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2021 CNS CNF Young Investigator Award Grant Application Deadline

Research Grants & Opportunities for Young Investigators

Deadline for application submission is April 15, 2021

The Child Neurology Foundation has awarded over 3.5 million dollars to the research endeavors of over 70 young investigators, aimed at identifying treatments and cures for pediatric neurologic diseases.

In 2016, for the first time, the Awards granted in the past by the Child Neurology Foundation were added to those given by the Child Neurology Society (CNS). Child neurologists of the CNS and CNF have developed a specialized committee to fulfill this function with the following Awards and Grants offered to members of the CNS.


Deadline for application submission is April 15, 2021
Applicants will be informed of the Awards Committee’s decision by June 1, 2021.

To stay informed about the cycle of these grants and other opportunities, join the CNF Partners email list.


Dr. Kenneth Swaiman, one of the nation’s first pediatric neurologists, founded the Child Neurology Society in 1972 and established the Child Neurology Foundation in 2001. While the Society is the professional organization for the nation’s pediatric neurologists, the Foundation is committed to serving as a connective center of education and support for children and their families living with neurologic conditions.

Deadline for application submission is April 15, 2021.
Applicants will be informed of the committee’s decision by June 1.

The Awards and Grants outlined below are supported by the CNS and CNF and are offered to members of the CNS.


The Philip R. Dodge Young Investigator Award

An award for basic science or clinical research by accomplished young investigators who are members of the Child Neurology Society. The Dodge Award is supported by an endowment funded by CNS members and institutional contributors. The recipient of the Dodge Award will receive a grant of $30,000 and will be invited to present their work at the Annual Meeting of the Child Neurology Society.

Eligibility Criteria
The applicant completed a child neurology residency on or after June 30, 2015 or a neurodevelopmental disability residency on or after June 30, 2016, and graduated medical school on or after May 2010, or after May 2009 if the applicant completed a 3-year pediatric residency. (An extra year of eligibility has been added in light of research delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic). Extensions of eligibility for the Dodge award due to extended clinical training or personal/familial leave of absence may be considered.

  1. The scientific work is mainly the result of the applicant’s efforts.
  2. The applicant is a Junior or Active member of the Child Neurology Society.
  3. Candidates are NOT disqualified if they have received NIH funding.
  4. Candidates should consider applying before their final year of eligibility, allowing them the opportunity to resubmit in consideration of the review committee’s critiques.

Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation (PERF) Shields Research Grants

The grant supports translational or clinical research by a child neurologist or developmental pediatrician early in his/her academic career. The selected investigator will receive a $100,000 grant of $50,000 per year for two years. The Shields Grant is supported by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation (PERF).

Eligibility Criteria

  1. The applicant completed training in child neurology or neurodevelopment disabilities in an ACGME-approved program no more than eight years prior to application.
  2. The PERF Shields Grant must have a clinical research/patient care component. Research does not need to focus on epilepsy.
  3. The applicant is a legal resident of the United States or Canada.
  4. The applicant is a Junior or Active member of the Child Neurology Society.
  5. Currently funded research is disqualified with the exception of an NIH K12 grant.

Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation (PERF) Elterman Research Grant

The grant supports clinical or basic science research by a child neurologist or developmental pediatrician early in his/her academic career. The selected investigator will receive a $100,000 grant of $50,000 per year for two years. The Elterman Grant is supported fully by PERF.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. The applicant completed training in child neurology or neurodevelopment disabilities in an ACGME-approved program no more than eight years prior to application.
  2. The applicant is a legal resident of the United States or Canada.
  3. The applicant is a Junior or Active member of the Child Neurology Society.
  4. Currently funded research is disqualified with the exception of an NIH K12 grant.
  5. Research does not need to focus on epilepsy.