CDMRP Melanoma Research Program: Idea Award

The  Idea Award supports innovative, untested, exploratory, high-risk/potentially high reward concepts, theories, paradigms or methods that address at least one of the FY26 MRP Focus Areas. The intent of the Idea Award is to generate new research avenues for investigation; therefore, novelty and innovation should be key aspects of the proposed project.

Applications  must address at least one of the following Focus Areas.

• Prevention and Interception 
• Rare melanomas
• Survivorship 

Applicants must demonstrate that their research is relevant to the health care needs of Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families. This can be done via use of military or Veteran populations, biospecimens, data, databases, or programs in the proposed research; cooperation with DoW  investigators and other federal agencies (highly encouraged); explanation of how the project addresses an aspect of melanoma that has relevance or is unique to Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families.

It is expected that 10 awards will be granted. 

Funding: $560,000 total 

Duration: 2 years 

Research Authority due date: 6.7.26

Pre application (required) due date: 13.7.26

Full proposal due date: 15.10.26