2026 Early Career Award – OPEN

NAAF’s Early Career Award seeks to support junior investigators entering the alopecia areata research space with funds to support critical research questions. The goals of the program are to support individuals early in their career, to encourage interest and commitment to alopecia areata as a research focus, and to bring new voices and ideas to the alopecia areata research community. Applications related to all aspects of alopecia areata are strongly encouraged, including basic science, translational research, technology, epidemiology, health services, and clinical research. Previously funded projects are listed here.

Investigators with innovative research ideas are encouraged to apply.  Priority consideration will be given to individuals who have not received NAAF grant funding in the past and to proposals that address one or more of the following areas of interest:

• Development of patient-reported outcome measures specific to AA
• Basic science research to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of AA, including investigations of pathways/targets that could lead to new therapies, and development/ characterization of new animal models
• Secondary analysis of NIH’s All of Us data set
• Comorbid diseases: Impact and treatment considerations/ strategies
• Investigations to improve understanding of disease triggers
• Advances in treatment or tools for treatment decision-making by patients and families
• Elucidation of the burden of alopecia areata on patients and families, including the psychosocial impact

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold the degree of MD, DO, and/or PhD (or equivalent) and be eligible to apply for grants under the guidelines of their host institution.
• Eligible applicants may not have current or previous NIH R series funding as PI or Co-PI on an alopecia areata-focused project.
• Priority consideration will be given to individuals who have not received NAAF grant funding in the past.
• Investigators and institutions throughout the world are welcome to apply.
• Evidence of IRB or IACUC (or equivalent) approval is required as applicable.

Awards
The Early Career Award is a 2-year, non-renewable award with an expected start date of 1/15/27.  Applicants may request up to $150,000 ($75,000 per year over two years.) Applicants may request direct costs only. Indirect costs are not allowed on NAAF grants.

How to apply
NEW this year: Applications will be submitted via Proposal Central. Application link will be available soon.

Important Dates

Application deadline:                11:59 PM PT, Thursday, September 17, 2026
Award announcement:             anticipated on or before December 31, 2026
Earliest start date:                     January 15, 2027

Questions?? Email Lisa Anderson, PhD, Vice President of Research and Education, for additional information or with any questions on the NAAF Early Career Award application or review process.

View the RFP