The Merit Switzer Research Fellowships for Doctoral Dissertation Research, offered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL), provides funding for doctoral candidates to conduct original research on rehabilitation, independent living, and the experiences and outcomes of people with disabilities. This program, managed by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), aims to build research capacity by supporting high-quality, individual researchers, including those with disabilities. Research must address one or more of NIDILRR’s outcome domains: community living and participation, employment, or health and function.

This fellowship is open exclusively to individual doctoral candidates who must provide proof of academic standing at the time of application. The awards are directly granted to individuals rather than institutions, so no institutional indirect costs may be deducted. Non-U.S. citizens must submit documentation confirming their eligibility to receive U.S. government research funding.

NIDILRR anticipates awarding up to five fellowships, with each fellowship offering between $40,000 and $45,000 for a one-year project period. The total program funding is $225,000. Applications must be submitted electronically by January 14, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Additional details and application materials are available through the ACL website, and applicants can contact Linda Vo at the ACL for support.