First Fellowship

About this program

Neurological Foundation’s First Fellowship provides personal support for outstanding early-career researchers to complete a first postdoctoral fellowship in neurological research at New Zealand institutions, funding two years’ equivalent of salary and associated costs plus NZ$20,000 research expenses and eligibility to apply post-award for travel grants up to NZ$4,500. Awards support NZ-based postdoctoral neurological research for up to a maximum term of 2.5 years when taken at 80% FTE per year (research FTE may be spread over more than two years provided each year is at least 80% and total FTE does not exceed 200%). Applicants must have submitted or been awarded a PhD within two years of the closing date (extensions considered for significant career interruptions such as parental leave), be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents or have completed/are completing a New Zealand PhD, must not have previously held another fellowship, and mentors may only be named on one First Fellowship application per round except in minor roles. Applications are submitted via the Neurological Foundation Grants Management System with Host Institution review and final submission; fellowships are offered twice yearly with deadlines of 18 March (Round A) and 18 August (Round B).