[American Academy of Neurology](https://www.aan.com)

September 9, 2025 (Full application)

$150,000/year for 3 years (total $450,000)

Supports junior neurologist investigators with three years of funding to advance academic research careers in clinical, basic, or translational neurology.

Applicants must be AAN members and neurologists; recipients of K or R awards are not eligible.

--- ## Description The American Academy of Neurology's Career Development Award provides substantial support to junior investigators pursuing academic careers in neurology. This three-year grant is designed to foster the development of clinician-scientists by supporting innovative clinical, basic, or translational neurological research. The program emphasizes strong mentorship, a robust training environment, and a clear career development plan, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Awardees receive both funding and structured mentorship to help launch their independent research careers. --- ## Due Dates - Application portal opens: June 2, 2025 - Application deadline (including all mentor and chair materials): September 9, 2025 - Notification of recipients: January 2026 - Funding begins: July 1, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - $150,000 per year for three years (total $450,000) - Funds are for direct costs only (salary, research expenses, travel, tuition, publication costs, research personnel, etc.) - No indirect costs allowed --- ## Eligibility - **Discipline:** Applicants must be neurologists and AAN members. - **Career stage:** Junior investigators who completed neurology residency between June 30, 2016, and July 1, 2021 (5–10 years prior to the award start date). - If holding both MD and PhD, eligibility is based on residency completion date. - **Institution:** Open to applicants at accredited US and international institutions. - **Citizenship:** No citizenship restrictions. - **Other funding:** Not eligible if you have received an individual NIH K or R award. Institutional K12/KL2 awardees are eligible if the award ends before the AAN funding start date. - **Protected time:** Must have at least 70% protected research time (clinical duties limited to 30%). - **Other restrictions:** Applicants for this award cannot be considered for other AAN Research Program grants in the same cycle. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare and submit (by September 9, 2025):** - Six-page research plan (including aims, background, methods, preliminary data; references not counted in page limit; training plan must be integrated). - NIH-format biosketch ([template and instructions](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm)). - Detailed budget and up to one-page budget narrative. - Personal statement outlining accomplishments and career goals (no page limit). 2. **Chair confirmation:** Upon submission, the department chair will receive a link to confirm the applicant's clinical responsibilities are ≤30% and list non-research duties (no letter required). 3. **Mentor materials:** Mentor submits a reference letter (≤1,000 words) detailing their support, mentorship plan, and institutional commitment to protected time; mentor also uploads an NIH biosketch. 4. **Submission format:** All applicant documents must be PDFs. 5. **Selection:** Applications are reviewed on research plan quality, innovation, mentorship, training environment, and applicant’s potential as a clinician-scientist. --- ## Additional Information - Applicants may reapply in future cycles if not selected. - Multiple applications from the same institution are allowed. - The award does not support PhD training or advanced practice providers (APPs). - Subcontracting to other institutions is allowed, but AAN funds only the primary institution. - Awardees must notify AAN if they receive equivalent external funding prior to the award start date. - Office hours and webinars are available for applicant support; see [AAN Research Program page](https://www.aan.com/research/aan-research-program/) for details. - [Frequently asked questions](https://www.aan.com/siteassets/home-page/education-and-research/research/aan-research-program/2026-research-faq.pdf) are available. --- ## External Links - [AAN Career Development Award program page](https://www.aan.com/research/career-development-award) - [AAN Research Program opportunities](https://www.aan.com/research/aan-research-program/) - [Application portal (AAN SmartSimple)](https://aan.smartsimple.com/) - [NIH Biosketch templates and instructions](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm) - [2026 Research Program FAQ (PDF)](https://www.aan.com/siteassets/home-page/education-and-research/research/aan-research-program/2026-research-faq.pdf) - [Webinar: What makes a successful application?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rxKXVkbNkg&feature=youtu.be) --- ## Contact Information | Role | Contact | |---------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [research@aan.com](mailto:research@aan.com) | | Program Officer | Ashley Nielsen, (612) 928-6378 | | AAN Member Services | [memberservices@aan.com](mailto:memberservices@aan.com) | | AAN Main Phone | (800) 879-1960 | | Contact Form | [AAN Contact Page](https://www.aan.com/about-the-aan/contact-us) | ---

Career Development Award - American Academy of Neurology

Sign in to see full grant listing