Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) are funded through the US Department of Defense (DoD). The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund.

While individual programs are unique in their focus, all of the programs managed by the CDMRP share the common goal of advancing paradigm shifting research, solutions that will lead to cures or improvements in patient care, or breakthrough technologies and resources for clinical benefit.

Since its inception in 1992, the CDMRP has awarded USD$17.8 Billion in research funding and between 1992 and 2021 had awarded a total of 18,663 grants/contracts.

The program solicits and encourages applications from international institutions.

Currently Funded Research Programs

These CDMRP grant opportunities may be available in 2024. Visit the individual research program page for more information on opportunities and application timelines.

Additional Supported DOD Programs/Projects

Visit the CDMRP website for further details and dates for specific funding opportunities.

How to Apply

The submission process for CDMRP opportunities varies slightly depending on the program/award so it is always important to visit the CDMRP website to check what is required. Generally however, applicants should be aware of the following steps

  1. Contact research-applications@newcastle.edu.au to notify Research Grants of your intent to apply. Our office will let you know what internal deadlines apply and what internal submission procedures you need to follow (these may change depending on the Research program requirements)
  2. Register for an eBRAP account as a Principal Investigator (PI). You must request to be affiliated with an organisation - The University of Newcastle
  3. Submit a pre-application in eBRAP. There are 2 types of pre-applications depending on award mechanism, a Letter of Intent or a pre-proposal. Pre-application submission is MANDATORY and must be ON TIME
  4. Submit Full Application in Grants.gov
    1. If the pre-application was a pre-proposal, an invitation to submit a full application is required
    2. You will need a Workspace in Grants.gov in order to submit your application. Please contact research-applications@newcastle.edu.au ASAP to have one set up
      1. Workspace Process Overview (PDF)
  5. Verify Application in eBRAP

More information, links to eBRAP and an application flowchart are available on the CDMRP website.

Further Resources

CDMRP Webinar Series

Additional information about applying to CDMRP programs, as well as tips for successfully preparing applications for different types of CDMRP award mechanisms, are available in the CDMRP Webinar Series.

CDMRP Presentation

In December 2017, Dr Dan Rhon a retired military officer and clinician, active researcher within the US Department of Defense, and Assistant Professor at Baylor University in Texas who has previously been successful in obtaining CDMRP funding, gave a presentation at the University of Newcastle. The presentation gives an overview of the CDMRP and the Research Programs available.

A recording of the presentation is available here. Use password KH412 to access.

If you have any questions, or need assistance with the application processes for CDMRP opportunities, please contact research-applications@newcastle.edu.au