[American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation](https://www.akcchf.org)

April 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical awards range from ~$10,000–$15,000 per fellowship; 1-year duration.

Supports veterinarians and trainees in bridging clinical practice and research to advance innovative solutions for canine health.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to update.

--- ## Description The Clinician-Scientist Fellowship, offered by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), is designed to foster the next generation of veterinary researchers by supporting veterinarians and post-DVM/PhD (or equivalent) graduate students. This program provides mentored, one-year fellowships to enable veterinary professionals to translate clinical experience into impactful research addressing critical health challenges facing dogs. The fellowship aims to advance the development of new treatments, preventive strategies, and diagnostic tools, ultimately improving canine health and veterinary medicine. --- ## Due Dates - April 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award: $10,000–$15,000 per fellowship, for a one-year project. - Past fellowships have ranged from approximately $10,000 to $15,000. - Indirect costs are limited to 15% of direct costs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be current CHF-funded investigators willing to provide one-year mentorship to a post-DVM/PhD (or VMD or equivalent) graduate student. - The faculty mentor must be at an institution with an accredited veterinary specialty program. - The fellowship is intended for trainees (post-DVM/PhD or equivalent) with a commitment to canine health research. - Projects must comply with the [CHF Humane Use of Animals Policy](https://www.akcchf.org/assets/files/Humane-Use-of-Animals-Policy.pdf). - Only research involving client-owned dogs with owner consent is eligible; colony research, disease induction, or injury models are not eligible. - Salary support for graduate students is allowed (sliding scale by year in program); full-time faculty salary is generally not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Review the [Request for Proposal schedule](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/) for updates. - Prepare application materials per [CHF application guidelines](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines), including: - Research proposal (CHF format) - Signature page (with all required signatures) - Lay summary - Budget (using CHF template, with indirect costs ≤15%) - Biographical sketches for all key personnel - Literature cited - Disclosure of industry involvement and other sources of research support - Applicant permission (via portal) - Letters of support (if applicable) - Informed client consent forms (if applicable) - Institutional appointment letter (if applicable) - Letter of assurance for studies involving student/staff-owned dogs (if applicable) - Proposals must demonstrate compliance with CHF’s Humane Use of Animals Policy. - Submit through the CHF application portal by the anticipated deadline. --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship supports research in all areas relevant to canine health, including but not limited to genetics, oncology, infectious diseases, and clinical practice. - Grantees are required to submit periodic progress and final reports, and to acknowledge CHF funding in all publications and presentations. - No-cost extensions may be requested with justification. - Total program investment to date exceeds $520,000, with over 45 fellows supported at more than 15 veterinary institutions. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/clinician-scientist-fellowship/) - [Program Area Details](https://www.akcchf.org/research/research-portfolio/program-area/clinician-scientist-fellowships/) - [Application Guidelines & Checklist](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines) - [Funding Eligibility Policy](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines/funding-eligibility) - [Humane Use of Animals Policy (PDF)](https://www.akcchf.org/assets/files/Humane-Use-of-Animals-Policy.pdf) - [Grantee Responsibilities](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines/grantee-responsibilities) - [Request for Proposal Schedule](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [chf@akcchf.org](mailto:chf@akcchf.org) | | Phone | +1 888-682-9696 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact CHF](https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/contact-us.html) | ---

Clinician-Scientist Fellowships

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