Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Epilepsy Research Program (ERP) seeks to advance post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) research through development of investigators new to the PTE field. To accomplish this, the ERP is soliciting Faculty members to join the Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center (ViP-TERC). The ERP ViP-TERC is a unique, interactive virtual research center providing intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for new PTE investigators. The overarching goal of the ViP-TERC is to develop successful, highly productive PTE researchers in a collaborative research and career development environment to enhance quality and expand quantity of the PTE research field.

Distinctive Features: This award mechanism focuses on both the Faculty member’s research and career potential. The mechanism requires the Faculty member to designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must have a track record of successful mentorship coupled with a strong record of funding and publications.

**NEW for FY26** An investigator may be named on only one FY26 ERP Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Faculty Award application as a Principal Investigator.