HD Career Advancement Grant (HD-CAG)

The HD Career Advancement Grant sits under the Hereditary Disease Foundation's Huntington's disease portfolio as a career accelerator for senior postdoctoral researchers. HDF uses the program to deepen the field's bench of independent investigators, alongside its research grants and fellowships, and the emphasis is on moving a scientist toward a lasting academic career in HD research rather than financing a new research project. The award does not provide salary or research funding. Instead, it supports travel and accommodation for HD-CAG workshops, plus up to $10,000 a year for conferences, patient events, and publication costs, with an overall ceiling of $20,000. Eligibility is limited to senior postdocs in years four and five of training, with a maximum of seven years past PhD completion; universities and research organizations are allowed, and individuals can apply. The scheme runs biennially, requires a mentor, and brings a heavy reporting and meeting cadence, including quarterly virtual meetings, annual workshops, one in-person incubator workshop, and one patient-focused event. The right candidate is a researcher who already has depth in HD science and now needs structure, visibility, and community connections to cross into independence. HDF uses the program to build durable career momentum, so applicants should be ready to show serious commitment to academia, a strong mentor relationship, and the ability to contribute beyond their own lab.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.