APDA Social Sciences in PD Research Grant : Academic Year 2026-2027
Letter of Intent open: Nov 28, 2025
Letter of Intent due: Jan 30, 2026
Invitation for full application: March 20, 2026
Full Application due: June 5, 2026
Award details:
One-year research grant up to a maximum of $75,000 will be awarded.
The applicants will receive notification of the decision in October 2026. The APDA grant year runs from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027.
Goal:
The APDA Social Sciences Research Grant is a unique funding opportunity designed to address the critical social challenges faced by individuals living with PD and their care partners. This grant aims to support innovative research that explores social issues that impact PD such as stigma, social barriers, and the overall quality of life for those affected.
Researchers with expertise in applied social issues (e.g., sociology, psychology, public health, health communication, social work, health policy and management, gerontology, anthropology, rehabilitation science, occupational therapy) may apply for this award. Potential areas of exploration may include, but not limited to:
- The sociopsychological impact of Parkinson’s disease on individuals and their caregivers, including coping mechanisms, mental health, resilience, and quality of life.
- The broader societal impact of Parkinson’s and strategies for improving the social well-being of affected individuals.
- Social interaction, stigma, and societal perceptions of Parkinson’s disease.
- Effective communication strategies for individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, as well as ways to combat stigma.
- Investigation of support systems, interventions, policies, programs and resources aimed at impacting quality of life of people with PD and their families and caregivers.
Eligibility:
All research scientists studying/aiming to study social issues related to Parkinson’s Disease in the United States may apply, including research that compares cross-cultural differences/similarities between American populations and other populations in the world.
Application Process and Proposal:
Required information in the Letter of Intent:
- Provide an overview of research activities to be carried out. You can upload figures in supplemental materials. (400 words)
- Highlight the novelty of the current research as well as the relevance and potential significance of the findings to the PD community (100 words)
- Indicate collaborations with other internal or external researchers/organizations. (50 words)
- Explain why your institution and your lab are equipped to perform this research (100 words)
- Provide a narrative of how the budget will be allocated (% personnel, % equipment, etc.) (50 words)
- Citations (unlimited)
- In addition, the applicant’s NIH biosketch is required.
Note: The word limit shown is only a guideline. The actual limit is based on character count in Proposal Central. Please verify the specific limit within the application.
Funding:
10% of the total funding ($7,500) can be allocated to indirect costs. This is included in the $75,000.
Funding is not to be used for:
- Travel expenses.
- Publication costs higher than $1,000.
- Equipment costs higher than $8,000.
Grant Disbursement:
The funds ($75,000) will be awarded as follows:
- 50% on or about January 2027.
- 25% on or about June 2027.
- 25% on or about December 2027.
Deliverables:
- A midyear scientific report.
- A finial scientific report.
- A final financial report.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Elvin Yao, Senior Programs and Research Manager, at eyao@apdaparkinson.org. nd Research Manager, at eyao@apdaparkinson.org.