Accelerating high-priority Alzheimer’s research through scientific partnerships
The William H. Gates Sr. Fellowship from the AD Data Initiative supports exceptional early-career researchers pursuing innovative, data-driven research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
For Cohort III, we are taking a targeted, collaborative approach. Postdoctoral researchers from selected labs and organizations already collaborating with the AD Data Initiative are being invited to apply to advance research aligned with priority scientific initiatives.
Selected Fellows will remain at their home institutions while working with their PI, AD Data Initiative scientific collaborators, and the broader research community to turn shared data resources into meaningful scientific discoveries and outputs.
Applications Due | Program Duration | Research Support | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
October 15, 2026 | 2 years | Up to $100,000 USD | Postdoctoral researchers (or equivalent) from invited labs |
What we're looking for
We are inviting postdoctoral researchers (or equivalent) who can turn collaborative data resources into impactful science.
Important scientific question
Addresses a meaningful question in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with the potential to generate new biological, methodological, or translational insights.
Strategic alignment
Builds upon or meaningfully extends the research, data resources, or scientific initiative connecting the applicant's lab with the AD Data Initiative.
Executable science
Presents a compelling approach with a realistic pathway to meaningful findings and scientific outputs within the two-year fellowship.
Collaborative mindset
Brings the expertise and interest to work across institutions, engage with the broader scientific initiative, and refine the research direction as new findings emerge.
Your research will be co-developed
Your proposal is the starting point.
Cohort III is designed to be a collaborative research program, rather than a traditional research award in which Fellows independently execute a fixed proposal.
Following selection, each Fellow will work with their PI and designated AD Data Initiative scientific collaborators to establish a final research plan.
The team will continue to meet throughout the fellowship to discuss progress and emerging findings. Research plans may evolve as the science develops, creating opportunities to pursue promising findings, incorporate additional analyses or datasets, validate results, or connect the work with related activities across the broader scientific initiative.
The goal: move from a promising proposal to a focused, collaborative research program capable of producing meaningful scientific impact.
Ready to apply?
Cohort III applications are available by invitation only to eligible researchers from selected collaborating labs and organizations.
Prepare your application
CV or resume
Maximum 2 pages, including links to relevant publications.
Research statement
Maximum 5 pages describing:
- The ADRD research question you propose to address
- Your hypothesis and scientific approach
- The human or human-derived data you expect to use
- Proposed analytical methods and tools
- Anticipated activities, milestones, and scientific outputs
- How the proposed work builds upon or advances the broader AD Data Initiative collaboration through which you were invited
Applicant information
Complete the requested profile and eligibility information through the application portal.
PI nomination/support statement
Letter of nomination from sponsoring PI.