Funding available for traumatic brain injury research and quality improvement projects

The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is accepting applications for the 2026 Richard H. Adler, JD and the Adler Giersch Law Firm Endowed Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Traumatic Brain Injury Clinical Care Research, and Traumatic Brain Injury Policy Research, in Honor of Kathleen “Kathy” Bell, MD.

The fund supports innovative research and quality improvement projects that advance the evaluation, treatment, prevention, and long-term support of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Projects focused on new approaches to care delivery, implementation, community reintegration, patient engagement, clinical care, or policy are encouraged.

The selection committee plans to fund up to two projects with awards of up to $10,000 each. An additional proposal may be supported if funding permits. Grants typically support one- to two-year projects.

Faculty, residents, fellows, and graduate students in Rehabilitation Medicine, Neurosurgery, Neurology, and other UW Medicine departments and facilities are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants early in their careers, interdisciplinary projects, and proposals that demonstrate a commitment to improving care and outcomes for people with TBI.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. PT on Monday, November 2, 2026. Awards will be announced before the end of the calendar year.

Read the full funding announcement, eligibility requirements, and application instructions on the UW Traumatic Brain Injury Model System funding page.

Questions about the application process may be directed to Kati Pagulayan, PhD, chair of the selection committee, at farkat@uw.edu.