The HESP accepts applications from emerging scientists pursuing careers as independent investigators with a commitment to Alzheimer’s disease research. Each cohort is comprised of scholars at different career stages from institutions across the United States.
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted during an eight-week period beginning in late January or early February each year. Applications undergo a rigorous external review process using an NIH-style scoring rubric. All applicants are notified of their application status in September, prior to the program start date.
Before Applying
Interested applicants should review the Eligibility Criteria, the Application Materials Checklist, and the Application Document Guidelines below to ensure all application components meet the outlined requirements.
We also encourage applicants to check with their institutions, as some may require institutional approval prior to submission.
Note: Applicants may only apply to one program track—ADNI or HABS-HD. Both programs offer identical training and resources; therefore, selection should be based on which dataset best aligns with the applicant’s research interests.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Application Materials Checklist
- Application Document Guidelines
- Project Period Dates
Eligibility Criteria
Please review the eligibility criteria below and consult our FAQ page for additional information.
Career Level
Applicants must be students at, or employed by, an institution, medical center, or research facility in the United States and must fall into one of the following categories:
- Early Career Faculty or Research Scientist (within 10 years of obtaining a doctorate-level degree)
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Graduate/Medical/Professional Student (actively pursuing a doctorate-level degree)
Commitment
Participation in the HESP requires:
- A two-year commitment to complete all required training
- At least 50% full-time effort (FTE) dedicated to:
- Conducting the proposed research project
- Completing the required career development training
- Attending all HESP-related activities
Program admission is contingent upon receipt of an institutional agreement letter confirming this commitment.
Primary Mentor
Each applicant must identify a pre-selected primary mentor at their home institution. The primary mentor will work closely with the applicant throughout the program and provide guidance tailored to the applicant’s research and career development goals.
Important: A primary mentor can only sponsor one HESP scholar at a time.
Application Materials Checklist
Please review the list of required application materials below:
- NIH Biosketch (Applicant)
- NIH Biosketch (Mentor[s])
- Career Development Plan (2-page limit*)
- Research Plan (3-page limit*)
- Scope of Work
- Letter of Support (from the Primary Mentor)
- Institutional Commitment Letter (downloadable template required)
- Budget (downloadable template required)
- Budget Justification (downloadable template optionable)
- Transcripts (Graduate Students Only)
*Citations do not count in the page limits
Application Document Guidelines
The NIH website provides comprehensive guidance on preparing grant applications and is a valuable resource when planning and organizing application materials. Strong applications are specific, use clear and measurable benchmarks for success, and demonstrate synergy across all application components. Detailed guidance for each required document is provided below.
NIH Biosketch
An NIH Biosketch is a standardized document required for many NIH grant applications. It provides a summary of an applicant’s qualifications, experience, and contributions to science. Interested applicants should refer to the NIH website for current formatting requirements and guidelines. The NIH recommends using SciENcv, an online tool that simplifies biosketch creation and ensures compliance.
A biosketch must be submitted for both the applicant and all listed mentors.
Career Development Plan
The Career Development Plan should clearly articulate the applicant’s training goals and outline a structured plan for achieving scientific independence. Benchmarks and measurable indicators of success should be clearly defined within the 2-page limit.
Research Plan
Competitive research plans are relevant to the applicant’s career goals, demonstrate novelty, and are achievable within the program period. The Research Plan must not exceed three pages in length and must include:
- Specific Aims (first half-page)
- Research Strategy (remaining pages)
Important: Depending on the selected program track, the ADNI or HABS-HD dataset must be incorporated into at least one Specific Aim.
Helpful resources to consider:
- ADNI Data Dictionary Search
- HABS-HD Data Dictionaries
- NIH RePORTER – searchable database of NIH-funded research projects
Scope of Work
The Scope of Work should describe the applicant’s role and activities over the two-year training period. It must include:
- A detailed breakdown of tasks and responsibilities for all key personnel
- Major deliverables, milestones, and timelines for each
- Any special requirements necessary to complete the work (e., travel, specific equipment, supplies, or training needs)
Letter of Support
A letter of support must be provided by the applicant’s primary mentor. The letter must be on institutional letterhead and should demonstrate the mentor’s commitment to supporting the applicant’s research and career development. If multiple mentors are listed, only one letter is required.
Institutional Commitment Letter
The institutional commitment letter must demonstrate the institution’s support for the applicant and their proposed research. It may include available resources, protected time for the applicant to complete the project, and overall endorsement of the applicant’s participation in the program.
Applicants must use the linked Institutional Commitment Letter Template and ensure it meets the following requirements:
- Must be on official institutional letterhead
- Confirms the applicant can dedicate at least 50% full-time effort (FTE) to the HESP proposal, career development, and HESP-related activities
- Acknowledges the applicant’s institutional Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate, total direct and indirect costs, and the total award amount
- The letter must be signed by an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) with institutional signing authority, and the applicant’s Primary Mentor
Budget
A detailed budget outlining relevant costs to perform the proposed research and training is required for the first year. Although the program is a two-year commitment, funding in the second year is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the program, adequate progress on the outlined research project, and availability of funding. Therefore, a budget and justification for the second year would not be requested until the following year.
Applicants must use the downloadable HESP Budget Template and enter information only in the designated blue fields without modifying any pre-populated formulas.
Budgets must:
- Identify all key personnel, salaries, travel, and other direct costs that are necessary to complete the work in the proposal
- Ensure all line items comply with their institutional purchasing policies and the NIH Cost Allowability Guidelines.
- Include the institutional Indirect Cost (IDC) rate, also known as the F&A rate.
- Allocate up to $3,000 (from the total requested cost) in the “Travel” section to cover anticipated travel expenses to attend the annual meeting associated with the applicant’s program track (either ADNI or HABS-HD), and another scientific meeting of the applicant’s choice. Attendance at the annual meeting is mandatory for all scholars.
- Not exceed the following total requested costs:
- Early Career Faculty/Research Scientists: $98,000
- Postdoctoral Fellows: $73,000
- Graduate/Medical Students: $48,000
- Use the appropriate project period dates depending on which program track is selected:
- ADNI: 8/1/2026 – 7/31/2027
- HABS-HD: 9/1/2026 – 8/31/2027
Budget Justification
A budget justification must be submitted to explain how each budget line item supports the objectives of the proposal.
Applicants may download the Budget Justification Template provided or use an institutional equivalent. The justification must include total direct and indirect costs, and total requested costs.
Transcripts
Graduate-level students must submit their transcripts at the separate secure link provided at the top of the page.
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Document Format Requirements
All application materials must align with the specified guidelines below:
- Single-spaced
- 8.5×11” pages with 0.5” margins
- Fonts: Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman
- Font size: 11 or 12
Project Period Dates
Applicants should use the following project period dates when filling out their application materials.
ADNI: 8/1/2026 – 7/31/2027
HABS-HD: 9/1/2026 – 8/31/2027