Launching the Next Generation of Child Health Researchers
The Gerber Emerging Investigator Award supports promising investigators in the early stages of their research careers. The award provides funding and mentorship opportunities to help emerging researchers conduct a first mentored pediatric research project, generate preliminary data, and build the skills and experience needed for a sustained career in child health research.
The Foundation recognizes that research careers take many forms. Success may include future research funding, scientific publications, clinical leadership, implementation of evidence-based practices, or other contributions that improve the lives of infants and children.
Award Highlights
- Supports mentored pediatric research projects
- Open to trainees and early-stage investigators
- Requires mentor and institutional support
- Emphasizes career development and research independence
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Research focus: Proposed research must focus on infants and young children from pre-birth through age three and align with the Foundation’s pediatric research priorities.
- US.-based: The applying organization and proposed research must be based in the United States.
- Eligible organization: The applying organization must be recognized as tax-exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and classified as other than a private foundation under IRC Section 509. Eligible public governmental institutions, including universities, may also apply.
- Institutional applicant: Grants are made to eligible organizations, not to individuals.
- Emerging investigator status: The Principal Investigator must be in the early stages of developing an independent research career.
- Prior funding: The Principal Investigator may not have previously received an NIH K- or R-series award (with the exception of a K12 award through an institution)
- Mentorship: The Principal Investigator must have an identified, qualified research mentor who will provide active mentorship throughout the project.
- Project leadership: The Emerging Investigator must serve as the Principal Investigator and have a substantive intellectual and leadership role in the proposed research.