Researcher Connection Program

The Researcher Connection Program is intended to assist with travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students with an interest in the rare disease field. It is our hope that this program provides opportunities for these individuals to be able to connect in person with the rare disease community, to foster collaboration, and communication.

Applications Currently Not Accepted

Thank you to all the applicants in the 2024 grant cycle and congratulations to all the recipients! At this time, all funds have been exhausted for the Researcher Connection Program 2024 grant cycle and applications are not currently being accepted at this time. The next application cycle will open in October 2024. Any questions can be sent to rare@upliftingathletes.org.

Qualifications

Applicants must reside in the United States or Canada and meet the following criteria in order to be considered for this program:

  • Individuals currently pursuing a MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent degree who are interested in becoming rare disease researchers.
  • A clinical or basic researcher (MD, DO, PhD, or international equivalent) working in the U.S. or Canada, who is currently in postdoctoral training at an academic medical institution AND within 10 years of obtaining their doctoral degree at the time of grant submission.

Our Commitment to Health Equity

Uplifting Athletes is committed to providing equitable opportunities for underrepresented researchers. We will ensure that at least 20% of the Researcher Connection Program will be reserved for researchers from an underrepresented background. Uplifting Athletes uses the NIH definition to define who is considered an underrepresented researcher.

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