Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025: Funding for Early-Career Scientists + Webinar on Donor Engagement

Illustrative Image: Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025: Funding for Early-Career Scientists + Webinar on Donor Engagement
Image Source & Credit: Parkinson’s Foundation
Ownership and Usage Policy

Deadline: 22 October 2025

The Parkinson’s Foundation is inviting applications for its prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, designed to support the next generation of researchers who are committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

These two-year fellowships provide early-career scientists with the opportunity to build independence and develop innovative research projects under the guidance of an experienced mentor at leading research institutions. The fellowships are highly competitive and focus on projects that can directly influence both the scientific understanding of Parkinson’s disease and its clinical management.

Fellowship Support

The program offers two levels of support based on applicant background:

• Basic Scientists: $140,000 over two years

  • $65,000 annual salary stipend

  • $5,000 annual research allowance

• Clinical Neurologists: $160,000 over two years

  • $75,000 annual salary stipend

  • $5,000 annual research allowance

The research allowance may be used for professional development, including books, training courses, travel, or equipment. Fellows may also allocate up to $2,500 annually toward out-of-pocket health insurance premiums with prior approval. Salary supplements from mentors to align with institutional or NIH NRSA levels are allowed but not required.

Eligibility

• Basic Scientists: Within 5 years of completing a Ph.D. by the start date

• Clinical Neurologists: Within 3 years of completing residency by the start date

• Formal leave (maternity/paternity/family care/military/sick leave) may extend eligibility by up to 2 years

• Open to both U.S. and international applicants

• Applicants must devote 80% of their effort to the fellowship project and cannot hold overlapping awards

• Only one fellowship will be awarded per lab and institution each year

The Foundation strongly encourages applications from individuals from historically underrepresented groups in science, including those marginalized due to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or economic disadvantage.

Application Process

1. Letter of Intent (LOI) – reviewed internally and externally

2. Full Proposal (by invitation only) – assessed on:

   • Scientific merit

   • Innovation and impact

   • Applicant’s qualifications

   • Alignment with the Foundation’s mission

Final decisions will be announced in June 2026, with funding beginning August 1, 2026.

For detailed guidelines and application instructions, please visit the Parkinson’s Foundation website.

Upcoming Webinar: Using Video to Engage Donors 🎥

Date & Time: Thursday, 18 September 2025 | 8:30 AM GMT

Alongside this fellowship announcement, the Parkinson’s Foundation also highlights the importance of effective science communication and donor engagement. One way organizations can achieve this is through the strategic use of video.

This live webinar will provide NGOs and research organizations with practical strategies to:

• Showcase projects through compelling storytelling

• Build trust and emotional connections with donors

• Increase fundraising success with cost-effective video tools

By mastering video communication, NGOs can humanize their work, attract long-term support, and strengthen donor relationships in ways that written reports or data alone cannot achieve.

🔹 Key Takeaway: The Parkinson’s Foundation is not only investing in the future of Parkinson’s research through its fellowship program but also in the communication skills that help organizations thrive. Together, these initiatives aim to foster scientific excellence while ensuring research and community impact are effectively shared with the world.

For more information, visit Parkinson’s Foundation.