Overview
Download Full RFA PDF: Click Here
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
Award Notification: By July 18, 2025
The Fixel Institute’s Early Researcher Catalyst Awards are designed to provide protected time and structured mentorship to promising early-career investigators pursuing impactful clinical and translational neuroscience. This award invests in people — not just projects — and seeks to accelerate careers focused on Fixel’s mission.
Eligibility
- Instructors or Assistant Professors within the first 5 years of appointment at UF (Gainesville, Jacksonville, or Scripps)
- Applicants must be official Fixel Institute members.
- Clinician-researchers or translational scientists focused on:
- ALS and other related neuromuscular disorders
- Alzheimer’s, dementia and other related memory disorders
- Concussion and other types of traumatic brain injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s, dystonia and other related movement disorders
- Must hold an M.D., D.O., or Ph.D.
- Must propose a project involving human clinical research or translational work
Basic science-only projects and equipment requests are not eligible.
Award & Budget
- Salary support: 0.1–0.3 FTE plus fringe for the awardee, only
- Professional development funds: Up to $2,500/year for travel or training
- Not allowable: Major equipment, computers, consumable supplies
Mentorship Requirement
Each applicant must name a mentor who will:
- Meet at least 4 hours/month
- Guide research, manuscripts, and career development
- Assist with grant writing
- Submit a support letter outlining the mentorship plan
Application Requirements
- 2-page proposal including:
- Specific Aims
- Background & Significance
- Project Description
- Milestones (e.g., IRB approval, recruitment, publications, new grant submissions)
- Feasibility & Timeline
- Outcomes & Long-Term Vision
- Budget Request (FTE + training funds)
- NIH Biosketch for both the applicant and the mentor
- Mentor Letter of Support
- Funding DeptID Please provide a DeptID for funding transfers once awarded (include fiscal contact)
Publications
Dissemination of the results developed under this award are encouraged to be made publicly available and published in scholarly journals. All publications shall acknowledge that “Support was provided by the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases” and must be in PMCID compliance where applicable.
Download Full RFA PDF: Click Here
Fixel Institute Early Researcher Catalyst Award
Ready to Apply for the Catalyst Award?
Submit your application and required materials for the Fixel Early Researcher Catalyst Award by June 20, 2025. Only Fixel members are eligible to apply.
Additional Notes
- K-series awardees are not eligible
- Bridge applicants (between K and R01) are eligible
- Clinician-researchers not pursuing R01s may apply if they outline a path toward scholarly contributions and key personnel roles
Questions?
For additional information or guidance, contact:
Fixel-Institute@ufl.edu