In the current world of competitive research, access to funding could make the difference between whether an idea can lead to a breakthrough discovery. This program, the Predoctoral Grant program 2025 gives you that chance to help young scientists, especially from developing regions such as Nigeria as well as Africa, get worldwide recognition and financial support for research that is high-impact.
The program is focused on the development of drugs to treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)—an inherited group of neurological disorders that affect muscles and nerves. It provides up to 25,000 dollars in research funds and travel assistance of $1,500 in the case of doctoral-level students carrying out research in the laboratory, which could lead to the development of new treatments and treatments.
About the Predoctoral Grant Program
The Predoctoral Grant Program is an international initiative to fund research to help doctoral students (PhD, MD, or MD/PhD) who are working on early-stage research projects. It offers young researchers both mentorship and financial assistance to help them develop their careers and help advance the battle against rare diseases such as CMT.
This initiative acknowledges the fact that innovative ideas usually originate in small laboratories and aims to bridge the funding gap that is faced by a lot of African researchers who are not able to access the large-scale research funding.
The purpose of the Grant
The primary objective of the grant is to help predoctoral researchers to contribute to medical research and innovation. The grant supports research projects that
- Enhance the delivery of drugs to treat nerve-related disorders
- Examine for the blood-nerve boundary to improve therapeutic effectiveness
- Find new drugs or treatment strategies for CMT
- Increase biomedical capabilities in the developing regions by mentorship and collaboration
This is an excellent chance for Nigerian postgraduate students studying the fields of pharmacology, biomedical science, neuroscience, or biochemistry to be part of international research that is recognized internationally.
Grant Overview
| Category | Details |
| Funding Amount | Up to $25,000 for one-year projects |
| Travel Support | Up to $1,500 for scientific conferences |
| Eligibility | Doctoral students (PhD, MD, or MD/PhD) under mentorship |
| Institution Type | Academic or non-profit institutions only |
| Research Focus | Drug development and CMT-related innovation |
| Deadline | November 15, 2025 |
| Indirect Costs | Not applicable |
The grant guarantees that the money is devoted entirely towards the advancement of science and does not include deductions for administrative expenses.
Who Can Apply (Nigeria & Africa Focus)
Nigerian or African researchers are eligible to apply in the event that they meet these conditions:
- Participating in an MD, PhD, MD, or MD/PhD program at a recognized university
- Research conducted under the supervision of an acknowledged teacher or as a principal investigator (PI)
- Affiliated with a university or teaching hospital or an institute of research (public as well as private)
- Researching a subject specifically related directly to CMT or neuro-drug development
- We are committed to finishing a twelve-month project with tangible outcomes.
Students from universities such as the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and other universities that have strong science faculties are strongly advised to apply.
Funding Coverage
The Predoctoral Grant includes:
- Materials for research and lab use
- Equipment and field data costs for data collection
- Stipends in part for the researcher
- Costs of travel for attending major research conferences or conventions (up to $1500)
The program doesn’t cover the cost of overheads for institutions or indirect expenses to ensure transparency and direct impact on projects.
Application Process
The process of applying for the Predoctoral Grant Program has two major stages.
1. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)
A brief idea (2-3 pages) that introduces:
- Details of the applicant and mentor
- Budget and title for research
- The project’s rationale, its goals, and expected results
- Timeline and references
The LOI aids reviewers in determining the program’s objectives. Most applicants will receive their responses after 4 weeks.
2. Submit a Full Proposal
Once they have received feedback, the shortlisted candidates must submit a complete study proposal.
It should contain the project’s plan, methodology, budget justification, and the anticipated scientific results.
The complete application is due by November 15, 2025.
Selection and Evaluation
Every application is scrutinized by a panel of experts based on
- Relevance and originality in science
- Possibility within a 12-month period
- Possibility to influence the future of CMT drug development
- A commitment to diversity as well as global cooperation
Proposals with the strength of initial evidence or that are consistent with current priorities in science are given more consideration.
Responsibilities of Awardees
The successful applicants will:
- Do their research within the timeframe that has been approved (12 months)
- Send a final progress report and financial report
- Participate in a worldwide research conference if travel funds are granted
- Recognize the grant in every work published
This helps ensure accountability and visibility as well as continuous learning for researchers.
Why Nigerian Researchers Should Apply
Nigeria is the home of the best of Africa’s biomedical scientists; however, accessibility for international research funding is still a challenge.
The Predoctoral Grant Program 2025 provides these researchers with a chance to compete internationally and work with international mentors and gain access to funds that will shape their academic future.
It’s also an opportunity to increase the visibility of African study in international discussions about research in the fields of discovery, medical innovation, and neuroscience.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Letter of Intent Submission | Ongoing |
| Feedback from Reviewers | Within 4 weeks |
| Full Proposal Deadline | November 15, 2025 |
| Award Announcement | Early 2026 |
| Project Duration | 12 months |
How to Apply from Nigeria
The website for interested applicants is the Grant portal to download the application forms, guidelines, and requirements for mentors.
All documents must be electronically submitted in accordance with the foundation’s requirements.
Before you apply, be sure you are:
- A robust, realistic research strategy
- A letter of encouragement from a mentor
- Institutional approval (if needed)
- A clear budget outline with real cost estimations
The applicants are advised to start the LOI stage earlier to receive timely feedback prior to their final submission.
Final Thoughts
The Predoctoral Grant Program 2025 is a chance to make a difference to Nigerian or African doctoral students who are interested in research in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals.
By facilitating innovation at the grass-roots level, this program doesn’t just increase capacity in science but also increases Africa’s contribution to the advancement of global health.
If you are a student looking for an internationally-based research award that rewards creativity, mentorship, and academic excellence, this is the perfect chance to stand out.
Key takeaways for Nigerian Applicants
This program is available to all researchers who are predoctoral, which includes Nigerians working at home or in other countries. If you have a well-thought-out and strong proposal, you can get as much as 25,000 dollars to finance your research project of dreams.