Dow Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF) research. Studies supported by this award mechanism should lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design.

Distinctive Features:

• Innovation: The proposed research project should be innovative. Innovative research may introduce a novel paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, examine existing problems from novel perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities.

• Preliminary Data: Preliminary and/or published data is encouraged but not required.