National Ataxia Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Award

Deadline: 18-Nov-2026

The National Ataxia Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Award provides $40,000 for one year to early-career researchers conducting innovative studies on the causes, mechanisms, or treatment of ataxia. Eligible researchers from the United States and other countries must submit one Letter of Intent through ProposalCentral by 18 November 2026, with selected applicants invited to submit full proposals.

About the Postdoctoral Research Program

The National Ataxia Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Award supports early-career scientists undertaking research on hereditary, sporadic, or acquired ataxias. The program helps researchers generate preliminary data, strengthen their scientific capabilities, and prepare for future independent funding and academic advancement. The fellowship is intended to serve as a bridge between postdoctoral training and an independent research career.

About the National Ataxia Foundation

The National Ataxia Foundation is a patient-centered nonprofit organization working to identify the causes of ataxia, develop treatments, and pursue potential cures. Through its Annual Research Grant Program, NAF supports: - Basic research - Translational research - Clinical research - Therapeutic development - Diagnostic innovation - International collaboration - Early-career researcher development - Generation of preliminary scientific data NAF’s broader goal is to improve outcomes and quality of life for people affected by ataxia. What Is Ataxia? Ataxia refers to impaired coordination, balance, speech, movement, or control of voluntary muscles.

It may occur as:

- Hereditary ataxia: Caused by inherited or genetic factors

- Sporadic ataxia: Occurring without a clear family history

- Acquired ataxia: Resulting from injury, illness, immune processes, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, or other causes

Ataxia can significantly affect mobility, communication, independence, and daily life. Purpose of the Fellowship The program supports promising researchers as they build expertise and establish careers in ataxia science.

Its objectives include:

- Advancing understanding of ataxia - Investigating disease causes - Studying disease pathogenesis - Developing new treatment approaches - Generating high-quality preliminary data - Strengthening postdoctoral research skills - Encouraging long-term commitment to ataxia research - Preparing fellows for independent funding - Supporting academic career development - Expanding the next generation of ataxia investigators Priority Research Areas Eligible projects should advance knowledge of at least one of the following: - Causes of ataxia - Disease mechanisms - Pathogenesis - Genetic pathways - Cellular and molecular processes - Disease progression - Diagnostic methods - Biomarkers - Disease models - Therapeutic targets - Treatment approaches - Clinical-trial readiness - Patient care and outcomes Projects should demonstrate scientific relevance, innovation, and a clear contribution to the field. Basic Research Basic research may investigate the biological mechanisms underlying ataxia.

Potential topics include:

- Genetic mutations - Cellular dysfunction - Protein pathways - Neurodegeneration - Cerebellar biology - Molecular signaling - Disease progression - Experimental disease models - Interactions among genetic and environmental factors Applicants should explain how the findings could inform future diagnosis, therapeutic development, or clinical research. Translational Research Translational studies may connect laboratory discoveries with practical diagnostic or therapeutic applications.

Relevant projects may include:

- Therapeutic-target validation - Biomarker development - Drug screening - Preclinical treatment studies - Development of diagnostic tools - Patient-stratification methods - Clinical-trial readiness - Validation of disease models - Translation of laboratory findings into patient-focused research Clinical Research Clinical research may involve patients, clinical records, human samples, or outcomes relevant to care.

Projects may address:

- Natural history - Clinical outcome measures - Diagnosis - Biomarkers - Disease progression - Treatment response - Patient-reported outcomes - Clinical-trial design - Quality of life - Patient care Studies involving human participants must follow all applicable ethical, regulatory, privacy, and informed-consent requirements. Funding Amount and Duration

The fellowship provides:

- Award amount: $40,000

- Funding period: One year

- Funding type: Direct research expenses

- Application deadline: 18 November 2026

The award should support a focused project with achievable results during the one-year period. Eligible Research Expenses

Funds may be used for:

- Salary or stipend - Laboratory reagents - Consumable supplies - Essential equipment - Animal purchase and care - Publication costs - Scientific meeting registration - Economy-class travel to scientific meetings - Collaboration-related site visits - Other approved direct research costs Every budget item should be necessary for completing the proposed research. Budget Limits

The following limits apply:

- Salary or stipend: Up to 100% of the award

- Essential equipment: Up to 20% of the total budget

- Publication expenses: Up to $2,500

- Travel and meeting registration: Up to $2,000

For a $40,000 award, essential equipment costs may not exceed $8,000. If part of the award is used for supplies, equipment, travel, or publication, the amount available for salary or stipend must be reduced accordingly. Travel Requirements

Up to $2,000 may support:

- Scientific meeting registration - Travel to present research - Collaboration-related site visits - Other approved research travel Travel must use economy-class fares. Applicants should explain how proposed travel will advance the project, collaboration, dissemination, or professional development. Ineligible Expenses

The fellowship cannot support:

- Indirect costs - Institutional overhead - Fringe bene