Deadline: 29-Oct-2025
The Parkinson’s Foundation Launch Award provides vital support to talented postdoctoral researchers to help them transition into independent research careers dedicated to Parkinson’s disease.
The Launch Award seeks to attract the best and brightest individuals conducting research in the U.S. or internationally. At the end of the funding period, it is expected that awardees will become independent research group leaders with their own research space and research team.
The Launch Award is designed to provide $400,000 in support over up to four years, with funding aligned to the researcher’s career stage. During the Mentored Stage, which lasts one to two years, the award provides up to $60,000 in annual salary support and an additional research allowance of $20,000 per year, for a total of up to $160,000. Awardees must dedicate at least 75% of their time to research, with the remaining time focused on training, projects, and publishing results. The Foundation also allows awardees to allocate part of their research allowance to offset personal health insurance costs if not fully covered by their institution.
The award cultivates a strong cohort of new and talented independent investigators dedicated to PD research. The Launch Award provides research support to outstanding postdoctoral researchers that will enable them to complete needed mentored training and transition promptly to independent research careers in the PD field. This award is a two-stage program consisting of a Mentored Stage (1-2 years) and an Independent Stage (2-3 years). The strongest applicants will propose a well-conceived plan for 1-2 years of mentored research training and career development to help them become competitive candidates for independent faculty positions, preparing them to launch robust, innovative research programs in PD.
The Independent Stage follows directly after the Mentored Stage and offers two to three years of support, contingent on the awardee securing an independent research position. This stage provides up to $120,000 per year, with salary support permitted up to 40% of awarded funds, including fringe benefits. Institutions may deduct indirect costs of up to 10% of direct expenses. By the end of this stage, applicants are expected to be prepared to submit an NIH R01 or equivalent grant to support their independent research program.
Eligibility is open to applicants holding a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree within 18 months to six years of completing training, and currently in a mentored or postdoctoral position. Applicants must have a mentor and cannot already lead their own laboratory. U.S. citizenship is not required, and international researchers are encouraged to apply. Transition to the Independent Stage is dependent on review of progress and evidence of independence, including securing an institutional appointment.
The Parkinson’s Foundation especially encourages applications from individuals historically underrepresented in the scientific workforce, including racial and ethnic groups, sexual and gender minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications are accepted in all areas of Parkinson’s disease research.
The application process involves two steps: A Letter of Intent followed by a full proposal upon invitation. LOIs undergo internal and external review, and only the strongest candidates are invited to submit full applications. Final decisions are expected in June, with funding beginning on August 1. Only one Launch Award is granted per laboratory or institution per year. Application closes on 29 October 2025.
For more information, visit Parkinson’s Foundation.