Deadline: 12-Jan-2026
Entries are now open for the Melvin Yahr Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Research Award to foster clinical research into any aspect of Parkinson’s disease conducted by young investigators who are under-represented in current research.
By recognizing and honoring the exceptional contributions of young talented individuals, the award seeks to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse healthcare community. It is expected that this initiative will spur innovation and promote the translation of cutting-edge scientific discoveries into efficient and practical health measures that will benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.
The goal of the award is to prepare young neurologists specializing in Parkinson’s disease for a career in clinical research. Clinician scientists are uniquely positioned to be experts in both Parkinson’s disease research and care.
The level of support for this opportunity is a 1-year award for a total of $50,000. These funds may be used to support research expenses such as salary support for additional trained personnel including research assistants or study coordinators, as well as equipment or consumables required for the research plan. Indirect costs are not permitted.
Eligibility extends to early-stage investigators based at universities, research hospitals, or non-profit research institutions worldwide. Applicants should hold an MD degree and be specialized in neurology, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, or related fields. Candidates must be either less than 35 years old or within 5 years of completing their residency program, whichever applies. Investigators from under-represented countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are particularly encouraged to apply.
The application requirements include a Research Plan of up to six pages describing specific aims, background or rationale, preliminary data if available, experimental design with a data analysis plan, and a discussion of potential pitfalls with mitigation approaches. Applicants must also provide a budget and justification, a biosketch in the NIH format, a Letter of Support from the Department Chair or Division Head outlining resources and facilities, and a Letter of Motivation describing how the award will support their practice or research career. Application closes on 12 January 2026.
For more information, visit Parkinson’s Foundation.
