Alkermes Pathways Research Awards

The Alkermes Pathways Research Awards program is an initiative by Alkermes to support early-career investigators in the field of neuroscience, particularly those researching serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. This competitive grant opportunity offers individual awards of up to $100,000 to support innovative research projects that aim to advance scientific understanding and improve patient outcomes. In 2025, the scope of the program was expanded to include projects addressing sleep and circadian disturbances associated with these disorders, including conditions such as excessive daytime sleepiness and hypersomnolence. The program welcomes a wide array of research methodologies, including preclinical, clinical, translational, and epidemiological studies. Priority is given to proposals that explore treatment effectiveness, patient-centered outcomes, continuity of care via technology-enabled approaches, and the use of real-world data in clinical and health economic outcomes. Research involving Alkermes products is not mandatory, though any such studies are subject to additional review by Alkermes to address regulatory and safety considerations. Eligible applicants must be within five years of their first academic appointment or currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow, and must hold an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent. They must also be affiliated with a U.S.-based medical or research institution and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or visa holders with valid status for the two-year research period. Additional eligibility criteria include the requirement for a research mentor experienced in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or sleep medicine, and applicants must not have received NIH R01 or DP2 funding by the time of award. Applications are submitted through the Pathways Application Portal and must include several components: a completed application form, a budget form, an NIH biosketch, a mentor support letter, and a letter from a division chief or department head confirming academic appointment or fellowship status. Up to three optional supporting documents may also be submitted. All research must be completed within a two-year period and must comply with applicable regulatory and institutional requirements. Applications will be evaluated by an independent review committee based on the scientific rigor and potential impact of the research, the qualifications and career plans of the applicant, the strength of the mentorship, and the institutional environment. Awards will be publicly announced in the second half of 2026, following a decision notification period in Q2. Funding is disbursed in three stages: upon execution of contractual terms and receipt of necessary approvals, at the mid-project progress reporting stage, and following the final report submission within 60 days of project completion. Results from funded projects are encouraged to be disseminated through publications and presentations at scientific meetings. Final financial reporting and compliance with the Sunshine Act are required. This grant may not overlap with funding from other sources, ensuring the novelty and independence of the proposed work.

Proposals must be scientifically sound, feasible within 2 years, and designed for publication or conference presentation; overhead above thresholds requires justification.