FY2026 Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP): New Funding Mechanisms Announced
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) has unveiled the Fiscal Year 2026 award mechanisms for the Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP). These opportunities are designed to address the significant socio-economic and health burdens associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), particularly for military personnel and their families. Peer-reviewed research indicates that early intervention and refined diagnostic tools are critical to managing the projected global increase in dementia prevalence (Livingston et al., 2020).
Scope of Award Mechanisms
The AZRP is offering three primary funding tracks for the 2026 cycle:
- Transforming Care Award: Supports clinical research to reduce barriers in dementia care and improve prognosis for those living with AD/ADRD following military service.
- Transforming Diagnosis Award: Focuses on non-incremental, solutions-oriented research to overcome barriers in disease monitoring and diagnosis.
- Transforming Research Award: Targets transformative advancements in reducing risk and preventing the development of AD/ADRD.
Eligibility and PI Options
Applications are open to independent investigators at any career level. The AZRP continues to emphasize the development of early-career researchers through the Career Initiation or Transition (CIT) Partnership Option. Under this option, two investigators may collaborate on a single application, provided one meets the definition of a career initiation (3-7 years post-terminal degree) or career transition (new to the field) investigator.
Submission Requirements and Funding
Preliminary data are required for all mechanisms. For studies prospectively enrolling human subjects, community collaboration is a mandatory element of the application process. Funding levels vary by mechanism:
- Care Award: $1.6M (Single PI) to $1.9M (CIT Partnership) for a 4-year period.
- Diagnosis Award: $1.5M (Single PI) to $1.7M (CIT Partnership) for a 4-year period.
- Research Award: $1.0M for both PI options for a 3-year period.
Pre-Application (Preproposal) Deadline: June 22, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Full Application Deadline: September 24, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
Submissions for the full application are by invitation only following the review of the mandatory preproposal.
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