[Pershing Square Philanthropies](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org)

September 2026 (Letter of Intent deadline, projected)

$750,000 total per award ($250,000/year over 3 years; includes up to 10% indirect costs); at least six awards annually

Supports early-to-mid-career investigators pursuing innovative, high-impact research in neurodegenerative disease and brain science.

Forecasted cycle—dates are projected; check program page for updates.

--- ## Description The MIND Prize Initiative, established by Pershing Square Philanthropies, is designed to catalyze transformative advances in neuroscience by supporting early-to-mid-career investigators engaged in high-risk, high-reward research on neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and brain science. The prize aims to empower visionary scientists to rethink conventional paradigms, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and accelerate scientific discoveries that can improve human health and well-being. Projects may span novel tools, technologies, and therapeutic approaches, with a broad scope covering neurobiology, brain imaging, machine learning, drug delivery, synthetic biology, and more. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award provides $750,000 total, distributed as $250,000 per year over three years. - Up to 10% ($25,000/year) may be used for indirect costs; the remainder for direct costs. - At least six prizes are awarded annually. - The full award amount must be budgeted; smaller budgets are not accepted. --- ## Eligibility - Open to early-to-mid-career investigators at U.S.-based 501(c)(3) research institutions. - Applicants must: - Be full-time, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty, or in independent research roles (e.g., at Janelia, NIH, or similar non-faculty institutions) running their own labs. - Have 1–8 years of independent research experience by the project start date (typically May the following year). - Not eligible: - Postdoctoral fellows. - Scientists at biotech startups or for-profit organizations. - Additional rules: - Only one LOI per PI per cycle. - Maximum of three years of prior applications (regardless of stage reached); after three applications, a PI is no longer eligible. - Eligibility exceptions (e.g., for parental leave) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. - Collaboration is encouraged, but only the lead PI must meet eligibility. - No institutional nomination required; multiple PIs from the same institution may apply. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) via the [application portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/). - LOI requirements: - One-page narrative (Georgia, 11pt, single-spaced, 0.5" margins); figures must fit within the page; references may be appended. - If selected as a finalist: - No full proposal required; finalists prepare a brief PowerPoint (≤3 slides) for the Finalist Review Board. - Be prepared for Q&A on project details. - Budget: - $250,000/year, with up to $25,000/year for indirect costs. - No salary cap; minimum 5% PI effort recommended. - Carryover and no-cost extensions possible with approval. - Templates for biosketch and budget are available upon portal registration. - Only the lead PI's biosketch is required; collaborator biosketches and letters of support are optional. --- ## Additional Information - The MIND Prize fosters networking and collaboration among awardees, including annual retreats, conference opportunities, and industry engagement. - Research on all aspects of neurodegenerative disease—including Alzheimer's, dementia, brain mapping, and related fields—is within scope. - For specific eligibility questions or clarifications, applicants are encouraged to contact the program. --- ## External Links - [MIND Prize Program Page](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize) - [Application Portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize/page/frequently-asked-questions-2) - [Application Guidelines](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize/page/application-guidelines-2) - [Application Timeline](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize/page/timeline-2) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@MINDPrize.org](mailto:info@MINDPrize.org) | | Funder Website | [Pershing Square Philanthropies](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org) | | Program Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/contact) |

MIND Prize Initiative

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