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

April 1, 2026 (full application)

$10,000 main prize; up to five $1,000 recognition awards; mentorship and professional support

Honors postdoctoral neuroscientists from underrepresented groups, supporting their transition to faculty roles.

Applicants must be 3–7 years post-PhD, self-identify as BIPOC or woman, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

--- ## Description The Henry Grass Rising Stars in Neuroscience Award, offered by the Grass Foundation, aims to recognize and support postdoctoral neuroscientists from groups underrepresented in neuroscience, particularly BIPOC and women scientists. The award is designed to increase visibility and provide recognition at a pivotal career stage—between earning a Ph.D. and securing a tenure-track position—when external support can be especially impactful. In addition to the main $10,000 prize, the Foundation may grant up to five $1,000 Grass Trustees Recognition Awards and provide mentorship and professional support through its network. The program specifically addresses barriers to retention and promotion in academic research, contributing to greater diversity among research faculty in neuroscience. --- ## Due Dates - April 1, 2026: Application deadline (full application) for the 2026 Henry Grass Rising Stars in Neuroscience Award --- ## Funding Amount - Main award: $10,000 prize to the selected recipient. - Additional recognition: Up to five Grass Trustees Recognition Awards of $1,000 each may be given at the discretion of the Trustees. - Non-monetary support: Awardees receive mentorship and professional support from the Grass Foundation’s network of alumni. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet **all** of the following criteria: - Be between the third and seventh calendar year after defending their dissertation (Ph.D.). - Self-identify as a member of a group underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (including BIPOC and women). - Have not received an offer for any tenure-track position at the time of application. - Be a U.S. citizen (regardless of location) or a U.S. permanent resident. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [award application portal](https://grassfoundation.org/henry-grass-risings-stars-in-neuroscience-application/). - Required materials: - A narrative (approx. 600 words) describing your role as a model for diversity, including personal experiences and any advocacy/outreach. - A description of research accomplishments and scientific vision (max 4,000 characters/600 words). - NIH-format biosketch (PDF, DOC, or DOCX). - Two letters of recommendation (one should be from your current supervisor, if applicable); referees will receive instructions via email. - Applicants can be self-nominated or nominated by others, but the nominee is responsible for completing the application. --- ## Additional Information - The award is intended to support early-career neuroscientists during a critical transition period, aiming to promote retention and advancement of underrepresented groups in academic neuroscience. - Past awardees have successfully transitioned to faculty and tenure-track positions. - For more details about diversity in neuroscience and resources, see the [program page](https://grassfoundation.org/henry-grass-md-rising-stars-in-neuroscience-award/). --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Guidelines](https://grassfoundation.org/henry-grass-md-rising-stars-in-neuroscience-award/) - [Application Portal](https://grassfoundation.org/henry-grass-risings-stars-in-neuroscience-application/) - [Grass Foundation Grants & Awards](https://grassfoundation.org/grants-awards/) - [Contact the Grass Foundation](https://grassfoundation.org/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [info@grassfoundation.org](mailto:info@grassfoundation.org) | | Online contact form | [Contact Us](https://grassfoundation.org/contact-us/) |

Henry Grass Rising Stars in Neuroscience Award

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