Deadline: 27-Jul-2026
The Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers (SOAR) 2027, offered by the AASM Foundation, is a research training and mentorship program for early-career sleep and circadian researchers. Participants receive expert guidance in grant writing, mentorship from leading scientists, and full travel support to attend an in-person workshop in Chicago, Illinois, helping them prepare competitive federal research grant applications.
What is the Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers (SOAR)?
The Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers (SOAR) is a professional development and research training initiative created by the AASM Foundation to strengthen the next generation of sleep and circadian scientists.
The program provides structured mentorship and intensive grant writing training to help early-career investigators develop competitive research proposals for federal funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Through expert instruction and one-on-one mentoring, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to build successful research careers.
Program Overview
- Program Name: Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers (SOAR)
- Organized By: AASM Foundation
- Program Type: Research Training and Grant Writing Fellowship
- Field: Sleep and Circadian Science
- Target Participants: Early-career researchers
- In-Person Meeting: Chicago, Illinois (April 11–13, 2027)
- Funding: Full travel and lodging support
Purpose of the Program
The SOAR program aims to strengthen the pipeline of future sleep researchers by improving their ability to secure competitive research funding.
Its objectives include:
- Developing grant writing skills.
- Supporting early-career investigators.
- Increasing success in federal research funding.
- Providing expert mentorship.
- Building research leadership.
- Strengthening sleep and circadian science.
- Encouraging collaboration among researchers.
- Advancing innovative sleep research.
Why This Program Matters
Securing research funding is one of the biggest challenges faced by early-career scientists.
SOAR provides structured training and mentorship that helps researchers develop competitive grant proposals, build strong mentoring relationships, and increase their chances of obtaining federal career development awards. By investing in new investigators, the program contributes to the advancement of sleep medicine and circadian research.
Program Curriculum
Participants complete a comprehensive grant writing curriculum that combines online learning with in-person training.
The curriculum includes:
- Grant writing instruction.
- Research proposal development.
- Career development guidance.
- Scientific mentoring.
- Peer collaboration.
- Interactive lectures.
- Proposal review sessions.
- Research planning.
The program concludes with participants preparing a grant application suitable for submission to federal funding agencies.
Mentorship Opportunities
Participants receive guidance from:
- Leading sleep researchers.
- Experienced faculty members.
- Site mentors.
- Research peers.
Mentors provide personalized feedback throughout the program to help participants strengthen their research ideas and grant proposals.
Grant Writing Experience
The SOAR curriculum focuses on developing competitive research funding applications.
Participants learn how to:
- Design strong research projects.
- Develop competitive grant proposals.
- Build effective research plans.
- Prepare federal funding applications.
- Respond to reviewer expectations.
- Improve proposal quality.
The ultimate goal is to prepare participants to submit successful applications to agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Financial Support
Selected fellows receive full financial support to participate in the programme.
Support includes:
- Travel expenses.
- Lodging costs.
- Participation in the in-person meeting.
- Access to all online learning activities.
The in-person training will take place in Chicago, Illinois, from April 11–13, 2027.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be an early-career sleep or circadian scientist.
- Be eligible to apply for a federal career development grant after completing the program.
Eligible professional qualifications include:
- MD.
- DO.
- DDS.
- DMD.
- DNP.
- DNSc.
- PharmD.
- PhD.
- Equivalent doctoral degree.
Who is Not Eligible?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Individuals who have already received a federal career development award.
- Researchers who have received independent federal research funding.
- Applicants based outside the United States.
Benefits of Participating
Participants receive:
- Structured grant writing training.
- Individual mentorship.
- Expert faculty guidance.
- Networking opportunities.
- Peer collaboration.
- Career development support.
- Full travel and lodging for the Chicago meeting.
- Preparation for future federal funding applications.
How to Apply
Applicants should generally follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the required application materials.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit all supporting documents before the deadline.
- Await the review and selection process.
- Participate in the online curriculum if selected.
- Attend the in-person meeting in Chicago.
Tips for a Strong Application
To strengthen your application:
- Highlight your research experience in sleep or circadian science.
- Demonstrate your commitment to an academic research career.
- Clearly explain your research interests.
- Show readiness to pursue federal funding.
- Present a strong career development plan.
- Submit complete and accurate application materials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Failing to demonstrate commitment to sleep research.
- Providing unclear career goals.
- Omitting required supporting documents.
- Applying after already receiving independent federal career development funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the SOAR Program?
The Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers (SOAR) is a mentorship and grant writing program that prepares early-career sleep researchers to compete successfully for federal research funding.
2. Who can apply?
Early-career sleep and circadian scientists with eligible doctoral-level qualifications, including MD, PhD, PharmD, DDS, DNP, and equivalent degrees, who are eligible to apply for federal career development grants.
3. What does the program provide?
The program offers grant writing training, expert mentorship, research career development, networking opportunities, and full travel and lodging support for the in-person training in Chicago.
4. Where is the in-person meeting held?
The in-person component takes place in Chicago, Illinois, from April 11–13, 2027.
5. What is the main goal of the program?
The programme aims to help early-career investigators develop competitive federal grant applications and build successful research careers in sleep and circadian science.
6. Who is not eligible?
Researchers who have already received a federal career development award, independent federal research funding, or who are based outside the United States are not eligible.
7. Why is this program important?
The SOAR Program helps strengthen the future of sleep and circadian research by equipping emerging scientists with the mentorship, grant writing skills, and professional development needed to secure federal funding and advance scientific discovery.
Conclusion
The Sleep Research Program for Advancing Careers (SOAR) 2027 provides an outstanding opportunity for early-career sleep and circadian researchers to strengthen their grant writing skills and advance their research careers. Through expert mentorship, structured training, and full financial support for participation, the program prepares investigators to compete successfully for federal funding while contributing to future advances in sleep medicine and circadian science.
For more information, visit AASM Foundation.