March of Dimes: Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards
The March of Dimes has announced the opening of the Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Award cycle for 2026. Named in honor of the first March of Dimes Chairman and President, this $150,000 grant supports early-career investigators in their pursuit of translational research to address the U.S. maternal and infant health crisis.
Scope of Research
The program prioritizes studies that advance translational understanding or lead to improved clinical treatments for medical conditions affecting pregnant women and newborns during the first year postpartum. Successful applications must focus on:
- Preterm birth prevention and mitigation.
- Health equity in maternal and infant outcomes.
- Functional studies leading to clinical translation.
- Diagnostics, therapeutics, and policy changes to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
The award is specifically designed for “starter scholars” who meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be four to nine years past their final year of clinical training (for MD or MD/PhD) or completion of their terminal degree (for PhD scientists).
- MD/PhD applicants must hold a full-time tenure-track faculty position (or equivalent) at a U.S.-based institution.
- PhD applicants must hold primary or secondary appointments in clinical departments related to maternal or child health.
- Individuals who have previously received a Basil O’Connor Award are ineligible.
Partnership and Timeline
Recipients receive a total of $150,000 distributed over a two-year period. The current application cycle is subject to the following schedule:
- Application Portal Opens: February 27, 2026
- Application Portal Closes: May 29, 2026
- Notification of Awards: Mid-September 2026
- Award Start Date: October 1, 2026
- Award End Date: September 30, 2028
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