[American Liver Foundation](https://liverfoundation.org)

April 2026 (LOI) | May 2026 (Application)

$50,000 for 1 year; typically awarded to junior faculty for pilot projects

Supports early career investigators with innovative research in rare liver diseases, enabling high-risk, high-reward pilot studies.

Focused on junior faculty; basic, translational, or clinical research eligible.

--- ## Description The American Liver Foundation's Pilot Research Awards are designed to support junior faculty (early career investigators) pursuing innovative, high-impact research in the field of rare liver diseases. The awards fund pilot-phase projects that address novel and important questions, with an emphasis on generating preliminary data that could lead to future, larger-scale studies. Eligible research can be basic, translational, or clinical in nature, and should be aimed at uncovering breakthrough findings that advance understanding or treatment of rare liver diseases. Rare liver diseases are heterogeneous and may include genetic, immune/inflammatory, or other conditions affecting a small segment of the population, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and PFIC, among others. --- ## Due Dates - **Optional Letter of Intent Deadline (Anticipated):** April 2026 - **Application Deadline (Anticipated):** May 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Amount:** $50,000 (direct costs) - **Duration:** 1 year - **Purpose:** Pilot funding for early career faculty to generate preliminary data for larger future studies --- ## Eligibility - **Career Level:** Junior Faculty (early career investigators) - **Research Focus:** Rare liver diseases (basic, translational, or clinical research) - **Other:** Projects should have clear hypotheses and achievable goals within the funding period. Extensive preliminary data is not required. If you are unsure whether your liver disease of interest qualifies, contact the program for clarification. --- ## Application Process - **Letter of Intent (optional):** Submit by anticipated April deadline - **Full Application:** Submit by anticipated May deadline - **Application Materials:** Details and forms are provided on the [program page](https://liverfoundation.org/medical-professionals/research-awards-program/disease-specific-pilot-research-awards/) - **Review Criteria:** Innovation, feasibility, significance, and potential to generate preliminary data for future funding --- ## Additional Information - Funded projects are expected to help recipients compete for NIH or other national research funding. - The program encourages high-risk, high-reward ideas and new areas of investigation. - No extensive preliminary data is required, but proposals must demonstrate a clear, testable hypothesis and realistic goals. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Instructions](https://liverfoundation.org/medical-professionals/research-awards-program/disease-specific-pilot-research-awards/) - [Meet Past Awardees](https://liverfoundation.org/medical-professionals/research-awards-program/meet-our-awardees/) - [Join ALF Research Awards Mailing List](https://liverfoundation.org/medical-professionals/research-awards-program/join-our-research-awards-mail-list/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [research@liverfoundation.org](mailto:research@liverfoundation.org) | | Funder Address | 155 Passaic Avenue, Suite 100, Fairfield, NJ 07004, USA | | Phone | +1 800-465-4837 | | Contact Form | [Contact ALF](https://liverfoundation.org/about-alf/contact-us/) |

Pilot Research Awards - American Liver Foundation

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