Breakthrough T1D Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

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

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