The Robert E. Leet and Clara Guthrie Patterson Trust funds research that focuses on human diseases, their causes, and potential treatments. The program is aimed at supporting pilot studies and innovative research conducted by postdoctoral researchers and mentored clinician scientists. The goal is to promote their transition toward independent research. This program encompasses a broad range of clinical and patient-oriented research disciplines.
Research supported by this program must focus on the causes of human diseases or improving treatments. Special consideration is given to studies that address population health, social determinants of health, or health inequities. The program also supports epidemiological, behavioral, and outcomes health services research. Clinical research includes patient-oriented studies, therapeutic interventions, clinical trials, and the development of new technologies.
The program offers up to $200,000 in funding, split into two payments of $100,000 per year. The grant period runs from January 31, 2026, to January 30, 2028. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with non-profit academic, medical, or research institutions in Connecticut, New Jersey, or Rhode Island. There are no limits on the number of applications from an institution, but each institution is limited to a maximum of two awards.
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (MD, MD/PhD, PhD, or equivalent) and must be postdoctoral researchers or clinician scientists. Postdoctoral researchers should have between three and six years of full-time research experience. Clinician scientists must have completed residency and clinical training before the funding start date. Applicants cannot hold a tenure-track faculty position but may hold non-tenure track positions such as Lecturer, Instructor, or Assistant Professor.
Candidates are not eligible if they have previously received a Patterson Award. United States citizenship is not required for eligibility, and visa documentation is not necessary. For further clarification on eligibility, applicants are encouraged to contact program staff before submitting applications.
For more information, visit HRiA.
