John W. Walsh Career Development
John W. Walsh Career Development supports junior physician-scientists testing new hypotheses and methods for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency to build research independence and improve health.
Funder: Alpha-1 Foundation
Due Dates: September 25, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | February 12, 2027 (Invited full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per year for up to three years ($300,000 maximum total)
Summary: Supports junior physician-scientists developing and testing new hypotheses and methods relevant to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Key Information: Prior recipients of NIH K awards, equivalent career development awards, or R-level grants are ineligible.
Description
The Alpha-1 Foundation’s John W. Walsh Career Development grant helps junior physician-scientists establish careers in biomedical research focused on alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Part of the 2026–2027 In-Cycle Grants Award Program, it encourages the development and testing of new hypotheses and methods relevant to AATD while supporting a mentored path toward research independence.
The program’s overarching goals are to improve the health of people with AAT deficiency and ultimately find a cure. The Foundation’s broader research mission encompasses basic, translational, and clinical research, including Alpha-1-related lung and liver disease, treatment and care, and ethical, legal, and social issues. This career development award combines research support with investment in the careers of physicians committed to Alpha-1 research.
