The Live Like Lou Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are open for its Graduate Fellowship.

The Live Like Lou Graduate Fellowship is intended to encourage new researchers in PhD or MD/PhD graduate programs conducting innovative neurodegenerative disease research aimed at finding treatments or cures for ALS. Click for an overview of the application and requested materials.

The 2026 program will award two graduate students working on ALS enrolled in an academic institution or equivalent research environment up to $50,000 annually for up to 2 years, beginning June 2026.

Applicants will be scored in the following categories: project significance, suitability of investigators, scientific innovation, project approach, project environment, the impact this grant will have on the proposed research, and the impact of the proposed research on the applicant's career.

Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by Live Like Lou's Scientific Director and Scientific Advisory Board members. As part of the review process, all applications will receive a brief written summary of strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Funding and Eligibility

• Students must be enrolled full-time in a PhD or MD/PhD graduate program during this award's 2026-2028 academic years.
• Students should be in the research years of their degree program (post-qualifying exam).
• This award must be administered through the student's university. Payment will be made to the university, not directly to the student.
• Funds may be used to assist in underwriting salary expenses.
• Indirect costs to the institution are not allowed.
• Non-citizens are eligible to apply.

Apply Now!

Deadline

• April 13, 2026—Application Due
• June 2026—Anticipated Decision

Please contact info@livelikelou.org with any questions.

Read about past Graduate Fellowship recipients:

• 2025—He "Lilian" Gao, University of California at San Diego and Thao Nguyen, Standford University