The AST Research Network Early Faculty Development Research Grant supports early-career investigators within five years of their first faculty appointment who are conducting research in solid organ transplantation or transplant immunology. The grant helps expand preliminary research findings into independent studies that can lead to larger national funding opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Applicant must hold an MD, PhD, DO, PharmD, DVM, or equivalent degree.
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Must have an academic appointment at an accredited institution and be within five years of first faculty appointment by December 1, 2025.
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Must have institutional support ensuring protected research time (minimum 50% for basic/translational and 25% for clinical research).
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Must be an active AST member (or have submitted a membership application by the deadline).
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Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, or lawfully residing in one of these countries during the award period.
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Applicants cannot hold an NIH R01, VA Merit, or comparable non-mentored award.
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Research must be conducted in a North American research setting.
Funding Details:
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Amount: 75,000 USD for one year.
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Focus areas: Basic, translational, or clinical science related to solid organ transplantation.
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Funds may be used for the recipient’s salary, research personnel, and project costs.
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Travel, capital equipment, and institutional overhead are not eligible expenses.
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Research must begin July 1, 2026 and cannot be deferred.
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Recipients are recognized at the 2026 American Transplant Congress (June 20–24, Boston, MA).
Deadline:
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Application deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PST)
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Award notification: March 2026
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Research start date: July 1, 2026
Where To Go For Further Information:
- Program details.
- For eligibility questions: [email protected]