Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The Pre-Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Grant Program provides up to $300,000 over three years to support researchers focused on DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). Fellowships fund research time, foster mentorship, and encourage publication and data sharing to advance understanding, treatment, and potential cures for this rare pediatric brain cancer.
What is the Fellowship Program?
The Pre-Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Grant Program supports promising scientists pursuing careers in DIPG research, fostering the development of future leaders in the field. The program emphasizes:
-
Understanding the causes of DIPG
-
Advancing treatment and potential cures
-
Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals
-
Sharing data with the wider research community
Funding is awarded to the recipient’s institution or laboratory and is strictly intended to support research time.
Fellowship Structure and Funding
-
Pre-Doctoral Fellows: Funding covers stipend for living expenses, tuition, and fees. No indirect costs allowed. Maximum funding is $200,000 over three years, up to $67,000 per year.
-
Post-Doctoral Fellows: Funding covers salary and fringe benefits only, with maximum funding of $300,000 over three years, up to $100,000 per year.
-
No overlap in funding is permitted with other awards, including scientific, budgetary, or effort overlaps as defined by NIH guidelines.
-
Institutional transfers during the grant period are reviewed individually.
-
No-cost extensions can be requested via email.
-
Fellows are required to collaborate on a joint press release announcement.
Who is Eligible?
-
Applicants can be from any country; U.S. citizenship or U.S. institutional affiliation is not required.
-
Applicants must not have received more than one prior fellowship.
-
Fellows must dedicate at least 75% of full-time effort to research.
-
Each applicant must identify a mentor to provide supervision, facilities, and research support.
Specific Requirements:
-
Pre-Doctoral Applicants: Must be enrolled in a research doctoral program at an accredited institution.
-
Post-Doctoral Applicants: Must hold an M.D. and/or Ph.D. by the application deadline, be within six years of completing their most recent degree, and be employed at an academic or nonprofit research institution or laboratory.
How the Fellowship Works
-
Identify Mentor: Secure a mentor to provide guidance, supervision, and laboratory support.
-
Prepare Proposal: Outline research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes related to DIPG.
-
Submit Application: Provide necessary documents including CV, research plan, and mentor letter.
-
Funding Allocation: Awards are made to the institution or lab, not directly to the fellow.
-
Research Execution: Conduct research, dedicate ≥75% effort, and collaborate on publications and data sharing.
-
Compliance and Reporting: Adhere to NIH overlap rules, manage budgets, and request extensions if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Applying with existing fellowship overlaps
-
Failing to dedicate ≥75% effort to research
-
Not securing a qualified mentor
-
Overlooking eligibility requirements for degree status or post-doctoral experience
-
Requesting funding for indirect costs not permitted under the grant
FAQs
1. What is the maximum funding for pre-doctoral fellows?
$200,000 over three years, up to $67,000 per year.
2. What is the maximum funding for post-doctoral fellows?
$300,000 over three years, up to $100,000 per year.
3. Can applicants be from outside the U.S.?
Yes, applicants can be from any country.
4. Is prior fellowship experience allowed?
Applicants must not have received more than one prior fellowship.
5. What type of research is supported?
Research aimed at understanding DIPG causes, treatment, and potential cures, with publication and data sharing required.
6. Who qualifies as a mentor?
A qualified researcher who can provide supervision, facilities, and research support.
7. Can funds be used for indirect costs?
No, funding is intended strictly for stipends, salaries, or research time; indirect costs are not allowed.
Conclusion
The Pre-Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Grant Program supports emerging leaders in DIPG research by providing financial support and mentorship. With up to $300,000 over three years, fellows can dedicate themselves to advancing knowledge, developing treatments, and contributing to a global research community focused on curing this rare pediatric brain cancer.
For more information, visit ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation.