY26 Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Idea Award supports innovative, untested, high-risk/high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and basic cancer research with the potential to open new directions in cancer science and patient care.
The award is designed for research addressing FY26 PRCRP cancer topic areas and strategic goals, with a demonstrated relevance to the health of Service Members, Veterans, their families, and other military beneficiaries. Preliminary data are not required, but proposals must be supported by a strong scientific rationale and a well-formulated, testable hypothesis. HT942526PRCRPIA_GG
Eligibility
- Extramural and intramural U.S. Department of Defense organizations are eligible to apply.
- Eligible organizations may include foreign or domestic organizations.
- For-profit and nonprofit organizations may apply.
- Public and private entities are eligible.
- The Principal Investigator (PI) must be an independent investigator at any career level for the Established Investigator category.
- The Early Career Investigator (ECI) option is available for independent investigators below the Associate Professor level (or equivalent).
Funding
- Up to $600,000 in total costs per award
- Maximum project period: 2 years
- Approximately 30 Idea Awards are anticipated, with approximately $18 million allocated.
- Approximately 15 Early Career Investigator awards are anticipated, with approximately $9 million allocated.
Deadline
- Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
Further Information
- The application process consists of two steps: pre-application followed by invited full application.
- Applications must comply with the FY26 PRCRP topic areas, strategic goals, Military Health Focus Areas, and other requirements detailed in the full announcement.
- For the complete eligibility requirements, research priorities, application instructions, and submission requirements, see the FY26 Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program Idea Award full announcement: View the Full Funding Announcement
- Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526PRCRPIA