Deadline: 05-Jan-2026
The AASM Foundation Physician Scientist Training Grant provides up to $100,000 over two years for early-career physician-scientists pursuing mentored research in sleep and circadian science. This grant offers protected research time, mentorship, and funding to help emerging clinician-scientists establish a strong foundation for future independent research and larger grant applications.
Overview
The Physician Scientist Training Grant supports early-career physician-scientists interested in sleep and circadian research. By providing funding and protected research time, the program helps recipients develop a track record in research, gain mentorship, and become competitive for future larger-scale funding.
Purpose of the Grant
-
Enable clinician-scientists to transition into research careers in sleep and circadian science.
-
Fund mentored research projects addressing critical unanswered questions in sleep disorders, circadian rhythms, or sleep health.
-
Support the development of a strong foundation for independent research and competitive future grant applications.
-
Promote publication of findings and presentation at professional conferences.
Key Benefits
-
Up to $100,000 over two years.
-
Protected research time to focus on mentored projects.
-
Coverage of all research-related expenses, including personnel, materials, and data collection.
-
Indirect costs capped at 8%.
-
Structured funding: 90% at contract execution, 10% after final report approval.
-
Mentorship by one or more qualified senior researchers.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
-
Hold a medical degree (MD, DO, or equivalent).
-
Be within 10 years of completing postdoctoral or clinical training or within 10 years of their first faculty appointment.
-
Have limited independent research funding (<$250,000).
-
Be affiliated with an institution able to accept U.S. dollar funding for international applicants.
Exclusions:
-
Current board members of the AASM Foundation.
-
Applicants with substantial independent research funding exceeding $250,000.
Focus Areas
-
Sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and other conditions.
-
Circadian rhythm research.
-
Sleep health and related clinical or translational studies.
-
Mentored projects aimed at producing preliminary data and publications.
How to Apply / How It Works
-
Confirm eligibility based on degree, career stage, and funding limits.
-
Identify one or more qualified mentors to provide guidance and oversight.
-
Submit a research proposal including:
-
Scientific significance and objectives
-
Career development plan
-
Methodology and research environment
-
Mentorship plan
-
-
Funding is awarded through a rigorous peer-review process.
-
Awardees use funds to conduct mentored research, publish findings, and present at professional conferences.
-
Complete a final report for release of the remaining 10% of funds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not including a qualified mentor or clear mentorship plan.
-
Exceeding the funding eligibility limit (> $250,000).
-
Proposing research outside sleep or circadian science.
-
Neglecting to provide a career development plan.
-
Failing to adhere to deadlines or submission requirements.
FAQ
1. Who is eligible for this grant?
Early-career physician-scientists within 10 years of completing postdoctoral or clinical training or first faculty appointment, without substantial independent research funding.
2. How much funding is provided?
Up to $100,000 over two years, with indirect costs capped at 8%.
3. Can international applicants apply?
Yes, if their institutions can accept U.S. dollar funding.
4. What research areas are supported?
Sleep disorders, circadian rhythms, sleep health, including clinical, translational, and population studies.
5. Are mentorship and career development plans required?
Yes, applicants must identify qualified mentors and provide a detailed mentorship plan.
6. How is funding disbursed?
90% at contract execution and 10% after final report approval.
7. Are publications expected?
Yes, recipients are expected to produce peer-reviewed publications and present results at relevant conferences.
Conclusion
The AASM Foundation Physician Scientist Training Grant provides early-career physician-scientists with the funding, mentorship, and protected research time needed to transition into independent research in sleep and circadian science. By supporting mentored projects, the grant helps recipients build a strong foundation for future research, publications, and competitive federal grant applications — shaping the next generation of leaders in sleep medicine.
For more information, visit AASM Foundation.