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Parkinson's Foundation Independent Investigator Awards

Parkinson's Foundation Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award

Funds early-career Parkinson's disease researchers at United States and Canada institutions through independent investigator support.

ScheduledParkinson's FoundationUnited StatesCanadaDeep-tech · adjacent

Eligibility · United States, Canada

The Parkinson's Foundation Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award provides USD 300,000 in total costs over three years to early-career tenure-track faculty at US and Canadian institutions establishing independent Parkinson's disease research programs. The award is named for Dr. Stanley Fahn, a foundational figure in movement disorders neurology, and is administered by the Parkinson's Foundation, a US 501(c)(3) formed in 2016 through the merger of the National Parkinson Foundation and the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Eligibility is restricted to institutions in the United States or Canada — international institutions do not qualify — distinguishing this award from other Parkinson's Foundation programs that accept worldwide applications. Applicants must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree; must be at an early tenure-track or equivalent appointment such as assistant professor; and must meet the NIH definition of a new investigator, meaning they have not previously received an NIH R01 or equivalent as principal investigator. A defining program requirement is a mandatory milestone: awardees must submit an NIH R01 or equivalent federal grant application on a Parkinson's disease project by the end of year two of the award, making the Stanley Fahn Award function explicitly as a bridge to federal funding rather than a standalone terminal award. The 2025-2026 cycle was closed and the program is expected to reopen for the 2026-2027 cycle; prospective applicants should monitor the Parkinson's Foundation deadlines page for the next letter of intent date. Applications are submitted through ProposalCentral at proposalcentral.com. Competitive proposals demonstrate a rigorous PD research program, a credible plan for preparing a fundable R01-level application within the two-year milestone window, and strong institutional support. The US and Canada restriction and the mandatory R01-track requirement make this award most relevant to faculty at North American research universities and medical schools with NIH-eligible infrastructure.

Funds Parkinson's disease research by early-career tenure-track faculty at US and Canadian institutions, with an explicit requirement to submit an NIH R01 or equivalent on a PD project by the end of year two.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: www.parkinson.org