Pediatric Scientist Development Program
Limited submission
The Pediatric Scientist Development Program by March of Dimes provides mentored training and protected research time for early-career pediatricians pursuing translational research in child health.
Funder: March of Dimes
Due Dates: February 16, 2026 (eligibility form) | April 15, 2026 (full application) | February 15, 2027 (standard eligibility form) | March 1, 2027 (internal-selection/eligibility form) | March 2, 2027 (eligibility form for 3+ candidates) | April 15, 2027 (full application for 2028 cycle)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 over two years per awardee; typical structure is $82,000–$86,000 annual salary plus fringe and $25,000/year for research/travel in years 2–3.
Summary: Supports early-career pediatric researchers with protected research time, mentorship, and funding to advance translational research in child health.
Key Information: Institutional nomination required (max two applicants per institution per cycle).
Description
The Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP), supported in part by March of Dimes and partner organizations, is designed to nurture early-career pediatric researchers and foster a lifelong commitment to advancing fetal, neonatal, and childhood health. The program provides three years of intensive, mentored research training for pediatricians (MD, DO, or MD/PhD) pursuing academic research careers in pediatrics. Emphasizing translational, clinical, and health equity research—particularly in prematurity, neonatal morbidity/mortality, and related pediatric subspecialties—the PSDP offers a flexible environment that prioritizes scholar development over immediate research breakthroughs. The program is highly competitive, with institutional endorsement and an internal selection process required for institutions with more than two interested candidates.
