DoD Melanoma, Melanoma Academy Scholar Award

The Department of Defense (DOD) Melanoma Research Program (MRP) is offering the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Melanoma Academy Scholar Award (MASA), under the Defense Health Program. This award, managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), seeks to identify and support early-career, independent investigators in the field of melanoma research. These investigators, known as Scholars, will become members of the Melanoma Academy (MA), a virtual, multi-institutional network designed to foster collaborative research, mentorship, and career development. The overarching aim of the MA is to develop a cohort of high-achieving researchers committed to improving melanoma prevention, detection, and survivorship outcomes, particularly within military and veteran communities. The program is specifically tailored for applicants who are within seven years of their first faculty appointment and possess independent laboratory space. Scholars must designate a Career Guide—an established melanoma researcher with a strong record of funding and publications—who will mentor and guide the Scholar through both scientific and career development pathways. Notably, preliminary data is not required for submission. Scholars and Career Guides are required to participate fully in the Academy’s activities, including biennial and annual workshops. A total of approximately $1.54 million in FY25 funds has been allocated to support up to two awards, with each award capped at $770,000 in total costs over a three-year period. Direct costs must include travel for MA workshops and may include support for the Career Guide (up to $30,000 annually), collaboration-related travel, and technology for virtual engagement. Tuition for graduate students and clinical trial costs are unallowable expenses. Research must align with one or more of the program’s focus areas: Prevention and Interception, Rare Melanomas, and Survivorship. Eligible applicants include extramural and intramural organizations (domestic or foreign), such as academic institutions, non-profits, federal agencies, and private companies. Application submission involves a two-step process, beginning with a Letter of Intent (pre-application) through eBRAP by September 10, 2025, followed by a full application due by October 1, 2025, via eBRAP or Grants.gov. Verification must be completed by October 7, 2025. Peer review will take place in December 2025, followed by programmatic review in February 2026. Awards are expected to be made by September 30, 2026, with funds available for use through September 30, 2031. Evaluation criteria include the quality and feasibility of the proposed research, the impact on melanoma research and patient care, the Scholar’s potential for establishing an independent career, and the Career Development and Sustainment Plan. Reviewers also assess the qualifications and commitment of the Career Guide. Application materials include a project narrative, abstracts, a statement of work, supporting documentation, a career development plan, and a letter from the Career Guide. No clinical trials are permitted under this award mechanism. For additional information, technical assistance, or submission guidance, applicants may contact the eBRAP Help Desk (help@eBRAP.org, 301-682-5507) or the Grants.gov Contact Center (support@grants.gov, 800-518-4726). The funding opportunity number is HT942525MRPMASA.