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Berman/Topper HD Career Development Fellowship

Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Funding opportunities for young researchers wishing to study a rare disease like HD can be limited. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) believes we must ensure that the pipeline of passionate and bright HD scientists and clinicians remains full, a vision that is shared by the Berman and Topper families. With that in mind and with their support, HDSA is committed to sponsoring innovative lines of scientific inquiry into HD biology by early post-doctoral researchers with a desire to make HD part of their career plan. The goal of this program is to develop the next generation of passionate and innovative HD scientists.

What is This Project?

A three year grant mechanism to provide support for young scientists to work collaboratively with their mentors and other committed HD health professionals to help develop the fellow into an independent HD leader.
Awards up to $100,000/year ($95,000 salary and research support, plus $5,000 travel/education budget)

Applications

The 2026 HDSA Berman-Topper Fellowship Application is now open.

You may CLICK HERE to download the 2026 Request for Proposals which contains more information about the details and terms of this award from the previous cycle.

AI based application success predictor

HDSA awards are reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of HD experts and family/community representatives. Competitive applications share several hallmarks:

🧠 1. Direct Relevance to Huntington’s Disease

HDSA prioritizes work that clearly advances HD biology, clinical understanding, biomarkers, or interventions specific to HD. Projects must explain why the research is important to HD and not just general neurobiology. hdsa.org

Success tips:

Center proposals on disease mechanisms, human biology, or HD-specific clinical questions.

Make explicit links to patient outcomes or translational pathways.

👩‍🔬 2. Human-Focused, Translational Emphasis

For the HD Human Biology Project, research must involve human samples or data (e.g., patient tissues, biomarkers, clinical phenotypes) and show how findings help interpret HD in patients rather than in animal models alone. hdsa.org

Success tips:

Partner with HD clinics or use clinical cohorts.

Show clinical relevance and meaningful links to patient biology.

📈 3. Innovation & Scientific Rigor

Even small fellowships or summer awards should demonstrate sound study design, clearly defined specific aims, appropriate methods and statistical considerations. Reviewers assess feasibility and the likelihood of generating impactful data.

Success tips:

Articulate hypotheses, milestones, and outcome measures.

Provide a clear experimental plan with feasibility justification.

👩‍🎓 4. Career Commitment & Development Potential

For career awards (e.g., Berman-Topper Fellowships) and human biology grants, reviewers value applicants who show clear commitment to HD research and a trajectory toward independence — especially early-career scientists transitioning to leadership roles. hdsa.org

Success tips:

Highlight relevant publications, technical skills, mentors and institutional support.

Position HD research as central to your long-term career.

📑 5. Clear, Well-Written Proposals

HDSA reviewers — scientists and community representatives — evaluate clarity of goals, rationale, and how success will be judged.

Success tips:

Use NIH-style sections if possible (Specific Aims, Significance, Approach).

Define technical terms and justify design choices.

🤝 6. Patient/Community Engagement (When Applicable)

Though not always required, proposals that show awareness of patient priorities — for instance how the research addresses quality of life or symptom burden — can be more competitive for human biology funding. hdsa.org

Success tips:

Link research questions to unmet clinical needs.

Mention relevance to quality of life or clinical decision-making if appropriate.

🧠 Practical Steps Before Applying

✔ Start early & check deadlines: Some programs use Letters of Intent (LOIs) before full proposals. hdsa.org
✔ Engage mentors or collaborators: Especially for early-career fellowships.
✔ Check eligibility & submission portals: HDSA uses systems like ProposalCentral for LOIs and applications. hdsa.org
✔ Review past funded projects: HDSA often highlights funded studies to guide topic relevance.

📌 Summary: HDSA Funding & Success Checklist

Program	Typical Support	Focus	Success Predictors
HD Human Biology Project	~$90,000/year (1–2 yrs)	Human HD biology	Clinical relevance, human data, translational impact
Berman-Topper Fellowship	~$80,000/yr	Early-career investigator development	Track record, clear HD career plan
Donald A. King Summer Fellowship	~$4,500	Undergraduate research	Clear project plan, mentorship
HD-COPE Engagement	N/A	Patient research engagement	Communication and patient focus

Specialties

Clinical Trials

Pathology

Eligibility Requirements

Applications are welcome from young scientists/clinicians who are interested in a career in Huntington’s disease research or care.
Applicants should be no more than 5 years removed from obtaining their PhD or completing their residency/fellowship.
Applicants cannot have their own laboratory and must identify an individual who will serve as his or her mentor and supervisor.
Open to researchers from around the world.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 505 Eighth Avenue / Suite 1402 New York, NY 10018

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