Applications open for Next Generation Research Grant Program

Deadline: 08-Oct-26

The Next Generation Research Grant Program supports early-career investigators worldwide conducting preclinical, clinical, or translational research to better understand, diagnose, treat, and prevent brain diseases. The two-year award provides $150,000 total, with particular interest in research that can generate insights applicable to multiple neurological or neuropsychiatric conditions.

About the Next Generation Research Grant Program

The Next Generation Research Grant Program is designed to support emerging researchers at an important stage of their scientific careers. The programme follows the “Cure One, Cure Many” philosophy, which recognizes that discoveries about one brain disease can potentially lead to advances in the understanding and treatment of other neurological conditions. Projects with potential relevance to more than one brain disorder are particularly encouraged. Research Areas of Interest The programme supports a broad range of brain and neurological research while highlighting several priority areas. Mental Health and Neuropsychiatry The Foundation has a particular interest in research addressing conditions such as: Depression Anxiety Schizophrenia Addiction Other neuropsychiatric disorders Women’s Health Research examining brain health and neurological or psychiatric conditions affecting women is encouraged. Prevention and Resilience Projects investigating ways to prevent brain disease or strengthen resilience against neurological and mental health conditions are also relevant. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related conditions is another area of interest. What Type of Research Is Supported? The grant can support preclinical, clinical, and translational research. Applicants may investigate fundamental disease mechanisms, develop diagnostic approaches, evaluate potential treatments, or explore preventive strategies. A strong proposal should explain how the research could ultimately contribute to improved understanding or management of brain disease. The Foundation also encourages research that incorporates: Diverse perspectives Diverse study populations Inclusive research approaches Findings that can potentially benefit multiple patient populations Grant Amount Each successful applicant receives $75,000 per year for two years. The total potential award is $150,000. The annual funding is divided as follows:

$65,000 per year: Salary support

$10,000 per year: Research-related expenses

Total: $75,000 per year

Total over two years: $150,000

Indirect costs are not supported. Grant funds must be used directly for the proposed research project. Can the Grant Be Combined With Other Funding? Yes. Applicants may supplement the Next Generation Research Grant with other awards. However, the applicant’s total annual support cannot exceed $75,000. Researchers should therefore carefully coordinate this grant with other salary and research funding to remain within the programme’s annual support limit. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for early-career clinician-investigators.

Applicants must:

Hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent terminal-level clinical or research degree. Have completed their clinical residency or PhD in 2022 or later. Be affiliated with an accredited institution in the United States or internationally. Conduct research relevant to brain diseases or conditions. Be prepared to undertake a preclinical, clinical, or translational research project. There is no citizenship requirement, so eligible researchers from different nationalities can apply through qualifying US or international institutions. Are Multiple Applications Allowed? Yes. Multiple applications from the same institution are permitted. An individual researcher may also apply for more than one Next Generation Research Grant per cycle, provided that each application is separate and addresses a distinct research proposal. Why This Grant Matters Brain diseases often share biological, neurological, psychological, and environmental mechanisms. Research that identifies common pathways can therefore have implications beyond a single disease. The Next Generation Research Grant Program encourages this type of cross-disease and interdisciplinary research. The programme can help early-career investigators: Establish independent research programmes. Generate preliminary or translational evidence. Investigate new diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. Study disease mechanisms. Develop prevention strategies. Explore connections between different brain disorders. Build a stronger foundation for future research funding. How to Apply Applicants should develop their proposal around a clearly defined brain-health research question.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before preparing the proposal, verify that you: Hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree. Completed your clinical residency or PhD in 2022 or later. Are affiliated with an accredited US or international institution. Are proposing eligible brain-disease research.

Step 2: Define the Research Problem

Clearly identify the scientific or clinical problem your project will address. Explain why the problem is important and what knowledge gap currently exists.

Step 3: Develop the Research Approach

Describe the proposed methodology and explain whether the work is: Preclinical Clinical Translational Clearly connect the methods to the research objectives.

Step 4: Demonstrate Broader Relevance

Where appropriate, explain how the findings could apply to multiple brain diseases or conditions. Projects that demonstrate potential relevance beyond a single disorder align particularly well with the Foundation’s Cure One, Cure Many philosophy.

Step 5: Address Diversity and Inclusion

Consider whether the study population and research design adequately reflect diverse perspectives and populations. Explain how inclusive research could strengthen the relevance and impact of the findings.

Step 6: Prepare the Budget

Plan