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

September 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (projected)

$750,000 total ($250,000/year for 3 years, including up to 10% indirect costs)

Supports early-to-mid-career researchers pursuing innovative, high-risk research on neurodegenerative diseases through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Applicants may only apply to one Pershing Square Foundation prize program per year and no more than three times total.

--- ## Description The MIND (Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery) Prize, offered by Pershing Square Philanthropies, is designed to accelerate breakthroughs in neurodegenerative disease (NDD) research, including Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. The program funds early-to-mid-career investigators who propose bold, high-risk, and interdisciplinary projects that challenge conventional paradigms and have the potential for transformative impact. Projects can span a wide range of research areas, including neurobiology, brain imaging, machine learning, drug delivery, and synthetic biology. Recipients join a unique network of researchers, benefit from facilitated collaborations, and gain access to networking events with industry and investors. --- ## 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 - Total award: $750,000 per investigator, distributed over three years ($250,000/year) - Maximum of $225,000/year direct costs - Up to 10% ($25,000/year) may be allocated to indirect costs - Generally, 5–7 awards are made annually. - The full award must be requested; smaller budgets are not accepted. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or MD-PhD (or equivalent). - Must have completed at least 1 but no more than 8 years of independent research experience as a tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty member by May 2026. - Must be based at a U.S. academic research institution or an equivalent nonprofit research institution. - Non-faculty independent investigators at institutions like NIH or Janelia may be eligible if running their own research programs. - Multiple applicants from the same institution may apply. - Applicants may only apply to the MIND Prize a maximum of three times (regardless of application outcome). - Cannot apply to more than one Pershing Square Foundation prize program (MIND, Sohn Cancer, Lotus/Ovarian Cancer) in the same year. - Current grantees may not apply to another PSF prize until their third and final year or after their award term concludes. - Investigators do not need formal neuroscience training but must propose research relevant to neurodegeneration. - U.S. citizenship/permanent residency is not required, but visa status must allow completion of the project in the U.S. - Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - **Stage 1:** Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), biosketch (template provided), and budget (template provided) via the [application portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/). - LOI: One-page, single-spaced, Georgia 11pt font, 0.5-inch margins. Figures must fit within the page; references may be included on additional pages. - Only one LOI per PI; however, a PI can be a collaborator on another application. - **Stage 2:** Selected finalists are invited to present a brief (≤3 slides) PowerPoint to the Scientific Advisory Board (in-person in NYC or remotely). - No full proposal stage; selection is based on the LOI and presentation. - Final selection is contingent on PSF leadership approval. - Awardees and institutions must sign a standard award agreement (no edits permitted except for factual errors). - Annual progress reporting is required for continued funding. --- ## Additional Information - Collaborative projects are encouraged; subcontracts allowed (subcontract indirect costs included in the $25,000/year cap). - No formal PI effort requirement, but at least 5% effort is viewed favorably. - Carryover and no-cost extensions are allowed with approval. - Awardees join a network with annual retreats, industry connections, and presentation opportunities. - Review feedback is not provided to applicants. - Publicity: Awardees’ names, images, and quotes may be used in PSF communications. --- ## External Links - [Program Website](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize) - [Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/protected/nr/Kb5M7/MIND_Prize_-_2026_Application_Guidelines_RFP.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/initiatives/programs/mind-prize/page/frequently-asked-questions-2) - [Application Portal](https://prizeapplication.smapply.io/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@mindprize.org](mailto:info@mindprize.org) | | Funder Website | [Pershing Square Philanthropies](https://pershingsquarephilanthropies.org/contact) |

MIND Prize

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