[National Ataxia Foundation](https://ataxia.org)

August 2026 (Letter of Intent) | December 2026 (Full Application)

Up to $25,000 for one year; direct research expenses only; non-renewable.

Supports outstanding graduate students conducting research to advance the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of ataxias.

--- ## Description The National Ataxia Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship is a competitive, one-year, non-renewable award designed for exceptional graduate students engaged in research that advances the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of hereditary, sporadic, or acquired ataxias. The fellowship encourages applications spanning basic, translational, and clinical research, with the goal of fostering early engagement in ataxia research and supporting the development of future leaders in the field. Emphasis is placed on scientific merit, innovation, a strong commitment to ataxia research, and the quality of the applicant’s training environment and mentorship. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated): Letter of Intent deadline - December 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $25,000 for a one-year period - Funds may be used for direct research expenses, including salary support - Indirect costs and cost sharing are not allowed - No-cost extensions considered only under extenuating circumstances and subject to approval --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD or equivalent research degree program (e.g., PharmD, PsyD, ScD), a formally combined MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, or similar program at a not-for-profit U.S. or international institution. - Must have a baccalaureate degree or equivalent and have completed qualifying exams (or equivalent) by the final application deadline. - Must have selected a thesis advisor and demonstrate high academic performance and commitment to a research career focused on ataxia. - Non-U.S. citizens and applicants at non-U.S. institutions are eligible. - Applicants may not hold another fellowship, studentship, or scholarship during the award period, nor have previously received a NAF Pre-doctoral Fellowship. - Only one application per applicant per year. - Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply for the Pre-Doctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Ataxia Research if eligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register**: Create an account on [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com). 2. **Letter of Intent (LOI)**: Submit an LOI by the anticipated August 2026 deadline. The LOI should include a statement of need, impact statement, specific aims, and a biosketch. 3. **Invitation to Apply**: Only selected LOIs will be invited to submit a full application. 4. **Full Application**: If invited, submit a complete application by the anticipated December 2026 deadline. Required materials include a scientific abstract, lay summary, research plan, budget, references, and a mentor’s letter of recommendation. 5. **Review**: Applications are evaluated on scientific merit, innovation, commitment to ataxia research, and the training environment. 6. **Notification**: Funding decisions are typically communicated by early the following year. --- ## Additional Information - Award funds must be used for direct research expenses only; indirect costs are not permitted. - The award is not transferable to another researcher, but may be transferred to a new institution with approval. - Awardees must submit scientific and financial reports following completion of the project, and update outcomes annually for up to three years. - All publications and presentations resulting from the fellowship must acknowledge the National Ataxia Foundation. --- ## External Links - [National Ataxia Foundation - Researcher Resources](https://www.ataxia.org/researcher-resources/) - [FY2026 Graduate Research Fellowship Instructions (PDF)](https://www.ataxia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY2026-Graduate-Research-Fellowship-Instructions.pdf) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Online Contact Form | |-------------------------|------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------| | National Ataxia Foundation | naf@ataxia.org | +1 763-553-0020 | [Contact NAF](https://ataxia.org/contact) |

Graduate Research Fellowship - National Ataxia Foundation

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