Apply Now for Daland Fellowships in Clinical Investigation (US)

The American Philosophical Society (APS) is inviting applications for the Daland Fellowships in Clinical Investigation, a research fellowship program supporting early-career clinician-researchers conducting patient-oriented clinical research in medicine.

The fellowship provides financial support for researchers working in clinical medicine fields such as internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. The program is designed to strengthen clinical research careers by enabling fellows to dedicate significant time to research while maintaining direct interaction with patients.

About the Daland Fellowships in Clinical Investigation

The Daland Fellowship supports innovative research projects that improve understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human diseases through direct patient-focused investigation.

The program is intended for researchers who have recently completed clinical training and are beginning independent research careers.

The fellowship encourages:

• Patient-oriented clinical research
• Development of future clinician-scientists
• Research projects directly involving human health outcomes
• Advancement of knowledge in clinical medicine
• Mentorship and scientific development under experienced investigators

Research Areas Supported

The fellowship supports clinical investigation in multiple areas of medicine, including:

• Internal medicine
• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Surgery
• Other related branches of clinical medicine

Applicants must conduct research that involves direct interaction with patients or patient-related clinical investigations.

Funding Amount and Fellowship Duration

The Daland Fellowship provides:

• First-year stipend: $40,000
• Second-year stipend: $40,000

The fellowship is awarded for:

• One year initially
• Renewable for an additional year based on satisfactory research progress

Payments are issued twice annually:

• July 15
• January 15

The fellowship does not provide:

• Institutional overhead costs
• Administrative funding for host institutions

Research Commitment During Fellowship

Selected fellows are expected to dedicate nearly 100% of their professional time to research activities.

Limited activities such as:

• Teaching
• Clinical service

may be permitted only with approval from the fellowship committee.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Eligible applicants must hold one of the following degrees:

• M.D.
• M.D./Ph.D.
• D.O.
• D.O./Ph.D.
• D.N.P.
• D.N.P./Ph.D.

Applicants must have received their clinical degree less than eight years before applying.

Career Stage Requirements

The fellowship is primarily intended for:

• Early-career clinician-researchers
• Researchers beginning their first post-clinical-training fellowship
• Candidates with limited postdoctoral research experience

Preference is generally given to applicants with:

• Two years or less of postdoctoral training and research experience

However, applications are reviewed individually based on research quality and career potential.

Institutional Requirements

Applicants:

• May be U.S. citizens or international researchers
• Must conduct research at an institution located in the United States
• Must work under the supervision of an approved scientific advisor

Scientific Advisor and Research Support Requirements

Applicants must have a qualified scientific advisor who can provide:

• Research supervision
• Laboratory or office space
• Necessary research resources
• Scientific guidance throughout the fellowship period

The host institution must demonstrate adequate support for successful completion of the proposed research.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete fellowship application containing required documents, including:

• Research proposal
• Applicant background information
• Career development information
• Research support details
• Financial support information

Applicants must also provide three confidential letters of support.

Required recommendation letters include:

1. Scientific Advisor Letter

The scientific advisor must confirm:

• Availability of supervision
• Research facilities
• Laboratory or office space
• Necessary supplies and resources

2. Department or Division Head Letter

This letter should confirm institutional support and commitment to the applicant.

3. Expert Recommendation Letter

A recommendation from another expert in the applicant’s research field is required.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Eligibility of the applicant
• Quality and significance of the research project
• Patient-oriented research focus
• Appropriate use of fellowship funds
• Availability of scientific supervision
• Institutional research support
• Overall career potential of the applicant

The selection committee also considers:

• Existing financial support
• Additional salary support from the host institution
• Other fellowship funding arrangements

Why This Fellowship Matters

Clinical research plays an important role in improving healthcare by connecting scientific discoveries with patient needs.

The Daland Fellowship helps emerging clinician-researchers:

• Build independent research careers
• Develop expertise in clinical investigation
• Generate evidence that improves medical practice
• Strengthen patient-focused healthcare research
• Receive mentorship from experienced investigators

By supporting early-stage clinical scientists, the fellowship contributes to advances in diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Patient-Oriented Research Proposal

Prepare a research plan focused on clinical investigation involving patient interaction.

Step 2: Identify a Scientific Advisor

Secure a qualified research mentor at a U.S.-based institution who can provide supervision and facilities.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Collect all required documents, including:

• Research proposal
• Academic and professional records
• Institutional support information
• Financial support details
• Recommendation letters

Step 4: Submit Confidential References

Ensure all required recommendation letters are submitted by appropriate experts.

Step 5: Fellowship Committee Review

Applications will be reviewed by the APS Fellowship Committee, which makes the final selection decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting research proposals without clear patient involvement
• Choosing a scientific advisor without sufficient expertise
• Missing confidential recommendation letters
• Providing incomplete institutional support information
• Proposing research outside clinical medicine fields
• Failing to explain how fellowship funding will support research activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Daland Fellowship in Clinical Investigation?

The Daland Fellowship is a research fellowship by the American Philosophical Society that supports early-career clinician-researchers conducting patient-oriented research in clinical medicine.

2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?

The fellowship provides $40,000 per year for up to two years, with a total potential support of $80,000.

3. Can international researchers apply?

Yes. Foreign nationals are eligible to apply, but research must be conducted at an institution located in the United States.

4. Which medical fields are supported?

Supported areas include internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and related areas of clinical medicine.

5. Is the fellowship renewable?

Yes. The fellowship may be renewed for a second year if the fellow demonstrates satisfactory research progress.

6. Are institutional overhead costs covered?

No. The fellowship does not provide institutional overhead funding.

7. How much time must fellows dedicate to research?

Fellows are expected to devote essentially all of their time to research activities, with limited teaching or clinical duties allowed only with approval.

Conclusion

The American Philosophical Society Daland Fellowships in Clinical Investigation provide valuable support for emerging clinician-scientists conducting patient-focused medical research. By offering financial assistance, mentorship, and research opportunities, the fellowship helps advance clinical discoveries and strengthen the future of healthcare research.