[Grass Foundation](https://www.grassfoundation.org)

January 2027 (application opening, projected)

$10,000 main award; up to five $1,000 recognition awards; one-time, non-renewable

Supports postdoctoral neuroscientists from underrepresented groups to promote diversity at a critical career stage.

Forecasted opportunity; eligibility limited to U.S. citizens/permanent residents 3–7 years post-PhD, not yet in tenure-track.

--- ## Description The Henry Grass Rising Stars in Neuroscience Award, offered by the Grass Foundation, is designed to increase the visibility and retention of postdoctoral neuroscientists from groups underrepresented in neuroscience. The program specifically supports early-career researchers—particularly those between their third and seventh year after earning a Ph.D.—who have not yet secured a tenure-track position. By providing financial recognition and professional support, the award aims to address the diversity gap in academic neuroscience and encourage the advancement of BIPOC and women scientists. Recipients are selected based on their scientific achievements, vision, and demonstrated commitment to diversity through personal experience, advocacy, or outreach. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (anticipated application opening date for the Henry Grass Rising Stars in Neuroscience Award) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Main award: $10,000 (one-time, non-renewable) - Up to five Grass Trustees Recognition Awards may also be given, each with a $1,000 prize and access to mentorship/professional support from the Grass Foundation’s network. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be between the third and seventh calendar year after defending their Ph.D. dissertation. - Must self-identify as a member of a group underrepresented in health-related sciences nationally (including BIPOC and women). - Must not have received an offer for any tenure-track position at the time of application. - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (regardless of current location). --- ## Application Process - Applications may be self-nominated or nominated by others; nominees are responsible for submitting all materials. - Required materials: - A narrative (approx. 600 words) describing the applicant’s role as a diversity role model, including personal experiences and any advocacy/outreach. - A description of research accomplishments and scientific vision (max 4,000 characters, about 600 words). - NIH-format biosketch. - Two letters of recommendation. - Applications are submitted via the Grass Foundation’s award portal. --- ## Additional Information - The award targets the vulnerable postdoctoral period, a stage with few external recognition opportunities, to help retain talented BIPOC and women neuroscientists in academia. - In addition to the main award, recipients may benefit from mentorship and professional support via the Grass Foundation’s alumni network. - Research or personal narratives should reflect commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in neuroscience. --- ## External Links - [Henry Grass Rising Stars in Neuroscience Award program page](https://grassfoundation.org/henry-grass-md-rising-stars-in-neuroscience-award/) - [Grass Foundation Grants & Awards](https://grassfoundation.org/grants-awards/) - [Commitment to Diversity](https://grassfoundation.org/commitment-to-diversity/) - [NIH Biosketch Format](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Program/Eligibility | [info@grassfoundation.org](mailto:info@grassfoundation.org) | | General Foundation Info| [Grass Foundation Contact Page](https://grassfoundation.org/contact-us/) |

Henry Grass Rising Stars in Neuroscience Award

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