2026 New Investigator Award Call

The Diabetes Research Center (DRC) is soliciting applications for a New Investigator Award, which is intended to develop new research in the area of diabetes and its complications at the University of Washington.

Purpose:  The New Investigator Award is supported by contributions to the UW School of Medicine in support of research in diabetes and its complications. Its purpose is to foster development of new diabetes investigators, particularly junior faculty, at the University of Washington (UW).

Eligibility:  New or established UW faculty who wish to develop a research program related to diabetes.

Applicants who identify as underrepresented minorities and/or are proposing research related to underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

Note:
(1) Funding priority will be assigned to meritorious applications from junior faculty that have not previously been in receipt of major peer-reviewed funding.
(2) Applicants must have full-time faculty appointments at the commencement of the award and be independent investigators.

Support:  Applicants may request up to $25,000 per year for one or two years. Approval for a second year will depend upon demonstration of satisfactory progress and availability of funds. The award can be used for principal investigator salary, technical support and research expenses. Salary support for postdoctoral fellows or graduate students is not allowed. Funding begins July 1, 2026.

Application:  Prospective applicants must submit a mandatory letter of intent (LOI) that summarizes pertinent information needed to assess eligibility. Please download the 2026 New Investigator Letter of Intent Form and Reviewer Nomination Form. LOIs submitted in other formats will not be accepted.  Click here to download a copy of these instructions.

LOIs and reviewer nomination forms are due by January 9, 2026 and are to be uploaded below.

Eligible applicants will be given detailed instructions regarding the application process. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their research plans with Dr. Sakeneh Zraika (Director, P&F Programs) prior to submission.  Applications require approval by the applicant’s departmental chairperson or division head.  Approvals for human subjects, animal use and/or biohazards must be obtained prior to initiation of funding but are not required for submitting the application.

Deadline:  Applications are due by February 27, 2026

Contacts: