Deadline: 05-Jan-2026
The AASM Foundation Focused Projects Grant for Junior Investigators provides up to $50,000 for one year to support mentored research in sleep and circadian science. Designed for early-career researchers, the grant offers funding, mentorship, and resources to explore unanswered questions in sleep disorders, circadian rhythms, and sleep health, helping recipients build a strong research track record.
Overview
The Focused Projects Grant supports junior investigators in sleep and circadian research, offering seed funding to initiate one-year, mentored projects. By providing financial backing and structured mentorship, the program enables early-career researchers to develop skills, generate preliminary data, and establish a foundation for future independent research.
Purpose of the Grant
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Support early-career research in sleep, circadian science, and sleep disorders.
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Provide mentored research opportunities for skill-building and career development.
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Fund projects addressing critical unanswered questions in sleep health, including clinical, translational, basic, and population research.
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Promote publication of results and presentation at professional conferences, helping recipients build a research track record.
Key Benefits
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Funding up to $50,000 for one year.
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Mentorship from an established researcher or mentorship team.
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Coverage of direct research expenses, including human/animal subject costs, materials, data analysis, and dissemination activities.
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Indirect costs capped at 8% to maximize support for research.
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Opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and professional conference presentations.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible candidates must:
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Hold a terminal medical or doctoral degree (MD, DO, DDS, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent).
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Be within 10 years of completing their terminal degree or postdoctoral/clinical training.
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Have limited independent research funding (less than $250,000).
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Be affiliated with an institution capable of accepting U.S. dollar funding for international applicants.
Exclusions:
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Current board members of the AASM Foundation.
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Applicants with substantial independent funding exceeding $250,000.
Focus Areas
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Sleep disorders, including:
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Restless legs syndrome
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Idiopathic hypersomnia
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Sleep apnea diagnosis or treatment
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Pediatric sleep conditions
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Circadian rhythm research
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Sleep health and related clinical, translational, or population studies
How to Apply / How It Works
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Confirm eligibility, including degree, career stage, and funding limits.
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Develop a mentored research proposal including:
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Research environment and mentor details
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Methodology and data analysis plan
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Human/animal subject protections (if applicable)
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Anticipated outcomes and impact
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Submit the application to the AASM Foundation by the deadline.
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If awarded, 90% of funds are provided at contract execution, with the remaining 10% released after approval of the final report.
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Conduct research, disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and complete the final report.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not including a qualified mentor or mentorship team.
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Failing to outline methodology, protections, or data analysis plans.
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Proposing projects outside the focus areas of sleep and circadian science.
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Exceeding funding limits or having substantial independent grants.
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Not adhering to deadlines or reporting requirements.
FAQ
1. Who is eligible for this grant?
Early-career investigators within ten years of their terminal degree or postdoctoral/clinical training, with limited independent funding (<$250,000).
2. How much funding is provided?
Up to $50,000 for one year, with indirect costs capped at 8%.
3. Can international researchers apply?
Yes, if their institutions can accept U.S. dollar funding and meet compliance requirements.
4. What research areas are supported?
Sleep disorders, circadian rhythms, sleep health, including both basic and clinical research.
5. What are the mentorship requirements?
Applicants must have a qualified mentor or mentorship team, providing guidance and supervision throughout the project.
6. How is the funding disbursed?
90% at contract execution and 10% after final report approval.
7. Are publications and presentations required?
Yes, recipients are expected to produce peer-reviewed publications and present results at professional conferences.
Conclusion
The AASM Foundation Focused Projects Grant for Junior Investigators provides early-career sleep researchers with the funding, mentorship, and professional guidance needed to advance their first independent projects. By supporting innovative research in sleep and circadian science, this grant helps investigators build a strong foundation for a long-term career in the field.
For more information, visit AASM Foundation.