MCW Post-Doctoral Researcher Seed Grants

The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW), a major health philanthropy based at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), offers the MCW Post-Doctoral Researcher Seed Grants to support innovative research initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and advancing health equity across Wisconsin. AHW focuses on accelerating impactful research and community-informed solutions that address the state’s most pressing health challenges. This funding opportunity is specifically designed to cultivate the next generation of health researchers by providing early-career post-doctoral scholars with resources to explore novel ideas under the mentorship of experienced MCW faculty. The primary purpose of this grant program is to enable MCW post-doctoral researchers to test innovative research concepts that can contribute to long-term improvements in health and health equity. Projects are expected to align with AHW’s Health-Focused Research priorities, which include basic, clinical, and population health research addressing key health issues affecting Wisconsin residents. The program emphasizes building a strong foundation for future independent research careers, with successful projects positioned to scale, replicate, or lead to further funding opportunities. Funding is provided for project-specific expenses only, with applicants eligible to request up to 50000 dollars for a project period of up to 12 months. The funding supports direct costs such as personnel salaries, supplies, and travel directly related to the research. However, funds cannot be used for indirect costs, general operational expenses, debt reduction, lobbying, or projects conducted outside Wisconsin. Additionally, AHW strictly enforces a non-supplanting policy, requiring applicants to certify that grant funds will not replace existing funding sources. Eligibility is limited to MCW post-doctoral researchers who hold full-time positions at the institution and remain in their role throughout the project period. Each application must include an MCW faculty supervisor serving as a co-investigator, who provides mentorship and contributes effort to the project through cost-sharing. Additional collaborators and co-investigators may be included but are optional. The program allows only one award per post-doctoral researcher during their tenure at MCW, emphasizing equitable access to funding opportunities. The application process is conducted through an online submission system and requires several components, including a detailed narrative, budget workbook, budget justification, letters of support, and non-supplanting attestations. Applicants are encouraged to engage with AHW through consultations and draft reviews prior to submission. The narrative must clearly articulate the research need, methodology, expected outcomes, and career development impact. Applications undergo a multi-stage review process, including technical, merit, programmatic, and advisory committee evaluations, with criteria focusing on innovation, feasibility, impact, and alignment with AHW priorities. Key deadlines include a required draft submission for feedback by July 20, 2026, and a final application deadline of August 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Following submission, required electronic signatures must be completed within three business days. Funding decisions are expected in October 2026, with projects commencing on January 1, 2027. While the program appears to be offered periodically, applicants should verify recurrence in future cycles. For more details, applicants can refer to the official program materials

Focus on clearly defining a Wisconsin health need with strong evidence; ensure project is distinct from existing work; demonstrate career development impact; align tightly with AHW priorities