Research Grants

About this program

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) offers one-year research grants up to $100,000 (including up to 10% indirect costs) to support MD, MD/PhD, or PhD investigators conducting Parkinson’s disease research across the pipeline, with disbursements planned in January, June, and December 2027. The 2027 cycle includes a special topic on Molecular Mechanisms of Environmental Toxicity in Parkinson’s Disease, prioritizing studies of gene–environment interactions, convergent molecular pathways, and PD-specific neurodegeneration; special-topic proposals must use well-justified exposure models (realistic dose, route, exposure periods), provide in vitro dose-to-brain concentration rationale, and include cellular/mechanistic PD-relevant endpoints. Applicants must be U.S.-based research scientists, submit an NIH biosketch, submit a Letter of Intent by January 30, 2026 (LOI opens November 28, 2025), and—if invited on March 20, 2026—submit a full application by June 5, 2026 for awards commencing January 1, 2027. Funding excludes travel, caps publication costs at $1,200 and equipment at $10,000, allows up to one consecutive-year renewal with prior-reporting requirements for the same subject, and inquiries may be directed to Dr. Elvin Yao (eyao@apdaparkinson.org).