CDMRP Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program: Translational Research Award

The Translational Research Award is intended to support research that accelerates the conversion of scientific findings into impactful clinical applications. The TRA prioritizes innovative approaches over purely iterative or incremental research. Research outcomes must clearly lead to the development of transformative health care products, technologies, or clinical practice guidelines.

Applications must address at least one subarea, within the focus areas listed below:

1. Understand

a. Understanding of risk, protective and biological factors, including sex as a biological variable, contributing to an individual’s vulnerability to, response to and long-term outcomes of psychological health conditions and/or TBI

b. Understanding psychological health factors or outcomes associated with sexual harassment and assault perpetration, victimization and barriers to reporting and response. Studies that ensure participant anonymity strongly encouraged.

2. Prevent and Assess

a. Identification and validation of biomarkers or other objective methods for assessment, diagnosis, prognosis or real-time monitoring of psychological health conditions and/or TBI.

b. Development and evaluation of approaches or tools to prevent or reduce risk of psychological health conditions and/or TBI.

c. Development and evaluation of crosscutting prevention approaches to address multiple adverse outcomes. 

d. Development and evaluation of solutions to support military and Family readiness and resilience.

3. Treat

a. Interventions that promote sustained functional recovery
b. Development of postvention strategies to support individuals in various life situations. 

c. Health services research to improve the adoption of evidence-based practices, access to care, or reduce barriers to care.
 

The FY26 TBIPHRP TRA offers two funding levels 

Funding level 1: refinement of mature ideas and concepts into tangible and knowledge products

Funding Level 2: rigorous evaluation of tangible and knowledge products in preparation for first-in-human studies or clinical trials.

The program offers an early career partnering option.

It is expected that 3 level 1 awards and 3 level 2 awards will be granted this year. 

Research Authority due date: 6.7.26

Pre application (required) due date: 13.7.26

Full proposal due date: 15.10.26