Request for applications: 2026 AHA Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships
April 2, 2025
The American Heart Association (AHA), in partnership with Autism Speaks, is announcing our 2026 Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships. This joint initiative supports research at the intersection of autism, cardiovascular health and brain health.
The 2026 AHA Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships include a $40,000/year award (or $80,000/2 years) for predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers whose work can help close critical knowledge gaps and improve health equity for autistic people.
2026 Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships
These fellowships are part of a research program to address the growing body of evidence that autistic people face increased risks for cardiometabolic and cerebrovascular conditions. Recent studies show that people with autism are significantly more likely to experience heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, yet major gaps remain in both research and care.
“Autistic people face higher risks for conditions like heart disease and stroke—but we still don’t fully understand why,” said Andy Shih, Ph.D., chief science officer at Autism Speaks. “This research is essential not just to fill knowledge gaps, but to ensure that these individuals receive the same high-quality care as everyone else.”
Anticipated grant timeline
- Applications open: July 1, 2025
- Submission deadline: Early September 2025
- Award notification: December 2025
- Award start date: January 1, 2026
Eligibility criteria
For Predoctoral Fellowship
At the time of application, the applicant must be:
- enrolled in a post-baccalaureate PhD, MD, DO, DVM, PharmD, DDS, DrPH or PhD in nursing, public health or equivalent clinical health science degree.
- a full-time student working towards his/her degree.
- At the time of award activation, the candidate must have completed initial coursework and be at the stage of the program where they can devote full-time effort to research or activities related to the development into an independent researcher or a related career aimed at improving global cardiovascular health.
View the Predoctoral Fellowship RFA.
For Postdoctoral Fellowship
At the time of award activation, the applicant:
- must hold a post-baccalaureate PhD degree or equivalent, or a doctoral-level clinical degree such as MD, DO, DVM, PharMD, DDS, DPh, or PhD in nursing, public health or other clinical health science.
- may not be pursuing a doctoral degree.
- may have no more than five years of research training or experience since obtaining a post-baccalaureate doctoral-level degree (excluding clinical training).
- The awardee will be expected to devote at least 80% of full-time work either to research or to activities pursuant to independent research.
- This award is not intended for individuals of faculty rank.
View the Postdoctoral Fellowship RFA.
For all applicants
- Applicants must be AHA Professional Members at the time of submission.
- Proposals are to be submitted via the AHA’s ProposalCentral platform.
- Applicants are not required to reside in the United States; however, awards are limited to U.S.-based non-profit institutions.
- Three letters of reference are required.
- Fellows must receive counsel and direction from a mentor who is an established investigator interested in the progress of the project.
