Call for Entries: One Mind Rising Star Awards (US)

The One Mind Rising Star Awards provide up to $300,000 over three years to early-career independent investigators conducting innovative research in neuroscience and mental health. The program supports studies in psychiatry, brain science, and precision medicine, along with leadership development through mentorship and training. Eligible applicants must be Assistant or Associate Professors within eight years of their first independent appointment.

Overview

The One Mind Rising Star Awards support early-career researchers working in neuroscience, psychiatry, and mental health innovation.

The program aims to accelerate scientific discovery that improves:

• Understanding of brain function
• Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders
• Development of new treatments
• Prevention and early intervention strategies

It also strengthens leadership capacity in the global mental health research community.

Funding Details

Total Award Value

• Up to $300,000 per recipient
• Distributed over 3 years

Purpose of Funding

Supports:

• Innovative neuroscience research
• Psychiatric disorder studies
• Translational and clinical research
• Precision psychiatry development
• Emerging mental health technologies

Research Focus Areas

The award supports a broad range of mental health and neuroscience research.

Eligible Research Areas

• Neuroscience and brain function studies
• Psychiatry and clinical psychology
• Psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders
• Suicidality and self-harm research
• Transdiagnostic mental health approaches

Advanced and Emerging Methods

• Biomarker discovery and validation
• Gut-brain interaction research
• AI and machine learning predictive models
• Precision psychiatry approaches
• Novel therapeutic interventions
• Clinical trials and early intervention research

Out-of-Scope Research Areas

The program does not fund research focused solely on:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• ADHD
• Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
• Substance use disorders

Note: These may be eligible only if directly linked to psychiatric conditions within scope.

Program Goals and Impact

The award is designed to advance both science and scientific leadership.

Scientific Goals

• Improve detection of mental illness
• Advance diagnostic tools and biomarkers
• Develop more effective treatments
• Enhance prevention strategies
• Support precision psychiatry innovation

Leadership Goals

• Build future leaders in mental health research
• Encourage collaboration across disciplines
• Strengthen translational research capacity

Leadership Development Component

Awardees participate in the Science Leaders Program.

Includes:

• Mentorship from senior scientists
• Executive coaching
• Communication and leadership training
• Networking with researchers and innovators
• Training in negotiation and personal branding

This component supports long-term career development beyond research funding.

Symposium and Networking Opportunities

Selected recipients are invited to present their work at:

Science and Innovators’ Symposium

• Held during the One Mind Music Festival
• Location: Napa, California

Participants engage with:

• Leading neuroscientists
• Mental health innovators
• Entrepreneurs and industry leaders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants Must Be:

• Independent investigators
• Assistant or Associate Professors (or equivalent)
• Within 8 years of first independent academic appointment

Required Qualifications

• MD, PhD, PsyD, PharmD, or equivalent doctoral degree
• Strong research productivity record
• Demonstrated leadership potential

Ineligible Applicants

• Pre-doctoral students
• Postdoctoral fellows
• Instructor-level faculty
• Full professors

Additional Eligibility Notes

• Applicants may apply once per year
• Maximum of 3 total applications
• Non-US citizens are eligible if employed at US institutions

Application Strategy / How It Works

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify faculty rank (Assistant/Associate Professor)
• Ensure timeline is within 8 years of independent appointment

Step 2: Define Research Focus

Strong proposals typically include:

• Innovative hypothesis-driven research
• Clear relevance to psychiatric disorders
• Translational or clinical application potential
• Use of modern methods (AI, biomarkers, etc.)

Step 3: Prepare Proposal

Include:

• Research objectives and aims
• Methodology and study design
• Expected scientific impact
• Leadership and collaboration potential

Step 4: Submit Application

• Submit through One Mind’s official application process

Step 5: Review and Selection

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific innovation
• Potential impact on mental health outcomes
• Feasibility and rigor
• Investigator potential and leadership capacity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying outside eligibility window (beyond 8 years of appointment)
• Focusing only on excluded disorders (ADHD, autism, etc.)
• Lack of clear psychiatric relevance
• Weak translational or clinical relevance
• Missing leadership or innovation components
• Overly narrow or purely descriptive studies

Why This Award Matters

The One Mind Rising Star Awards are important because they:

• Support early-career scientific independence
• Accelerate breakthroughs in mental health treatment
• Promote precision psychiatry innovation
• Strengthen leadership in neuroscience research
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration
• Bridge research and real-world clinical impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the One Mind Rising Star Award?

It is a funding program supporting early-career researchers in neuroscience and mental health with up to $300,000 over three years.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Assistant or Associate Professors (or equivalent) within 8 years of their first independent academic appointment.

3. What research areas are supported?

Psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and suicidality.

4. What is the funding amount?

Up to $300,000 over three years per awardee.

5. Are all mental health conditions eligible?

No, standalone research on autism, ADHD, neurodegenerative diseases, or substance use disorders is not eligible.

6. What additional benefits are included?

Leadership training, mentorship, networking, and participation in the Science Leaders Program.

7. Where do awardees present their work?

At the Science and Innovators’ Symposium during the One Mind Music Festival in Napa, California.

Conclusion

The One Mind Rising Star Awards provide a high-impact opportunity for early-career researchers to advance innovative neuroscience and mental health research. By combining substantial funding with leadership development and global networking, the program helps accelerate scientific breakthroughs and build the next generation of leaders in psychiatry and brain science.