Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators

The 2026 Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators is offered by the AASM Foundation to support experienced researchers in the field of sleep and circadian science who are at a critical juncture in their funding trajectory. This grant aims to provide essential "bridge" funding to mid-level and senior investigators intending to resubmit a multi-year, investigator-initiated federal grant proposal that was previously reviewed but not funded. The funding allows these researchers to revise and strengthen their applications for future resubmission, helping to maintain their engagement and advancement in the sleep science field. Eligible applicants must hold a professional research degree such as MD, PhD, DO, or equivalent, and must have previously submitted a federal research grant in sleep or circadian science that was peer-reviewed but fell below the fundable pay line. International applicants are welcome, provided their host institutions can accept U.S. dollar funds. However, individuals with two or more large active federal grants, those with financial conflicts of interest, or those affiliated with countries under U.S. sanctions are ineligible. Additional restrictions apply to individuals serving on the AASM or Foundation Boards. The grant provides up to $100,000 for one year, with indirect costs capped at 8%. There are no specific distribution restrictions for the budget, and the funds are disbursed in two parts: 90% upon contract execution and 10% upon final report approval. Deliverables include resubmission of the revised grant, submission of interim and final reports, and dissemination of research results through journal publication and conference presentation. Applications must include the original unfunded grant proposal, peer review critiques, and a resubmission plan. Applications are submitted through the AASM Foundation’s online portal, and a detailed application form must be completed. Required components include a research plan, biosketches for personnel, a budget and justification, and evidence of prior review. A review committee evaluates proposals based on significance, investigator qualifications, scientific approach, and institutional support. Final funding decisions are made by the AASM Foundation Board of Directors. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Awards will be announced by May 22, 2026. This program is not open to new federal grant proposals under different mechanisms but focuses strictly on resubmissions of prior proposals. The grant does not recur automatically, and there is no indication of a recurring application cycle. Applicants must meet all outlined eligibility requirements at the time of both application and planned resubmission.

Emphasize strong resubmission plan and avoid budget/scientific overlap; match aims and outcomes with prior critiques.