The Bay Area Lyme Foundation Emerging Leader Awards (ELA) recognize innovative researchers advancing new approaches to Lyme disease research. For the 2025 award cycle, the foundation plans to award up to two grants of $150,000 each. These grants aim to fund proof-of-concept projects that demonstrate innovative ideas for improving Lyme disease diagnostics, therapeutics, or other areas of patient care. The awards also encourage new scientific talent to enter the field of Lyme disease research.

To qualify, applicants must be affiliated with a U.S.-based academic or research institution or an equivalent corporate entity. Eligible candidates include individuals at the postdoctoral through associate professor level or their corporate equivalents. Researchers who have not previously worked in Lyme disease are encouraged to apply. Applicants must demonstrate professional and scientific leadership in biological or medical sciences, along with a creative, defined approach to addressing Lyme disease challenges.

Applications must include the following:

A completed application form.
A research proposal with a clear scientific rationale and project objectives.
At least one letter of support from a supervising manager or Principal Investigator.
The foundation’s evaluation process prioritizes proposals with strong potential to generate proof-of-concept results within 12–24 months. Selection criteria include the project’s potential to lead to novel therapies or diagnostics for Lyme disease, the scientific rationale (validated perhaps in other fields), the applicant’s record of project execution, and institutional support. Co-investigators may be included but cannot receive more than 33% of the total grant amount.

The application deadline is March 7, 2025. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that showcase scientific creativity, feasibility, and potential impact. For further information or questions, applicants can contact the Bay Area Lyme Foundation at info@bayarealyme.org or call 650-530-2439.

This opportunity provides significant funding to researchers focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of Lyme disease, with an emphasis on supporting new ideas and emerging leaders in the field.