At a glance
This program funds early, innovative, high-risk research on multiple sclerosis that is meant to generate ideas for future studies. Eligible applicants include U.S. Department of War organizations, as well as foreign and domestic, for-profit and nonprofit, and public or private organizations; the principal investigator must be an independent investigator. Awards are grants with a maximum total cost of $250,000 over up to 2 years, and about eight awards are expected. Cost sharing is not required. Applications must fit one or more listed MS focus areas, clinical trials are not allowed, and all projects must address the program’s required focus areas and design rules.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research field. The studies supported by this award mechanism are expected to lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 MSRP EHDA focus areas. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design. The presentation of preliminary and/or published data is not required. Distinctive Features: This funding mechanism includes two options: Established Investigator and New Investigator. The New Investigator option supports applicants early in their faculty appointments.
Who can apply
- Unrestricted