McKnight Scholar Awards

Support for early independent neuroscientists addressing significant questions about the brain, including basic research with potential clinical translation. Up to ten awards provide USD 225,000 over three years from 1 June 2027, paid as USD 75,000 annually. Research expenses are supported; indirect costs are excluded. Applications are due 3 November 2026 at 17:00 Central time; reference letters are due 24 November. The application includes a research proposal, diversity and inclusion statement, CV, other-support information, publication links and three references.

Independent, untenured Assistant Professors or equivalent at US nonprofit research institutions, with less than five years at that rank by the deadline; the funder lists 1 December 2021 as the earliest starting date and allows family-leave exceptions. An official appointment is required when submitting. Non-tenure-track Instructor, Research Assistant Professor and Adjunct titles are excluded. Equivalent titles require institutional confirmation of independence. At most two competition rounds; no existing McKnight Endowment award or concurrent Brain Disorders application.