Graduate Research Fellowship (FARA)

About this program

Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) offers the Graduate Research Fellowship to support dissertation-focused Ph.D. research aligned with FARA’s Research Priorities, providing up to $50,000 per year for 1–3 years (maximum $150,000) and awarding up to three fellowships annually. Funding may cover the student’s stipend/salary, applicable fringe (including health insurance), and tuition/fees not covered by the institution, and recipients are encouraged to participate in the International Congress for Ataxia Research. Applicants must be the graduate student PI, matriculated and enrolled full-time in a dissertation-required Ph.D. (or equivalent) program at a not-for-profit U.S. or foreign institution, have a chosen thesis adviser at application, and may not hold another fellowship or accept full-time assistantships or internships during the award. Application materials include a research proposal aligned with FARA priorities, a personal statement, a jointly developed mentoring plan and mentor’s letter of support, plus proof of passing the qualifying exam at application or within one year (or, if no exam is required, ≥6 months research in the adviser’s lab and institutional acceptance with adviser confirmation).