Alkermes Pathways Research Awards®
About Pathways
With millions of people impacted by neurological disorders, more research is urgently needed to advance science in this area. The Alkermes Pathways Research Awards® program is designed to support the next generation of researchers who are working on the front lines to advance our understanding of diseases in the field of neuroscience.
The Alkermes Pathways Research Awards program provides opportunities for individual grants of up to $100,000 per research project for early-career investigators focused on research relating to sleep disorders, schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.
Accepting Letters of Intent
The Alkermes Pathways Research Awards program application period will be open through January 5, 2027.
The first step in the application process is to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Submitted LOIs will be reviewed by the committee, and applicants selected to advance will be invited to submit a full application.Detailed information for applicants is available on this page.
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission Process:
September 11 - October 16, 2026
- Full Application Submission Process:
November 13, 2026 - January 5, 2027
Great science starts with bold questions, and through the Alkermes Pathways Research Awards program, we are proud to support early-career investigators who are working to advance understanding of complex neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Craig Hopkinson,
Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Research & Development
Areas of Interest
- Schizophrenia & Bipolar I Disorder
- Sleep/circadian disturbances associated with Bipolar I Disorder and/or Schizophrenia (e.g., Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Hypersomnolence.)
- Narcolepsy Type 1- New!
- Narcolepsy Type 2 - New!
- Idiopathic Hypersomnia - New!
Research Design Criteria
- Preclinical, clinical, translational and epidemiological research
- Research on treatment and patient-centered outcomes
- Clinical and health economic outcomes using real-world data
- Outcomes research supporting continuity of care utilizing telehealth or other technology-based approaches
Selection Criteria
All applications will be formally reviewed by an Independent Review Committee comprising prominent researchers in the relevant field. The Review Committee has final responsibility for selection of Awardees.
When the Review Committee evaluates a proposal, they will consider criteria, including but not limited to overall impact, candidate, mentor, environment and institutional commitment to the applicant and research plan.
Note that applications are not required to include an Alkermes product.
General Eligibility Criteria
The Alkermes Pathways Research Awards program is for investigators who are in the early stages of their career. Research grants will be awarded to applicants who focus on and have demonstrated a commitment to sleep disorders, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Has an M.D., Ph.D., DNP, DMSc, or equivalent
- Is affiliated with a medical or research center within the United States at the time of application
- Is within 5 years of initial academic appointment (e.g., assistant professor) or is a current postdoctoral fellow
- Has a research mentor with extensive experience in the field of their submission (Schizophrenia,Bipolar Disorder, Narcolepsy Type 1 , Narcolepsy Type 2, or Idiopathic Hypersomnia)
- Proposal must not include therapeutic product–based studies
- Has not received a DP2 award or NIH R01 grant at the time of award, but may be the recipient of a career development (K) award or other mentored research grant
- Is willing and able to accept funding from a for-profit, biopharmaceutical company
- Is able to complete the proposed research within 2 years
- Is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or holder of a work visa that is valid for the duration of the 2-year grant period
Application Process & Documents
All applications should be submitted via the Pathways Application Portal.
Pathways Application Portal
The following document should be submitted as the letter of intent:
- Pathways Letter of Intent (not to exceed 2 pages)
Applicants selected to submit a full application will be contacted and asked to provide:
- Completed Application Supplement
- Completed Budget Form
- NIH Biosketch of applicant
- Letter of Mentor Support (1 page)
- Letter from Division Chief or Department Head confirming academic appointment or postdoctoral fellowship (1 page)
- Optional: Up to three supporting documents
Pathways Guidance Pathways Application Supplement Pathways Budget Form
Letter of Intent
Submission period: September 11 - October 16, 2026
Full Application (By Invitation):
Application deadline: January 5, 2027 (by 11:59 p.m. ET)
Decision Notification
Notification of Review Committee decision: Q2 2027
Announcement
Public announcement of awardees: 2H 2027