Richard Olney Next Generation Clinician Scientist Grant in ALS

Deadline: 08-Oct-26

The Richard Olney Next Generation Clinician Scientist Grant in ALS provides $240,000 over three years to support early-career clinician-investigators conducting clinical or preclinical research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The grant supports studies focused on ALS mechanisms, diagnosis, or treatment and encourages research with potential applications to other neurological diseases.

About the Richard Olney Next Generation Clinician Scientist Grant

The Richard Olney Next Generation Clinician Scientist Grant in ALS is designed to help early-career clinician-scientists establish independent research careers in ALS and related neurological disorders. The program is supported by The ALS Association and the American Brain Foundation and administered by the American Brain Foundation. The grant follows a “Cure One, Cure Many” philosophy. This means research should not only advance understanding of ALS but may also generate knowledge or technologies applicable to other neurological diseases. What Does the Grant Support? The program supports clinical and preclinical ALS research addressing important questions related to: Research with potential relevance to other neurological diseases Projects may investigate biological mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic strategies, or other research questions that could contribute to improved understanding and treatment of ALS. Funding Amount The Richard Olney Next Generation Clinician Scientist Grant provides a total award of $240,000 over three years. All grant funds must be used directly for the proposed research project. Applicants may supplement the grant with other awards, but their total annual support cannot exceed $80,000. Who Is Eligible? The grant is intended for early-career clinician-investigators conducting ALS-related research.

Applicants must:

Hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent terminal-level clinical or research degree. Have completed a clinical residency or PhD in 2020 or later. Be conducting clinical or preclinical research related to ALS. Be affiliated with an accredited institution. Be based at an institution in the United States or internationally. Meet the program’s requirements for early-career clinician-investigator status. There is no citizenship requirement, so eligible researchers may apply regardless of nationality. The program also encourages applications from researchers from diverse backgrounds and seeks research that reflects the broad range of people affected by ALS. Who Should Consider Applying? This opportunity may be particularly relevant for: Clinician-investigators developing ALS diagnostics or treatments Applicants should have a clearly defined research question and demonstrate how their proposed work could advance ALS research. Why This Grant Matters ALS is a complex neurodegenerative disease that requires advances across basic science, diagnosis, clinical research, and treatment development. The grant is important because it combines career development and research support for investigators at an early stage of their careers. Its broader research philosophy also encourages applicants to consider how discoveries in ALS could contribute to understanding other neurological diseases. Projects with cross-disease relevance may therefore be particularly well aligned with the program’s Cure One, Cure Many approach. Key Research Areas Strong proposals may focus on one or more of the following areas:

Disease mechanisms: Understanding the biological processes that contribute to ALS.

Diagnosis: Developing or improving methods for detecting and characterizing ALS.

Treatment: Investigating therapeutic interventions or treatment strategies.

Clinical research: Generating evidence that can improve patient care.

Preclinical research: Testing potential therapies or mechanisms before clinical application.

Translational research: Connecting laboratory discoveries with clinical applications.

Cross-neurological research: Developing findings that could potentially benefit research into other neurological disorders.

Grant Duration and Support The award supports research for three years. During this period, recipients receive annual salary and research support:

Year 1: $80,000

Year 2: $80,000

Year 3: $80,000

Total: $240,000

The annual award consists primarily of salary support, with a smaller allocation for research-related expenses. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a research proposal that clearly demonstrates the scientific importance and potential impact of their ALS research.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before preparing the application, verify that you: Hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent terminal degree. Completed your clinical residency or PhD in 2020 or later. Are an early-career clinician-investigator. Are affiliated with an accredited U.S. or international institution. Are proposing clinical or preclinical research related to ALS.

Step 2: Develop a Strong Research Proposal

The proposed project should clearly explain: The ALS-related problem being addressed. The research question or hypothesis. Why the research is important. The proposed methodology. Expected outcomes. Potential contribution to ALS research. Potential relevance to other neurological diseases, where applicable.

Step 3: Demonstrate Clinical or Translational Potential

Because the program supports clinician-investigators, applicants should clearly explain how the research could ultimately contribute to improved diagnosis, treatment, disease understanding, or patient outcomes. Projects that connect fundamental discoveries with potential clinical applications can demonstrate strong alignment with the program’s objectives.

Step 4: Prepare the Funding Plan

Applicants should ensure that the proposed budget reflects the program’s funding structure. The award provides $75,000 annually for salary support and $5,000 annually for research expenses. Applicants should also account for the restriction on indirect costs. Researchers receiving addi