McKnight Scholar Awards
The McKnight Scholar Awards support early-career neuroscientists conducting innovative, transformative brain research and advancing diversity in the field.
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Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: November 3, 2026 (Full application) | November 24, 2026 (Letters of reference)
Funding Amounts: $75,000 per year for 3 years (total $225,000); no indirect costs allowed.
Summary: Supports early-career neuroscientists launching innovative, transformative research and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in neuroscience.
Key Information: Applicants must be Assistant Professors (or equivalent) appointed on/after Dec 1, 2021; no budget required at submission.
Description
The McKnight Scholar Awards are designed to support early-career neuroscientists in the United States as they establish their independent research programs. The awards recognize innovative and ambitious research that has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the brain. The program is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the neuroscience community, encouraging applications from underrepresented backgrounds and institutions with limited prior McKnight funding. Projects should be transformative, grounded in the applicant’s prior work, and demonstrate a strong commitment to mentoring and outreach beyond the laboratory.
