Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports studies that have the potential to make an important contribution to reconstructive transplant research, patient care, and/or quality of life. All projects must demonstrate solid scientific rationale with military-relevant utility. The Investigator-Initiated Research Award does not support clinical trials.

Distinctive Features:

·        Scope: Applications may focus on any phase of research from basic through translational, including preclinical studies in animal models, and clinical research in human subjects or human anatomical substances.

·        Study Design and Feasibility: The study design should be rigorous and support maximal reproducibility and translational feasibility. A strong statistical plan with appropriate power analysis is important.

·        Impact: Project results should have the potential for long- and short-term impact on the reconstructive transplant research field and/or patient community. Projects should address at least one of the FY26 RTRP Focus Areas.

·        Preliminary Data: Preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to reconstructive transplantation and support the rationale for the proposed research must be included.

·        Military Relevance: All projects must be responsive to the health care needs of military Service Members and/or Veterans recovering from traumatic injury, and/or their Family members, caregivers, or clinicians, as well as the general public. Collaboration with military researchers and clinicians is encouraged but not required.