The 2026 Zenith Fellows Award Program (ZENITH)
Supports established investigators advancing innovative basic or clinical (not clinical trial) research in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Funder: Alzheimer's Association
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Letter of Intent) | March 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $450,000 total (direct + indirect) over up to 3 years; max $250,000/year; typically 2–3 awards per cycle.
Summary: Supports established investigators advancing innovative basic or clinical (not clinical trial) research in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Key Information: Forecasted dates—check program page for updates; prior Zenith Fellows are ineligible.
Description
This program funds established, independent investigators to propel research in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). The focus is on innovative and novel basic biology or clinical investigations (excluding clinical trials) that address fundamental issues such as early detection, etiology, pathogenesis, treatment, or prevention of AD/ADRD. The award encourages projects that challenge prevailing orthodoxy and seek to make substantial advances in the field, including studies on mechanisms of disease, risk factors, and sensitive diagnostic markers. The program emphasizes reducing health disparities and increasing representation of diverse populations in AD/ADRD research.
