AASM Foundation Rising Investigator Supplement Grant (US)

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.