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Breakthrough T1D Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

  • Writer: Omran Aburayya
    Omran Aburayya
  • May 13
  • 3 min read

If you're a promising researcher passionate about accelerating progress in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) science, the Breakthrough T1D Postdoctoral Fellowships (formerly JDRF) are now open for applications. These fellowships provide vital funding support to early-career scientists pursuing innovative postdoctoral research projects aligned with T1D cures, prevention, and treatments. The opportunity is a stepping stone for researchers aspiring to build a career in T1D-focused science and translate breakthroughs from the lab into real-world impact.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

  • Location: Worldwide (host institutions must be qualified research institutions)

  • Host Institution: Applicant’s institution (universities, hospitals, or research centers)

  • Academic Level: Postdoctoral research

  • Target Group: Early-career scientists (PhDs, MDs, or equivalent)

  • Fields of Study: Type 1 Diabetes research (prevention, treatment, and cures)

  • Value and Coverage:

    • Annual salary up to $65,000 USD

    • Annual fringe benefits up to $19,500 USD

    • Research allowance: $20,000/year

  • Duration: Up to 3 years (2 years with a possible 1-year extension)

  • Application Deadline: July 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET

  • Start Date: FY2026 (after review and approval)

  • Eligible to: Postdoctoral researchers with no more than 3 years of training at the time of activation

📚 Fellowship Overview

The Breakthrough T1D Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is designed to identify and nurture talented scientists committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. The fellowships provide financial support and mentorship to enable innovative research aligned with the organization’s mission to improve lives and find a cure.


Key Objectives:

  • Develop the next generation of T1D research leaders.

  • Support high-impact projects addressing critical knowledge gaps in T1D science.

  • Encourage career development in T1D-focused translational and clinical research.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

  • Stipend and Benefits:

    • Up to $65,000/year for salary

    • Up to $19,500/year in fringe benefits (health insurance, etc.)

    • $20,000/year research allowance for supplies, travel, publication, and related expenses

  • Duration: Up to three years total (initial 2-year award, with a 1-year extension possible upon review)

  • Institutional Support:

    • Host institutions are expected to provide appropriate research facilities, mentorship, and oversight.

  • Mentorship: Applicants must have a committed primary mentor with a track record in T1D research.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Hold an MD, PhD, DVM, or equivalent degree.

  • Have no more than 3 years of full-time postdoctoral research experience at the time of fellowship activation.

  • Be pursuing T1D-related research at a qualified host institution.

  • Be supported by a primary mentor with experience in diabetes-related research.

  • Be non-tenured and not have held a similar career development award.


⚠️ Note: International applicants are eligible. However, host institutions must be capable of administering the funds.

📝 Application Procedure

  1. Letter of Intent (LOI) – Mandatory before full application (due early June 2025) [Apply Here]

  2. Full Application (by invitation) – Includes:

    • Research Proposal

    • Career Development Plan

    • Biosketches (applicant and mentor)

    • Letters of Support

    • Institutional Approval

    • Budget Justification


🗓️Key Dates

  • LOI Deadline: June 6, 2025

  • Full Application Deadline: July 25, 2025, 5:00 PM ET

  • Peer Review Period: Fall 2025

  • Award Notification: Early 2026

  • Funding Start Date: Between February–June 2026 (flexible)


ℹ️ Additional Information

  • Applicants are highly encouraged to align their research with Breakthrough T1D’s Research Priorities, including but not limited to:

    • Beta cell replacement and regeneration

    • Immune therapies for disease modification

    • Glucose control technologies and therapies

    • Prevention strategies in high-risk populations

  • The fellowship is non-renewable beyond 3 years.


📬 Contact: For technical or eligibility inquiries, reach out to research@BreakthroughT1D.org.


📂 Resources


🔗 OFFICIAL LINK


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