MIDB Seed Grant Program

Request for Proposals

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is pleased to announce its annual seed grant competition. Two award mechanisms will be supported in the current year: one for graduate students/trainees/fellows and one for faculty. We welcome proposals that represent the full breadth of MIDB researcher interests in neurobehavioral development – from basic science to clinical and translational research, to intervention studies and implementation science. Human clinical, cognitive, behavioral, or affective scientific studies are encouraged as are preclinical studies that contribute to our understanding of the developing brain. Work that has clinical implications and/or includes community partners is encouraged. We are committed to a varied and multidisciplinary research portfolio that advances brain health through innovative, evidence-based research. See the full call for proposals below for detailed information and requirements.

MIDB Seed Grant call for proposals FY27

Important Dates

  • Letters of intent due: April 24, 2026
  • Full proposals (if invited) due: June 19, 2026

Submission Information

All applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject heading: "MIDB seed grant application attached."

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Brie Katterjohn, MIDB Research Administrative Associate, at [email protected].

Explore the innovative projects and researchers funded in our most recent cycle

Expand all

MIDB Trainee Awards

These awards support graduate students and postdoctoral trainees (including medical residents and fellows) pursuing training in child development, psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, or a related discipline.

  • Funding: Up to $20,000.
  • Scope: Human/clinical and preclinical studies consistent with the mission of MIDB.
  • Requirement: Applicants must indicate an advisor/mentor; the primary or co-mentor must be an active MIDB member.
  • Duration: 1 or 2 years.

For more details on support services, please review the MIDB Resources for Trainee Seed Grants document.

MIDB Interdisciplinary Faculty Research Awards

These grants encourage exploratory/developmental research by providing support for early stages of project development that could lead to subsequent externally funded projects (e.g., NIH R21 or R01 grants).

  • Funding: Up to $100,000 ($50,000 per year).
  • Scope: Exploratory research involving faculty or scientific personnel from at least two departmental units, divisions, or schools.
  • Requirement: Projects must utilize the services of at least two MIDB research hubs; at least one faculty PI must be an active MIDB member.
  • Duration: 2 years.