Through the Emerging Research Grants (ERG) program, Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) provides seed money to researchers working on the entire spectrum of hearing research and balance research, including many underfunded areas of otology. The ERG program has since 1958 played a foundational role in the careers of many academic researchers and clinicians in otolaryngology and related hearing and balance fields. As the program’s remit is so broad, HHF solicits applications for ERG awards under a number of opportunity types.
The Elizabeth M. Keithley, Ph.D. Early Stage Investigator Award grant opportunity (formerly “General Hearing Health”) supports projects across the broadest spectrum of hearing research and balance research, from improving audiological assessments and cochlear implants to gene editing, ototoxicity, sensory cues in maintaining postural balance, and links between hearing and other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. There are also dedicated topic-specific grant opportunities open to investigators at any career stage. Available grant opportunities vary by year, with recent awards made in the areas of Age-Related Hearing Loss, Central Auditory Processing Disorders, Hearing Loss in Children, Hyperacusis, Tinnitus, Ménière’s Disease, and Usher Syndrome.
Deadline: March 3, 2025
To apply for an Emerging Research Grant you must:
- hold an Au.D., M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, and
- hold an appointment at a nonprofit educational, governmental, or other research institution located in the United States. Appointments include faculty, postdoctoral fellow, or clinical/research fellow. Current medical residents in otolaryngology may also apply. Other medical residents and Ph.D. students are not eligible.
HHF especially welcomes applications from Early Stage Investigators (ESIs are no more than 10 years from most recent terminal degree or medical residency). Several grant opportunities are also open to senior investigators.
Please note that submission of an application requires the approval of an authorized signatory at your institution. Ensure you leave enough time for this step to be completed. Late applications and applications that have not received institutional approval will not be accepted. If an institutional commitment by Duke University or a Duke University institutional signature is required for your application, the application must be reviewed by the Office of Research Administration (for School of Medicine and School of Nursing) or Office of Research Support (Campus Schools and Centers).
ERG awards are for up to $50,000 per year, one year in length in the first instance, and renewable for a second year.