Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports high-impact research that addresses a critical need and has the potential to make important contributions to the field of neurofibromatosis disorders or advance patient care. Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. The rationale for a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery, population-based studies, a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

Distinctive Features: This award mechanism offers two funding levels based on participation in two optional features:

• Open Science Initiative: Catalyzes research for neurofibromatosis through early access to data and data sharing within the neurofibromatosis community.

• Optional Qualified Collaborator: Encourages collaborative research between basic scientists and clinical researchers, and between academic and biotechnology scientists.

The funding levels are defined as follows:

• Level 1: Applications without an optional feature.

• Level 2: Applications including one of the optional features.