E.W. "Al" Thrasher Awards
E.W. "Al" Thrasher Awards support pediatric researchers conducting innovative, hypothesis-driven studies with practical potential to improve children's diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes.
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Funder: Thrasher Research Fund
Due Dates: July 14, 2026 (Spring concept) | October 29, 2026 (Spring full proposal; assigned October 27–29) | January 12, 2027 (Fall concept) | May 7, 2027 (Fall full proposal; assigned May 5–7)
Funding Amounts: Median $420,000 (2020–2025); grants generally not over $600,000, for up to three years
Summary: Supports innovative, hypothesis-driven pediatric research with practical potential to improve children's diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes.
Key Information: Principal investigators need a doctoral-level degree; full proposals are accepted only by invitation.
Description
The Thrasher Research Fund’s E.W. “Al” Thrasher Awards support research intended to change pediatric clinical care. The program welcomes pediatric diseases and topics in and outside the United States, emphasizing significant child health problems and practical, innovative solutions. Competitive projects have broad applicability, low barriers to implementation, and a short path to clinical use.
Research should be sufficiently advanced to make a clinical difference within a few years. Hypothesis-driven studies are critical; exploratory or primarily hypothesis-generating research is not competitive. Child health outcomes are central, and severe or high-incidence diseases are common, though not required, focuses. Diagnostic projects should offer patients well-researched, effective treatment options after diagnosis. Capacity building and engagement with local leaders and clinicians also support the Fund’s mission.
