The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the National Institute on Aging (NIA), has announced a funding opportunity for the *NIA Postdoctoral Fellowship Award to Promote Diversity in Translational Research for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)*. This initiative aims to support postdoctoral scientists from diverse backgrounds in building essential skills for translational research focused on AD/ADRD. The program emphasizes developing expertise in data science and drug discovery while encouraging applications from groups underrepresented in biomedical research. This fellowship is structured to foster future independent researchers by providing intensive mentorship and targeted research experiences.

The goal of this fellowship is to enhance diversity within the translational research workforce tackling AD/ADRD by equipping participants with critical skills for research that spans various domains. Fellows will engage in projects involving bioinformatics, behavioral studies, data science, and drug discovery to advance treatments, diagnostics, and preventive strategies. While the award does not allow for independent clinical trials, fellows may gain clinical trial experience under the supervision of a sponsor. The research topics supported include interventions for dementia care, digital technologies for monitoring cognitive health, cross-national research using harmonized data, and large-scale data analysis to uncover disease markers.

This fellowship offers up to three years of support for postdoctoral candidates, including stipends, tuition assistance, and institutional allowances for research-related costs. The NIA expects to fund around five awards in the initial year, with funding levels subject to annual appropriations and the availability of meritorious applications. Stipend levels and other financial allowances are determined according to NIH policies, and detailed award budgets are available through the NIH’s training resources. Applicants should work closely with their institutions to ensure they meet all registration and submission requirements.

Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents holding advanced doctoral degrees (such as PhD, MD, or equivalent) from accredited institutions. The program seeks applications from individuals committed to enhancing diversity in the scientific community, including those from minority-serving institutions or other backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research. Applicants must identify a primary sponsor and, if applicable, additional co-sponsors, who will guide their research. Participating institutions must demonstrate the necessary resources and commitment to training in the proposed field of study.

Applications must follow NIH submission guidelines via the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional systems. A diversity statement detailing the applicant's efforts toward fostering diversity in biomedical research is required. Applications that do not comply with submission instructions or lack required documents, such as institutional certification letters, may be disqualified from review. The program does not require cost sharing and is not subject to intergovernmental review under Executive Order 12372.

The review process will evaluate each applicant’s potential for independent research, the quality of the research training plan, and the alignment of the project with NIA priorities. Candidates' commitment to diversity and the qualifications of their mentors will also factor into funding decisions. Awardees will be expected to adhere to NIH policies and may need to complete annual progress reports. The earliest award start dates will follow standard NIH timelines, and applications are subject to the NIH peer review system.

This fellowship represents an essential part of NIH’s efforts to promote diversity and expand expertise in AD/ADRD research. Through comprehensive mentorship and focused research opportunities, the program aims to build a skilled workforce capable of advancing translational research and improving the care and treatment of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and related conditions.