Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP) Clinical Research Award (CRA) seeks clinical research that evaluates orthopaedic-specific factors and interventions. The ORP intends for research supported by this mechanism to generate clinically useful evidence with potential to optimize patient outcomes and inform clinical care or policy. Applications must address how the proposed research will impact patient care and reduce the burden of orthopaedic injury and sequela. The ORP expects that research findings benefit Service Members, their families, Veterans and the general public. To meet the intent of the award mechanism, applications must specifically address at least one of the FY26 ORP CRA Focus Areas.

Distinctive Features:

·        The CRA offers two research levels.

Research Level 1 (RL1) supports clinical research in the following FY26 ORP focus areas:

·        Ligamentous Trauma

·        Osseointegration Outcomes

·        Return-to-Duty Strategies

·        Military Women’s Health

Research Level 2 (RL2) supports clinical trials in the following FY26 ORP focus areas:

·        Ligamentous Trauma

·        Limb Stabilization and Protection

·        Return-to-Duty Strategies