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The Morris Animal Foundation’s Fellowship Training Award supports new investigators in launching a successful research career through hypothesis-driven, humane projects that advance the health and welfare of domesticated cats.
Focus: The mission of Morris Animal Foundation is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. To achieve this aim, they fund hypothesis-driven, humane research projects with high scientific merit and the potential for significant impact. They are a nonprofit organization that is funded by public support from individuals, corporations, clubs and foundations, and earnings from their endowed funds. Their donors are interested in funding research that results in impactful animal health achievements and benefits both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders including veterinarians, feline caretakers and communities.
Fellowship Training Grants are designed to assist new investigators in launching a successful research career by providing salary support in a quality mentoring environment. Proposals should advance the health and overall welfare of domesticated cats including community and pet cats (Felis catus). Projects involving other feline species are not included in this call. Academic and industry collaborative projects are encouraged to accelerate the translation of results into practice.
The Fellowship Training Award is open to applicants who hold a veterinary degree, a PhD, or are enrolled in a PhD program having completed at least two years by the project’s start date. Combined DVM/PhD students in the PhD portion of their program may also apply. Applicants must devote at least 75% of their time to the research project and must not have clinical service requirements exceeding 25%. The PhD must have been earned within four years of the application date. Candidates in permanent salaried positions or with a PhD older than four years are ineligible and should consider applying under other funding mechanisms.
The award provides a maximum of $145,000 for up to 24 months, with funds distributed as needed over the project period. All projects must comply with the Foundation’s Health Study Policy for Animals Involved in Research, prohibiting euthanasia for research purposes and requiring full consideration of animal welfare and sentience. International collaborations must include in-country investigators or mentors and demonstrate equitable scientific engagement, avoiding parachute science.
Applications undergo a two-stage scientific review followed by an animal welfare review. Submissions must be made via the AIBS online portal by 4:59 PM Eastern Time on October 8, 2025. Required components include a detailed study proposal, animal health impact statement, budget and justification, training plan, letters of support, salary verification, and transcripts. Mentor and department head letters must be submitted directly through the portal.
