Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
The Breakthrough T1D Career Development Award supports early-career researchers advancing type 1 diabetes research across basic, clinical, translational, and psychosocial domains. It provides up to USD 200,000 per year for up to 5 years, with a focus on strengthening bench-to-bedside innovation and supporting researchers transitioning into independent academic careers.
Overview of the Award
The Breakthrough T1D Career Development Award is designed to support early-career investigators working in type 1 diabetes research. It aims to accelerate scientific discovery and improve clinical translation by funding projects that connect laboratory findings with real-world patient applications.
The program emphasizes building strong research careers in type 1 diabetes while supporting innovative and mission-aligned scientific work across multiple disciplines.
Research Focus Areas
The award supports a broad range of type 1 diabetes research aligned with Breakthrough T1D mission goals.
Key research areas include:
- Basic science research in type 1 diabetes
- Clinical research and human studies
- Translational science and bench-to-bedside approaches
- Psychosocial and behavioral health research
- Innovative approaches to understanding, preventing, or treating type 1 diabetes
The program encourages work that strengthens the connection between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.
Funding Support
The award provides substantial financial support for research and career development activities.
- Up to USD 200,000 per year in total funding
- Indirect costs capped at 10% of subtotal direct costs
- Funding supports research expenses such as:
- Personnel and salary support
- Laboratory supplies and consumables
- Equipment and research tools
- Technician support
- Travel expenses up to USD 2,000 annually
- Awards are renewable annually based on satisfactory progress
- Maximum funding duration is 5 years
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a doctoral or professional degree such as MD, DMD, DVM, DO, PsyD, PhD, or equivalent
- Have a faculty-level academic appointment (e.g., Assistant Professor or equivalent) at the time of application
- Have received their first faculty-level appointment within the past 3 years before the submission deadline
- Be actively engaged in type 1 diabetes-related research
Institutional Eligibility
Eligible host institutions include a wide range of research organizations:
- Domestic and international nonprofit organizations
- Public and private universities and colleges
- Hospitals and clinical research centers
- Research laboratories
- State and local government agencies
- Eligible federal government agencies
- Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations
Purpose and Strategic Importance
The Breakthrough T1D Career Development Award plays a key role in strengthening the global type 1 diabetes research ecosystem.
It aims to:
- Support early-career investigators in establishing independent research careers
- Promote innovation in diabetes-related scientific discovery
- Strengthen translational research pathways
- Improve understanding of type 1 diabetes across biological and behavioral domains
- Accelerate development of therapies and clinical applications
How the Award Works
The award follows a structured progression model based on scientific and career development milestones.
- Applicants submit a research proposal aligned with type 1 diabetes priorities
- Projects are evaluated for scientific merit and translational impact
- Selected investigators receive annual funding support
- Continued funding depends on progress and performance evaluation
- Funding may continue for up to 5 years with renewals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should be careful to avoid issues that can reduce competitiveness.
- Submitting research outside type 1 diabetes scope
- Weak alignment with translational or mission-focused goals
- Applying beyond the 3-year faculty appointment eligibility window
- Insufficient justification of research impact
- Incomplete career development planning
- Overly narrow or non-innovative research focus
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong applications typically demonstrate clarity, innovation, and translational value.
- Clearly connect basic science with clinical relevance
- Emphasize translational impact (bench-to-bedside pathway)
- Highlight innovation in type 1 diabetes research
- Include strong preliminary data if available
- Demonstrate a clear plan for independent career development
- Ensure alignment with Breakthrough T1D mission priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of research does this award support?
It supports basic, clinical, translational, and psychosocial research in type 1 diabetes with an emphasis on innovation and clinical application.
What is the funding amount?
Up to USD 200,000 per year for a maximum of 5 years, subject to annual renewal.
Who is eligible to apply?
Early-career investigators with MD, PhD, PsyD, DO, DMD, DVM, or equivalent degrees who hold a faculty-level appointment within the last 3 years.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes, both domestic and international researchers affiliated with eligible institutions may apply.
What expenses can be covered?
Funding may cover personnel, supplies, equipment, technician support, and limited travel costs.
Is renewal automatic?
No, renewal is based on satisfactory progress and performance review each year.
What is the main goal of the program?
To support early-career researchers and strengthen translational research in type 1 diabetes.
Conclusion
The Breakthrough T1D Career Development Award supports emerging scientists working across basic, clinical, and translational type 1 diabetes research. By providing long-term funding and emphasizing bench-to-bedside innovation, the program helps early-career investigators build independent research careers while advancing meaningful progress in diabetes science and care.
For more information, visit Breakthrough T1D.