The 2026 Zenith Fellows Award Program (ZENITH)
Supports established investigators advancing innovative biological or clinical research (excluding clinical trials) on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, with emphasis on disease mechanisms and health disparities.
Funder: Alzheimer's Association
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Letter of Intent) | March 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $450,000 total over 2–3 years; max $250,000/year (direct + indirect costs); typically 3 awards per cycle.
Summary: Supports established investigators pursuing innovative, high-impact research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, with emphasis on biological and clinical studies (excluding clinical trials).
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to confirmation.
Description
The program provides substantial funding to support established independent investigators who have made significant contributions to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research or neuroscience. It seeks proposals that advance understanding of disease mechanisms, risk factors, early detection, pathogenesis, treatment, or prevention of AD/ADRD. Projects are expected to be innovative and may challenge prevailing orthodoxy, with a focus on high-impact basic biology or clinical investigation (not clinical trials). The program also prioritizes research addressing health disparities and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
