Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All

The Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All provides up to US$250,000 to support early-career clinician scientists conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The fellowship supports researchers worldwide who combine clinical practice with scientific research and aims to develop the next generation of leaders in dementia research through funding, mentorship, and career development.

Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All Overview

The Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All is a competitive research funding program designed to help early-career clinician scientists establish independent research careers focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The fellowship supports clinician researchers who actively provide patient care while conducting innovative research that advances the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and care of people living with dementia.

The program is open to applicants from the United States and internationally, making it one of the Association’s global funding opportunities for clinician-led dementia research.

Program Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Support the career development of early-career clinician scientists.
• Advance research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
• Strengthen translational research that connects laboratory discoveries with patient care.
• Encourage innovation in dementia diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and care.
• Develop future leaders in dementia research.
• Promote high-quality clinical and scientific collaboration.
• Improve outcomes for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Research Areas Supported

The fellowship supports a broad range of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research, including:

Basic and Translational Research

• Disease mechanisms
• Translational neuroscience
• Biomarker research
• Pathophysiology
• Precision medicine

Clinical Research

• Clinical trials
• Patient-centered research
• Disease diagnosis
• Disease progression
• Therapeutic interventions

Behavioral and Psychosocial Research

• Behavioral interventions
• Caregiver support
• Psychosocial health
• Quality of life
• Cognitive health

Population and Public Health Research

• Epidemiology
• Population health
• Risk factor studies
• Prevention strategies
• Public health interventions

Technology and Health Services Research

• Digital health technologies
• Artificial intelligence applications
• Diagnostic technologies
• Healthcare delivery
• Health services research
• Clinical decision support

Funding Amount

Successful applicants may receive total funding of up to US$250,000.

Funding includes:

• Research budget: Up to US$230,000
• Dissemination stipend: US$20,000

Research Budget

Funding options include:

• Up to US$230,000 for a three-year fellowship
• Up to US$200,000 for a two-year fellowship

Annual funding cannot exceed:

• US$100,000 per year, including both direct and indirect costs.

Dissemination Stipend

Upon successful completion of the fellowship:

• US$10,000 is provided to the Principal Investigator through their institution.
• US$10,000 is provided to the named mentor through their institution.

This separate dissemination funding supports activities that increase the visibility and impact of the fellowship research.

Fellowship Duration

Applicants may request funding for either:

• Two years
• Three years

The project timeline should align with the proposed research objectives and career development plan.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be within 15 years of receiving an M.D., D.O., Ph.D., or equivalent degree.
• Hold an active clinical practice license.
• Actively provide patient care in a healthcare setting at the time of application.
• Be employed full-time according to their institution’s definition.
• Hold a position equivalent to Assistant Professor or below.
• Conduct research related to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship accepts applications from:

• Researchers based in the United States.
• International researchers from eligible institutions worldwide.

Career Interruption Policy

Applicants who have experienced qualifying career interruptions may request an adjustment to the 15-year eligibility window.

Eligible circumstances may include:

• Family leave
• Military service
• Major illness
• Serious injury

Requests require prior approval and appropriate supporting documentation.

Eligible Institutions

Applications must be submitted through eligible institutions, including:

• Non-profit universities
• Medical schools
• Research universities
• Public research laboratories
• Private non-profit research laboratories
• Hospitals
• Medical centers
• Veteran’s Administration hospitals

Ineligible Institutions

The following institutions are not eligible:

• For-profit organizations
• State government laboratories funded through appropriations
• Federally appropriated government laboratories (except Veteran’s Administration hospitals)

Application Restrictions

Applicants should note the following restrictions:

• Only one Principal Investigator is allowed per application.
• Only one application may be submitted during a single funding cycle.
• Applicants may apply to only one of the following programs during the same application cycle:
  • Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All
  • Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship for All
  • Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant for All

Multiple submissions across these programs during the same cycle are not permitted.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias continue to represent one of the world’s greatest public health challenges.

This fellowship helps:

• Train clinician scientists.
• Bridge clinical care and scientific discovery.
• Improve dementia diagnosis and treatment.
• Accelerate research translation into healthcare.
• Strengthen global dementia research capacity.
• Support future leaders in neurological research.

By investing in clinician scientists, the program helps ensure that research findings can more rapidly improve patient care and clinical practice.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

• Meet the degree timeline requirements.
• Hold an active clinical license.
• Actively provide patient care.
• Meet faculty appointment requirements.
• Are employed full-time.

Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal

Prepare a proposal focused on Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Clearly describe:

• Research objectives
• Scientific rationale
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Potential clinical impact

Step 3: Identify a Qualified Mentor

Select an experienced mentor who will support your research and career development throughout the fellowship.

Step 4: Prepare Institutional Documents

Coordinate with your institution to obtain all required approvals and supporting documentation.

Step 5: Submit the Fellowship Application

Complete the application through the Alzheimer’s Association application process and ensure all required materials are submitted before the deadline.

Application Tips

Strong applications typically:

• Present a clear clinical research question.
• Demonstrate innovation and scientific significance.
• Show strong mentorship arrangements.
• Explain the potential impact on Alzheimer’s disease care.
• Include a realistic research timeline.
• Demonstrate feasibility within the proposed funding period.
• Clearly outline career development goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying after exceeding the 15-year eligibility window without approved career interruption adjustments.
• Submitting multiple Alzheimer’s Association fellowship applications during the same funding cycle.
• Failing to demonstrate active clinical practice.
• Using an ineligible institution.
• Submitting an incomplete research proposal.
• Providing an unrealistic project timeline or budget.
• Not clearly explaining how the research advances Alzheimer’s or dementia science.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All?

It is an international fellowship that supports early-career clinician scientists conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias while continuing active clinical practice.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants may receive up to US$250,000, including research funding and a dissemination stipend.

Who can apply?

Early-career clinician scientists worldwide who are within 15 years of earning their qualifying degree, actively practice clinically, and meet institutional eligibility requirements.

What research areas are supported?

The fellowship supports translational, clinical, epidemiologic, psychosocial, behavioral, diagnostic, technology, disease mechanism, and health services research related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

How long can the fellowship last?

Applicants may request funding for either two years or three years, depending on the proposed research project.

Can international researchers apply?

Yes. The fellowship accepts applications from both U.S. and international researchers through eligible institutions.

Can I apply for multiple Alzheimer’s Association funding programs in the same cycle?

No. Applicants may submit only one application to either the Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All, Research Fellowship for All, or Research Grant for All during a single application cycle.

Conclusion

The Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All is a major international funding opportunity that supports early-career clinician scientists dedicated to advancing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research. With funding of up to US$250,000, flexible two- or three-year project periods, mentorship support, and a strong emphasis on translating scientific discoveries into improved patient care, the fellowship helps develop the next generation of global leaders in dementia research while accelerating progress toward better prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.