Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
This postdoctoral fellowship supports early-career scientists conducting research in type 1 diabetes, offering structured training under an experienced sponsor in an approved research environment. The program provides three years of funding to strengthen research skills, career development, and scientific output in diabetes-related biomedical research, with additional allowances for training enrichment and professional development.
Fellowship Overview
The fellowship is designed to:
- Support early-career researchers entering type 1 diabetes research
- Provide structured postdoctoral training under a qualified sponsor
- Strengthen scientific and professional development
- Promote advancement toward independent research careers
- Enable participation in scientific meetings, training, and academic networking
Fellows must commit at least 75% of their professional effort to the funded research project.
Research Focus
The program supports research specifically relevant to:
- Type 1 diabetes pathophysiology and treatment
- Biomedical and clinical diabetes research
- Translational and experimental diabetes science
- Related health science and disease mechanisms
Research may be conducted in:
- Universities and colleges
- Hospitals and medical research centers
- Laboratories (public or private)
- Government research institutions
- Nonprofit and for-profit organizations (eligible institutions)
Fellowship Duration and Funding
- Duration: 3 years (each year = 12-month term)
- Funding level: Up to USD 95,000 per year (based on experience)
- Optional: No indirect costs allowed
- Research allowance: USD 5,500 total enrichment support
Permitted uses of funds:
- Travel to scientific meetings (up to USD 2,000 per year)
- Training courses and workshops
- Books and journal subscriptions
- Research-related professional development
- Personal computer purchase (up to USD 2,000 in year 1 only)
Note: Laboratory supplies and equipment are not covered under the research allowance.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DMD, DVM, DO, or equivalent)
- Not be in an internship or residency at time of award activation
- Have received their doctoral degree within approximately 5 years (flexibility may apply)
- Commit to full-time research training (minimum 75% effort)
- Work under a qualified sponsor providing a suitable research environment
Eligible institutions include:
- Academic institutions
- Hospitals and clinics
- Research laboratories
- Government agencies (state, local, federal)
- Nonprofit and for-profit research organizations
Sponsor Requirement
Each applicant must be paired with a research sponsor who:
- Has expertise in type 1 diabetes or related biomedical research
- Provides structured mentorship and training environment
- Supports career progression toward independent research roles
How the Fellowship Works (Step-by-Step)
- Applicant identifies a research sponsor
- Applicant develops a diabetes-related research proposal
- Application is submitted through the fellowship program
- Review panel evaluates scientific merit and training environment
- Selected fellows begin 3-year structured research training
- Progress is reviewed annually for continuation
Key Restrictions
- No concurrent postdoctoral fellowships allowed
- No indirect costs permitted
- Must dedicate ≥75% effort to fellowship research
- Must meet doctoral degree timing requirements
- Equipment and lab supplies not covered
Purpose and Impact
This fellowship aims to:
- Build a pipeline of skilled diabetes researchers
- Accelerate innovation in type 1 diabetes treatment and understanding
- Strengthen global biomedical research capacity
- Support transition to independent academic or research careers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Postdoctoral researchers with a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) who are early in their research careers and meet eligibility timing requirements.
2. What is the main research focus?
Research must be directly related to type 1 diabetes, including clinical, translational, or biomedical studies.
3. How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts up to three years, with annual renewal based on performance.
4. Is a sponsor required?
Yes. A qualified research sponsor is mandatory for mentorship and training support.
5. What costs are covered?
Salary support plus a research allowance for travel, training, and professional development.
6. Can I hold another fellowship simultaneously?
No. Concurrent postdoctoral fellowships are not permitted.
7. Where can research be conducted?
At eligible universities, hospitals, labs, research institutes, and government agencies globally.
Conclusion
This fellowship provides structured funding and mentorship to help early-career researchers build strong careers in type 1 diabetes research while contributing to scientific progress and future therapeutic advances.
For more information, visit Breakthrough T1D.