Entries Open: The Francis S. Collins Scholars Program

Deadline: 07-Dec-2026

The Francis S. Collins Scholars Program provides comprehensive funding, training, and mentorship for post-doctoral researchers and early-career faculty committed to advancing clinical and translational research in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The program supports emerging researchers through salary funding, research costs, clinical and translational science training, scientific travel, and expert mentorship.

About the Francis S. Collins Scholars Program

The program is designed to develop the next generation of researchers working on patient-focused NF1 research. Scholars receive support to pursue clinical and translational research while developing the skills, professional networks, and mentorship needed for a long-term research career in NF1. The program also encourages collaboration across government, academic, and industry partners to advance translational research. What Funding and Support Does the Program Provide? The Francis S. Collins Scholars Program offers comprehensive professional and financial support, including: - Up to 100% salary coverage for three years. - Tuition support for formal training in clinical and translational science. - Funding for research-related costs. - Travel expenses for scientific meetings. - High-level mentorship from leading experts in NF1 and related fields. - Opportunities to participate in collaborative translational research. - Career development support. This combination of funding and training allows scholars to dedicate substantial time to NF1 research while developing their clinical and research expertise. Salary Support Scholars can receive up to 100% salary coverage for three years. The salary support is intended to provide researchers with the protected time needed to focus on clinical and translational NF1 research and career development. Clinical and Translational Science Training The program provides tuition support for formal training in clinical and translational science. This training can help scholars strengthen their ability to translate scientific discoveries into research and approaches that ultimately benefit patients. Research Funding Scholars receive funding to support research costs associated with their NF1 projects. The research support enables participants to pursue patient-focused clinical and translational research while building an independent research profile. Travel Support The program also provides funding for travel expenses associated with scientific meetings. Participation in scientific meetings can help scholars present their work, exchange knowledge with other researchers, and develop professional collaborations. Mentorship Opportunities Mentorship is a central component of the Francis S. Collins Scholars Program. Scholars receive guidance from leading experts in NF1 and related fields. Applicants must assemble a mentorship team with expertise covering: - Research. - Clinical care. - Career development in NF1. The multidisciplinary mentorship structure is intended to provide scholars with scientific, clinical, and professional guidance throughout the program. Collaborative Translational Research The program provides opportunities for scholars to participate in collaborative translational research involving: - Government partners. - Academic institutions. - Industry partners. - NF1 experts and related research communities. These collaborations can help connect scientific research with clinical applications and patient-focused outcomes. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet specific academic, professional, and career-stage requirements.

Eligible candidates must:

- Hold a health professional degree that permits patient care. - Be in the final year of post-doctoral training, or - Be within seven years of their first faculty appointment. - Demonstrate a strong commitment to patient-focused NF1 research. - Be able to dedicate at least 75% of their professional time to the program. - Assemble an appropriate mentorship team with expertise in research, clinical care, and NF1 career development. Professional Time Commitment Scholars must dedicate at least 75% of their professional time to the program.

The program period must be:

- Minimum: 2 years.

- Maximum: 3 years.

Applicants should therefore ensure they can make the required time commitment before applying. Focus on Patient-Centered NF1 Research A strong commitment to patient-focused research in neurofibromatosis type 1 is an important eligibility requirement. The program is particularly suited to researchers who want to connect scientific and translational research with improved understanding, care, and outcomes for people affected by NF1. Key Details at a Glance

- Program: Francis S. Collins Scholars Program

- Research focus: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)

- Target applicants: Post-doctoral researchers and early-career faculty

- Salary support: Up to 100% for three years

- Program duration: 2–3 years

- Professional time commitment: At least 75%

- Training: Tuition support for clinical and translational science

- Research support: Funding for research costs

- Travel: Support for scientific meetings

- Mentorship: Experts in NF1 and related fields

- Mentorship team: Research, clinical care, and career development expertise required

- Clinical requirement: Health professional degree permitting patient care

- Career stage: Final year of post-doctoral training or within seven years of first faculty appointment

- Research commitment: Patient-focused NF1 research

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Francis S. Collins Scholars Program? It is a research scholars program supporting post-doctoral researchers and early-career faculty pursuing clinical and translational research focused on NF1. What is NF1? NF1 stands for neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic condition that can affect multiple parts of the body and requires multidisciplinary research and clinical care. How much salary support is available? Scholars can receive up to 100% salary coverage for