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

September 2026 (Full application and all supporting documents)

$75,000/year for 3 years plus $5,000/year stipend; total $240,000 (direct costs only)

Supports early career investigators in ALS clinical research with strong mentorship and robust training plans.

All dates are projected; confirm on the program page.

--- ## Description This award is designed to foster the careers of early career investigators pursuing innovative clinical or translational research in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The program emphasizes the development of well-formed research hypotheses, detailed statistical plans, and original approaches that advance both the applicant’s career and the broader field of ALS research. Strong mentorship and a comprehensive, gap-based training plan are required, with applications evaluated for research quality, innovation, and potential to address significant problems in ALS. The award is supported by the American Academy of Neurology in collaboration with the ALS Association and the American Brain Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated): Full application and all supporting documents deadline, including mentor and chair submissions *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $75,000 per year for three years (total $225,000) plus a $5,000 per year stipend for education and research-related costs - Total award: $240,000 (direct costs only; no indirect costs allowed) - Funding is for direct costs such as salary, research expenses, travel, equipment, tuition, and research personnel. Indirect costs are not covered. --- ## Eligibility - Early career investigators (MD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral-level clinical degree) - Must be an AAN member interested in an academic career in neurological research - Completion of residency or PhD defense between June 30, 2021 and July 1, 2026 - If both MD and PhD, eligibility is based on residency completion date - Research must be patient-oriented or translational, focused on ALS - Applicants at accredited US and international institutions are eligible - Must have 70% protected research time (clinical service must not exceed 30%) - Cannot hold another external grant or award that provides $80,000 or more per year at the time of application or during the award period - Advance Practice Providers (APPs) are not eligible - No citizenship or visa restrictions, but research must be conducted at an eligible institution --- ## Application Process - Submit a single application through the AAN portal - Required documents (all in PDF format): - Three-page research plan (including aims, background, methods, and preliminary data; references do not count toward page limit) - NIH-format biosketch (see [NIH Biosketch template](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm)) - After submission: - Chair will receive a link to confirm protected research time and list non-research service (no letter required) - Mentor will receive a link to submit a reference letter (≤1,000 words) and upload their own NIH biosketch - Research plan must demonstrate originality, feasibility, and alignment with career development goals - PDF format required for all application materials - Only one application per individual; applicants are considered for all relevant clinical research training scholarships --- ## Additional Information - Award recipients must notify AAN if they receive another equivalent award before or during the funding period; recipients may be required to forfeit the AAN award in this case - Funding begins July 1 or within 30 days of contract execution - Protected research time (70%) includes coursework and research activities - Clinical responsibilities must be limited to 30% - Transfers between institutions are permitted with proper documentation - No-cost extensions may be requested with justification - Mentors do not need to be AAN members but it is preferred; co-mentors are allowed --- ## External Links - [Program page and application details](https://www.aan.com/research/richard-olney-award-als) - [AAN Research Program FAQs (PDF)](https://www.aan.com/siteassets/home-page/education-and-research/research/aan-research-program/2026-research-faq.pdf) - [NIH Biosketch template and instructions](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm) - [AAN Research Program main grants page](https://www.aan.com/research/aan-research-program) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |-------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------| | Research Grants | [research@aan.com](mailto:research@aan.com) | (612) 928-6378 | | Member Services | [memberservices@aan.com](mailto:memberservices@aan.com) | (800) 879-1960 | | AAN Contact Page | [Contact Us](https://www.aan.com/about-the-aan/contact-us) | |

Award for Early Career Investigators in Clinical Studies in ALS

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