Emerging Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award, administered by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, is designed to support innovative scientific research in Lyme disease and other tickborne pathogens. This initiative reflects the foundation’s mission to make Lyme disease easier to diagnose and simpler to cure. Since its inception, the program has attracted a diverse group of emerging researchers across disciplines who propose novel ideas with the potential to transform diagnostics, therapeutics, and overall disease management. The foundation has a strong history of funding high-impact, early-stage research projects, and the Emerging Leader Award (ELA) continues this tradition by targeting aspiring scientists in the early to mid-stages of their careers. For the 2026 cycle, two grants of $150,000 each will be awarded. One grant will focus exclusively on Lyme disease, while the newly introduced Tickborne Pathogen Award will support research on any other tickborne infections within the U.S., with preference for bacterial or parasitic pathogens. Projects may be standalone or integrated with Lyme disease research. The objective is to generate proof-of-concept results within 12 to 24 months. These awards are tailored to researchers affiliated with academic institutions or corporate equivalents and span the career levels from post-doctoral to associate professor or equivalent. Applicants must demonstrate leadership in biomedical sciences, a clear and creative approach to diagnostics or therapeutics, and a strong scientific rationale for the proposed research. Submissions should include an application form, a research proposal not exceeding ten pages (excluding biosketch and reference letters), a detailed budget, a timeline, and a letter of support from a supervisor or principal investigator. Projects utilizing resources such as the Lyme Disease Biobank are encouraged but not required. The proposal will be evaluated on its potential to yield novel diagnostics or therapies, the robustness of the scientific rationale (including validation in adjacent fields if applicable), the track record of the applicant, and institutional support. Co-investigators may be included, though their share of the grant must not exceed 33%. The application deadline is February 15, 2026, and awardees will be announced at LymeAid in May 2026. The expected project start date is July or August 2026. For inquiries or additional information, applicants are encouraged to contact the Research Grant Director at award@bayarealyme.org or by phone at 650.530.2439. This grant is awarded annually, offering ongoing opportunities for new applicants and future research cycles.

Preference for proposals focused on diagnostics or therapies; high weight on professional/scientific leadership; strong institutional support