AHRF: Birtman Grant

The AHRF Birtman Grant provides up to $75,000 for one year of research focused on hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear. This grant encourages both basic and clinical studies, covering direct costs such as staff salaries and research equipment. Applicants must hold relevant advanced degrees and be affiliated with a U.S. university or hospital. An alternative budget option of $50,000 is available, enhancing eligibility for Regular grants if not awarded the Birtman Grant.

New In 2021, AHRF will offer one Birtman grant for up to $75,000 for one year of research. Like AHRF Regular Grants, the Birtman Grant supports studies that investigate various aspects of hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear.
Applicants have the option of including an alternative budget for $50,000 along with a description of alternative (truncated) specific aims. This way, if the project is not chosen for the Birtman Grant it will be included in the selection for Regular grants.
Grant funds may only be used for direct costs, including salaries of technical and supporting staff, equipment related to the research, and supplies. Note that the cost for salaries plus fringe benefits cannot be more than 80% of the direct costs. Funding may not be used for the salary of the principal investigator, travel, conference attendance, educational costs, or indirect costs.
Research Topics
Proposals should relate to the hearing or balance functions of the ear. Both basic and clinical studies may be proposed that investigate aspects of the auditory and vestibular systems including but not limited to genetics, neurotology, anatomy, auditory processing, molecular and cellular biology, therapeutic studies, and investigations of current or experimental devices (i.e., cochlear implants).

Eligibility

Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, AuD, or equivalent degree(s) and be associated with a university or hospital in the United States.