Description
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. The ERP is soliciting Faculty members to join the Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center (ViP-TERC), 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. Key aspects of the award include:
• The Faculty member must be an investigator new to the field of PTE research with the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of the field.
• The Faculty member must designate a Career Guide, who must be an experienced researcher with a strong record of funding and publications.
• The Faculty member is required to participate in all development and training activities hosted by the ViP-TERC, including monthly calls with ViP-TERC Leadership.
• The Faculty member and Career Guide are required to attend a biennial multiday ViP-TERC workshop and, in alternate years, a ViP-TERC one-day workshop.
• The award allows the Faculty member to pursue an impactful research project with an emphasis on discovery that investigates questions across the PTE research spectrum.
• Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity.
The award has a maximum period of performance of 3 years, and the total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance should not exceed $800,000.