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Timeline

• June 2, 2026: Applications open
• September 10, 2026: Application deadline – Note that this is the deadline for all elements, including those from the mentor and chair.
• January 2027: Notification of recipients
• July 1, 2027: Funding begins

Eligibility

• This award is for junior investigators interested in an academic career in clinical, basic, or translational neurological research.
• Recipient must be a neurologist and an Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ member interested in an academic career in neurological research who completed residency between 5-10 years prior to the start date of the Career Development Award (July 1, 2027). If you completed a fellowship of any kind after residency, your eligibility is still based on the date you finished residency.
• Applicants at accredited US and international institutions are eligible.

Evaluation and selection

Applications are evaluated by reviewers based on the following criteria:

• Quality and originality of the research plan
• Applicant’s ability and promise as a clinician-scientist
• Quality and nature of the training to be provided, and the mentor-specific, departmental, and institutional training environment
• Innovation of the research
• Project significance pushes the field of neurology forward and answers an important question.

A successful application should include:

• Well-developed hypothesis: The hypothesis is testable and presented in clear language.
• Feasible primary outcomes: Each aim is feasible, focused, and logical.
• Well-defined training plan: There is a training plan.
• Strong mentorship: There is a clear demonstration of strong mentorship to support the project.
• Innovation: Project concept is original, novel, and will advance the applicant's long-term career goals. 
• Detailed statistical plan: Statistical methods are well-designed and detailed.

Required attachments for applications

1. PDF of six-page research plan, including brief statements of aims, background, contemplated approaches to methodology, and any supporting preliminary data/figures. References do not count toward the page limit. The research plan should be written by the applicant and should represent their original work. However, the applicant is expected and encouraged to develop this plan based on a discussion with the proposed mentor. It is appropriate, but not required, for the proposed work to be specifically related to the mentor’s ongoing research.
2. PDF of applicant’s NIH Biosketch. See the
3. Budget
4. Personal statement from the applicant that outlines accomplishments to date and future career goals.
5. Training plan, up to two pages, to include previous relevant and educational/training experiences (if present) and proposed training along with a brief timeline.  
   
   Once the above information is fully completed and submitted by the applicant:
6. The chair will receive an email with a link asking them to check a box confirming that the applicant’s clinical service responsibilities will be restricted to no more than 30 percent of their time and include a list of the applicant’s non-research-related services. The chair will NOT be asked to submit a letter.
7. The mentor will receive an email with a link to submit a letter of reference detailing his or her support of and commitment to the applicant and the proposed research and training plan. The letter should be 1,000 words or less and specifically indicate the mentor’s role in the development and preparation of the applicant’s research plan and should include:
   1. How the proposed research fits into the mentor’s research program.
   2. Expertise and experience in the area of research proposed, and the nature of the mentor’s proposed time commitment to the supervision and training of the applicant.
   3. Mentor’s prior experience in the supervision, training, and successful mentoring of clinician-scientists.
   4. Potential for applicant’s future research career and comparison of applicant among other researchers.
   5. Institution's commitment to 70 percent protected research time.

Questions?

View our frequently asked questions to learn more. For additional information or inquiries, please contact Ashley Nielsen at research@aan.com or (612) 928-6378.