2026 NIA Mentorship Prize Competition
The 2026 NIA Mentorship Prize Competition by NIH Challenges honors faculty who excel in mentoring future leaders in aging research and promotes mentorship best practices.
Funder: NIH Challenges
Due Dates: October 15, 2026: Mentee Nomination Period (Phase 1) deadline | November 23, 2026: Mentor Submission Deadline (Phase 2)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per awardee (to the institution), up to 6 prizes (total $600,000); one-time prize.
Summary: Recognizes and rewards faculty who demonstrate exceptional mentorship in aging research, promoting best practices and institutional support for mentorship.
Key Information: Mentors must be NIA-funded faculty, nominated by at least two mentees, and awards are paid to their institutions.
Description
The NIA Mentorship Prize Competition, organized by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) through NIH Challenges, is designed to honor and incentivize outstanding mentorship in the field of aging research. The prize seeks to address gaps in institutional recognition and support for faculty mentors by financially rewarding those who demonstrate a sustained commitment to training the next generation of aging researchers. The competition aims to foster a culture that values mentorship alongside research achievements, encourage the dissemination of mentorship best practices, and inspire institutional leaders to prioritize and resource mentorship activities.
