Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The AASM Foundation Rising Investigator Supplement Grant supports early-career researchers in sleep and circadian science by providing mentorship-based research training and financial assistance. The programme helps promising students, fellows and emerging investigators overcome barriers to career development and contribute to advances in sleep disorder and sleep health research.
The grant supports mentored research projects, workforce development and scientific discovery in sleep and circadian science.
Overview of the AASM Foundation Rising Investigator Supplement Grant
The AASM Foundation Rising Investigator Supplement Grant is designed to support researchers who are developing skills and experience in sleep and circadian science.
The programme provides funding for research training opportunities that help strengthen the next generation of sleep researchers.
The grant focuses on:
- Mentored research training
- Sleep disorder research
- Sleep health studies
- Career development
- Research skill building
- Scientific workforce growth
Purpose of the Grant
The main purpose of this grant is to provide structured research opportunities for promising investigators who may face challenges accessing resources, mentorship or career advancement support.
The programme aims to:
- Expand participation in sleep research
- Improve research capacity
- Encourage innovation in sleep science
- Support future leaders in the field
Key Focus Areas
Mentored Research Training
The grant supports guided research experiences where candidates work under experienced investigators.
Mentorship may help participants develop:
- Research methodology skills
- Data analysis abilities
- Scientific communication skills
- Study design expertise
Sleep and Circadian Science Research
Supported research should contribute to understanding areas such as:
- Sleep disorders
- Sleep health
- Circadian rhythms
- Sleep-related health outcomes
Career Development
The programme helps students and fellows gain experience needed for future research careers.
Support may include:
- Research training
- Professional development
- Exposure to scientific collaboration
Funding Details
The grant provides financial support based on the duration of the parent research award.
Funding duration:
- Minimum: 8 weeks
- Maximum: 3 years
The funding amount may be:
- Up to 20% of the parent award
- Maximum available amount: $50,000 USD
Use of Grant Funds
Grant funds are limited to approved compensation support.
Eligible uses include:
- Salary support
- Stipend support
- Compensation for mentored research activities
Funding must follow existing compensation structures.
The grant does not allow:
- Indirect costs
- Unapproved expenses
Who Is Eligible?
The grant is open to principal investigators who hold an active sleep and circadian science research award from:
- A United States federal agency
- A United States-based nonprofit organisation
Applicants must use the supplement to support eligible research candidates.
Eligible Research Candidates
Supported candidates may include:
Students
Individuals enrolled in:
- Undergraduate programmes
- Graduate programmes
- Health professional programmes
Early Career Researchers
Including:
- Post-baccalaureate individuals
- Individuals within one year after completing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree
- Individuals taking a research gap year
Clinical and Research Fellows
Including:
- Clinical residents
- Postdoctoral fellows
- Clinical fellows
Candidate Eligibility Requirements
Eligible candidates must be:
- United States citizens
- Non-citizen nationals
- Lawful permanent residents with a Permanent Resident Card
Ineligible Applicants and Participants
The following are not eligible:
- International investigators
- Individuals or organisations operating in countries under United States Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions
- Current AASM Board members
- Current AASM Foundation Board members
Former board members may also be restricted from participation during the defined post-service period.
How the Grant Works
Step 1: Identify a Research Candidate
Principal investigators select a promising student, trainee or early-career researcher who needs mentorship and research support.
Step 2: Develop a Mentored Research Plan
The proposed supplement should explain:
- Research objectives
- Training activities
- Mentorship approach
- Expected outcomes
Step 3: Submit Supplement Request
The principal investigator applies through the grant process and provides required information about:
- Parent award
- Candidate qualifications
- Research plan
- Budget requirements
Step 4: Conduct Research Training
Approved candidates participate in the funded research experience under structured mentorship.
Why This Grant Matters
Sleep and circadian science research plays an important role in understanding:
- Sleep disorders
- Human health
- Biological rhythms
- Disease prevention
This grant helps by:
- Supporting emerging researchers
- Improving diversity in scientific training
- Increasing research capacity
- Encouraging new discoveries
Benefits for Researchers
Recipients can gain:
- Hands-on research experience
- Expert mentorship
- Career development support
- Research skills
- Professional networking opportunities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing an Ineligible Candidate
Applicants should confirm that candidates meet citizenship, residency and career-stage requirements.
Weak Mentorship Plans
Applications should clearly explain:
- Training activities
- Mentor involvement
- Skill development goals
Unclear Research Alignment
Projects should demonstrate a connection to:
- Sleep science
- Circadian research
- Sleep health improvement
Incorrect Budget Planning
Applicants should ensure funding requests follow:
- Grant limits
- Compensation rules
- Eligible expense categories
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong application should:
- Present a clear research training plan
- Explain the candidate’s career goals
- Demonstrate mentor expertise
- Show impact on sleep research
- Provide realistic funding requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the AASM Foundation Rising Investigator Supplement Grant?
It is a funding programme that supports early-career sleep and circadian science researchers through mentorship and research training.
2. Who can apply for the grant?
Principal investigators with active qualifying sleep and circadian science research awards can apply.
3. How much funding is available?
Funding can reach up to 20% of the parent award, with a maximum limit of $50,000 USD.
4. What expenses are covered?
Funds support salary or stipend costs related to mentored research activities.
5. Who can receive support through the grant?
Eligible recipients include students, post-baccalaureate researchers, residents, fellows and early-career investigators who meet requirements.
6. Are international applicants eligible?
No. Candidates must be United States citizens, non-citizen nationals or lawful permanent residents.
7. Are indirect costs allowed?
No. The grant does not permit indirect costs.
Conclusion
The AASM Foundation Rising Investigator Supplement Grant strengthens the future of sleep and circadian science by supporting researchers through mentorship, training and targeted financial assistance.
By investing in emerging investigators, the programme helps advance sleep research, improve scientific knowledge and build a stronger research workforce.
For more information, visit AASM Foundation.
