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Open Call: Bridge to Success Grant for Early Career Investigators

Deadline: 05-Jan-2026

The AASM Foundation Bridge to Success Grant supports early-career investigators in sleep and circadian research by providing up to $100,000 for one year to refine previously reviewed grant applications. The grant helps researchers revise proposals, strengthen mentorship plans, and enhance their resubmissions, offering essential financial and professional support at a critical career stage.

Overview

The Bridge to Success Grant from the AASM Foundation is designed to support early-career investigators in sleep and circadian research whose prior grant submissions were scored but not funded. The program provides a one-year funding period to refine and resubmit applications while maintaining momentum in their research career.

Purpose of the Grant

  • Provide a “bridge” between initial grant review and successful resubmission.

  • Enable early-career investigators to revise research proposals based on peer-review feedback.

  • Strengthen mentoring and professional development components.

  • Support continuity of research and career progression in sleep and circadian science.

Key Benefits

  • Up to $100,000 for one year of support.

  • Flexible funding for:

    • Direct research expenses.

    • Salary support for investigators or staff.

    • Mentorship-related activities.

    • Other essential costs related to refining and resubmitting the grant.

  • Indirect costs capped at 8%, ensuring most funds directly support research.

  • Provides early-career investigators with financial breathing room and guidance for successful resubmission.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants typically:

  • Hold a terminal degree (MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DNP, DNSc, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent).

  • Have applied for a multi-year career development grant (e.g., NIH, VA) that was scored but not funded.

  • Are pursuing research in sleep or circadian biology.

  • Can be international applicants if their institutions can accept U.S. dollar funding.

Why It Matters

  • Helps retain talented early-career scientists in sleep and circadian research.

  • Provides critical support to strengthen proposals and improve chances of funding.

  • Encourages structured mentoring and career development, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.

  • Reduces the risk that promising investigators leave the field due to funding gaps.

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Confirm eligibility, including degree and prior grant submission.

  2. Prepare a revised proposal addressing peer-review feedback.

  3. Include mentorship and career development plans in the application.

  4. Submit the application to the AASM Foundation by the announced deadline.

  5. Awarded applicants receive up to $100,000 for one year with indirect costs capped at 8%.

  6. Use the grant to refine the research plan, enhance mentoring, and advance preliminary studies for resubmission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a proposal that does not address reviewer feedback.

  • Overlooking mentorship or career development components.

  • Mismanaging funds outside the permitted direct research and mentorship expenses.

  • Ignoring eligibility criteria such as prior grant submission or terminal degree requirements.

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for the Bridge to Success Grant?
Early-career investigators with a terminal degree who submitted a scored but unfunded multi-year career development grant.

2. How much funding is provided?
Up to $100,000 for one year, with indirect costs capped at 8%.

3. Can international researchers apply?
Yes, if their institutions can accept U.S. dollar funding.

4. What expenses are covered?
Direct research costs, salary, mentorship-related expenses, and other essential costs for revising and resubmitting the proposal.

5. What is the purpose of the grant?
To provide a bridge for early-career investigators to refine proposals and strengthen resubmissions while maintaining research momentum.

6. Are mentorship activities required?
Yes, applications must include mentoring and career development plans.

7. Which research areas are supported?
Research in sleep and circadian biology is the primary focus.

Conclusion

The AASM Foundation Bridge to Success Grant is a vital resource for early-career investigators in sleep and circadian research, offering financial support, mentorship, and time to refine and resubmit previously reviewed grant applications. By providing this bridge, the Foundation helps ensure promising scientists remain in the field and succeed in obtaining long-term research funding.

For more information, visit AASM Foundation.