Are you a post-doctoral researcher passionate about unraveling the complexities of Parkinson’s disease? The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is pleased to announce its Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships for the academic years 2025-2027, offering a prestigious opportunity to advance your research and contribute to the Parkinson’s disease community.
This two-year fellowship provides up to $50,000 per year to promising post-doctoral trainees (MD, MD/PhD, or PhD) at U.S. research institutions. The focus of these fellowships is to foster innovative research that delves into the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. We encourage proposals that explore a wide spectrum of research areas, from fundamental basic science investigations to projects centered on rehabilitation and improving patient outcomes.
Award Details and Timeline:
- Two-Year Fellowship: Benefit from continuous support for your research endeavors over two academic years.
- Maximum Funding: Receive up to $50,000 per year to support your research project.
- Letter of Intent Deadline: December 16th, 2024, 5:00 PM EST.
- Invitation for Full Application: Anticipate notifications in early February 2025.
- Full Application Due Date: April 2025.
- Decision Notification: Expect to be informed of the decision in June 2025.
- Grant Year: The fellowship period spans from September 1st, 2025, to August 31st, 2027.
Fellowship Goal:
The APDA Post-Doctoral Fellowship program is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Parkinson’s disease researchers. We aim to support talented post-doctoral trainees in conducting impactful research that yields new insights into the disease. Your work could explore any aspect of Parkinson’s, including its underlying mechanisms, causes, and the development of novel therapies and rehabilitation strategies. We are interested in projects across the entire spectrum of research, from bench science discoveries to patient-centered rehabilitation projects.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for this post-doctoral fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Degree Completion: Applicants must have completed their MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or clinical residency program within two years prior to the start of the award period.
- U.S. Research Institution Affiliation: Applicants must be conducting research at a research institution within the United States.
Application Process:
The application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI), followed by an invitation to submit a full application for selected candidates.
Letter of Intent Requirements:
Your Letter of Intent must include the following components:
- Research Overview (400 words): Provide a comprehensive summary of the research activities you plan to undertake during the fellowship. You are welcome to include figures as supplemental materials to visually support your overview.
- Novelty and Significance (100 words): Clearly articulate the innovative aspects of your proposed research and its potential relevance and impact on the Parkinson’s disease community.
- Collaborations (50 words): Describe any existing or planned collaborations with internal or external researchers or organizations that will enhance your research project.
- Institutional Resources (100 words): Explain why your chosen institution and laboratory are ideally suited and equipped to successfully conduct your proposed research.
- Budget Narrative (50 words): Provide a brief narrative outlining how the fellowship budget will be allocated across different categories, such as personnel and equipment.
- Citations: Include a list of relevant citations to support your LOI (no word limit).
Required Documents:
In addition to the above information, please include the following documents with your Letter of Intent submission:
- Applicant’s NIH Biosketch
- Mentor’s NIH Biosketch
Funding Details:
- Indirect Costs: Up to 10% of the total funding ($5,000) can be allocated to indirect costs, which is included within the $50,000 award.
- Unallowable Costs: Please note that fellowship funds cannot be used for travel expenses or publication costs exceeding $1,000, or equipment costs exceeding $8,000.
Grant Disbursement Schedule:
Fellowship funds ($50,000 per year) will be disbursed in installments throughout each year:
- September (50%): Initial disbursement of 50% at the beginning of each fiscal year (approximately September).
- March (25%): Second disbursement of 25% in March of each fiscal year.
- June (25%): Final disbursement of 25% in June of each fiscal year.
Continued funding is contingent upon the receipt and approval of satisfactory annual scientific and financial reports. A final scientific and financial report is required at the conclusion of the two-year fellowship period.
Ready to Apply?
Take the next step in your Parkinson’s disease research career by applying for the APDA Post-Doctoral Fellowship. Submit your Letter of Intent by December 16th, 2024.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Elvin Yao, Senior Programs and Research Manager, at [email protected].
