Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson’s, Early Investigator Research Award | W81XWH 21 NETP EIRA

FAQs: NETP Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA)

What is the NETP Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA)?

The Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson's (NETP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) is a Department of Defense funding opportunity intended to launch and strengthen the careers of researchers who are still early in the process of becoming independent investigators, specifically in research areas connected to Parkinson's disease (PD).

What is the main goal of this award program?

The program is designed to do two things at once: (1) generate useful scientific knowledge related to Parkinson's disease, and (2) build a pipeline of emerging researchers who will continue working at the leading edge of PD research over the long term.

What research topics does the NETP EIRA focus on?

The focus is on research tied to neurotoxin exposure and/or treatment-related aspects of Parkinson's disease. Projects may address how toxic exposures contribute to PD risk or progression, how treatment approaches intersect with toxin-related mechanisms, or other scientifically grounded links between neurotoxic factors and Parkinson's biology and outcomes.

Do projects have to address neurotoxin exposure, treatment-related aspects of PD, or both?

The opportunity is framed around neurotoxin exposure and/or treatment-related dimensions of Parkinson's disease. That means a project can be centered on neurotoxin exposure, treatment-related aspects, or a combination, as long as the connection to PD and neurotoxic factors is scientifically grounded.

Who is expected to lead the research project?

The Early Investigator serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) and is described as the central driver of the proposed project under this award mechanism.

Is this award meant for established Parkinson's disease researchers?

No. Applicants do not have to already be established Parkinson's researchers to be eligible. The program is explicitly built to bring promising early-career scientists into the PD space, as long as they can demonstrate the capability to succeed and the motivation to remain in the field.

What does the program emphasize about the PI's career stage?

The award is targeted to researchers who are still in the early stages of becoming independent investigators, with a strong focus on long-term career development and continued commitment to Parkinson's disease research.

Is mentorship required?

Yes. A defining requirement of this opportunity is strong mentorship. Each application must include at least one designated Mentor whose background aligns with the proposed project.

What qualifications are expected of the Mentor?

Mentors are expected to have established experience in Parkinson's research and mentoring trainees or junior investigators. The description also notes expectations such as an established track record supported by active research funding, recent peer-reviewed publications, and evidence of successful mentorship.

Why does this award require a Mentor?

The Mentor requirement is intended to ensure that early-career PIs receive practical, field-specific guidance while building technical expertise, publishing, and developing their own research direction. The program signals that it values not only the research idea but also the career development environment around the PI.

Can an application include more than one Mentor?

The information provided states that each application must include at least one designated Mentor. That wording implies more than one Mentor may be possible, but only the minimum requirement (at least one) is explicitly stated here.

Which government office issued this funding opportunity?

The opportunity was issued by the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is W81XWH 21 NETP EIRA.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

It is listed under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 12.420.

What award instrument types are used for this opportunity?

The instrument types listed include both grants and cooperative agreements. This indicates that awards may vary in how closely the agency is involved in oversight or collaboration during the project period.

What does it mean that the opportunity lists both grants and cooperative agreements?

Based on the description provided, the presence of both instrument types suggests that some awards may be structured as standard grants while others may be cooperative agreements, which typically involve differing levels of agency involvement during the project.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning the call is broadly open to many entity types, subject to any additional eligibility language in the full announcement.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was originally posted on May 27, 2021, with an original closing date of September 29, 2021.

How many awards did the agency anticipate making?

The agency anticipated making around five awards.

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?

The summarized record shows an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates the ceiling was not specified in the summary and would need to be confirmed in the full funding announcement or associated program documentation.

What is the overall character of this award in plain terms?

This award is best understood as a mentored early-career pathway into Parkinson's disease research, targeted specifically at questions involving neurotoxin exposure and/or treatment-related dimensions of PD, with required, well-qualified mentorship to support feasibility and career progression.