Deadline: 05-Jan-2026
The AASM Foundation Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators provides up to $100,000 in one-year funding to help established sleep and circadian researchers revise and resubmit unfunded federal grant applications. The grant enables investigators to refine proposals, address peer-review feedback, and strengthen their chance of long-term funding while supporting critical research in sleep health and circadian science.
Overview
The Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators supports researchers whose major federal grant applications (e.g., NIH, VA) were scored but not funded. This one-year grant provides financial resources and structured support to revise and resubmit applications while sustaining impactful research in sleep and circadian science.
Purpose of the Grant
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Provide “bridge” support to established investigators for proposal resubmission.
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Enable refinement of unfunded federal grant applications based on peer-review feedback.
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Promote continued research on critical unanswered questions in sleep, circadian biology, sleep disorders, and sleep health.
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Strengthen the career trajectory of mid-career and senior researchers in the field.
Key Benefits
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Up to $100,000 in one-year funding.
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Flexible use of funds for:
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Direct research expenses.
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Salary support for investigators or staff.
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Mentorship-related and professional costs.
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Indirect costs capped at 8%, ensuring maximum support for research activities.
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Structured guidance and timeline for resubmission within the award year.
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Opportunities to produce publications and present at professional conferences.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
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Hold a professional degree such as MD, PhD, or equivalent.
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Have submitted a scored but unfunded federal grant (e.g., NIH R01 or VA grant).
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Be mid-career or senior investigators actively engaged in sleep and circadian research.
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Be affiliated with an institution that can accept U.S. dollar funding for international applicants.
Exclusions:
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Investigators with more than one current large federal grant.
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Individuals with financial conflicts of interest.
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Current board members of the AASM Foundation.
Why It Matters
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Offers critical support at a vulnerable career stage, preventing attrition of experienced researchers.
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Encourages high-quality research in sleep, circadian health, and sleep disorders.
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Provides financial and professional resources to strengthen resubmitted grant proposals.
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Supports the advancement of knowledge in sleep science, benefiting public health and clinical practice.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Confirm eligibility, including degree, grant history, and institutional requirements.
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Submit:
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Original unfunded federal grant application.
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Peer-review critiques.
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Detailed plan for resubmission to the same grant mechanism.
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Funding may cover research, salary, mentorship, and professional expenses.
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Awardees must resubmit the revised application within the one-year award period.
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Progress reports and a final report are required, including publications or presentations resulting from the grant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying with multiple current large federal grants.
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Failing to submit the original application and peer-review feedback.
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Ignoring institutional requirements for U.S. dollar funding.
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Missing the resubmission deadline within the award year.
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Neglecting to demonstrate a clear research plan addressing reviewer critiques.
FAQ
1. Who is eligible for this grant?
Mid-career or senior investigators in sleep and circadian research whose major federal grant proposals were scored but not funded.
2. How much funding is provided?
Up to $100,000 for one year, with indirect costs capped at 8%.
3. Can international investigators apply?
Yes, if their institutions can accept U.S. dollar funding.
4. What expenses are covered?
Direct research costs, salary, mentorship, and professional development expenses necessary to revise and resubmit the grant.
5. What documentation is required?
Original unfunded application, peer-review feedback, and a detailed resubmission plan.
6. Must the revised grant be resubmitted during the award year?
Yes, all awardees are expected to resubmit within the one-year period.
7. Are publications or presentations expected?
Yes, recipients should aim for peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional meetings.
Conclusion
The AASM Foundation Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators provides essential support for established researchers in sleep and circadian science to refine unfunded grant applications. By offering financial resources, mentorship, and structured resubmission support, the program enables continued research, strengthens proposals for long-term federal funding, and ensures the retention of experienced investigators in this critical field.
For more information, visit AASM Foundation.