Merit Switzer Research Fellowships for Doctoral Dissertation Research

Background
The Merit Switzer Research Fellowships program is administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Its mission is to enhance research capacity by supporting highly qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, to conduct original research focused on the experiences and outcomes of people with disabilities. This specific fellowship opportunity aims to assist doctoral candidates in conducting their dissertation research in areas related to rehabilitation and independent living.

Grant Details
Fellows must conduct original research that addresses one or more of NIDILRR’s three outcome domains: (1) community living and participation; (2) employment; or (3) health and function. The fellowship provides one year of funding for individual doctoral candidates to conduct dissertation research in the broad area of disability and rehabilitation. NIDILRR plans to make five fellowship awards under this opportunity, with each award ranging from $40,000 to $45,000. The total expected funding for this initiative is $225,000.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be doctoral candidates who have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree except for the dissertation. They must have formal approval of their dissertation proposal from their committee by the application due date and be in good standing in their graduate program. Applicants cannot receive other federal funds during the fellowship period and must possess a U.S. Social Security Number. Non-citizens must provide documentation allowing them to receive federal funding.

Period of Performance
The fellowship has a project period of 12 months, specifically from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is expected to be $225,000 with individual awards ranging from $40,000 to $45,000.