Funding neuroscience research at Duke and beyond

2025-26 Request for Applications

This year, the Foundation will review applications for the Broad Research Award for Graduate Students, the Fellowship Award for Postdoctoral Fellows, and the Human Brain Models Research Award at Duke.

Applications are due by midnight on February 1, 2026.

The Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation, Inc., a support corporation of Duke University, funds research in the neurosciences with a specific focus on investigation that may advance the knowledge or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Pilot studies that can lead to conventional funding are preferred, to focus the Foundation’s support on new rather than existing research.

The Foundation has several grant programs for basic research in the neurosciences, both at Duke and outside of Duke, as well as a seminar series held at Duke.

To honor the memory of Ruth K. Broad and to expand knowledge toward the cause and cure of Alzheimer’s disease, members of her family originally formed the Foundation in 1988.

During 1991 – 1993 the Foundation became a support corporation of Duke University and is managed through the office of Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs. The board of directors of the Foundation is made up of Broad family members, physicians and scientists, and Duke advisors.

Read more about the Foundation’s history.

Application Deadlines

In the 2025-26 fiscal year, RFAs will be accepted for the Broad Research Award for Graduate Students, Fellowship Award for Postdoctoral Fellows, and Human Brain Models Research Award at Duke. Applications will go live in October 2025 and are due by midnight February 1, 2026

New Student Award

Ellen Luken Student Awards enable selected Duke students to pursue prestigious and competitive extracurricular educational, career-building, and networking opportunities.

Learn More

New Grant

The Ruth K. Broad Foundation recently created a new grant to honor long-time director, Ann Bussel.

Learn More

Meet our Funded Researchers