EFSD and Lilly Young Investigator Research Award Programme

Programme Objective

The objective of the EFSD and Lilly Young Investigator Research Awards is to encourage innovative research in the fields of diabetes and its complications, and to promote excellence in medical education. Applicants should have demonstrated their ability in the field of diabetes research.

Research Awards will be made in the sum of Euro 50,000 (fifty thousand) each.

Award Application

Applications can be submitted by early career scientists: scientists and clinicians at an early stage of their career, up to 7 years since completion of their most recent degree (PhD, MSc, or MD degrees). Eligibility can be extended for reasons such as maternity, paternity, illness, national service, clinical training, natural disasters, or asylum, if clearly described (further documentation may be requested at the discretion of EASD/EFSD). The time since the last degree may not exceed seven years before 1 January in the year the Fellowship is awarded. Fellows may not hold a permanent appointment.

Applicants to all EFSD programmes are encouraged to become paid-up members of EASD. Details on how to become a member can be found on the EASD website www.easd.org or contact membership@easd.org for further information. 

Research Awards must be held at a non-profit institution based in Europe or an associated country (for detailed country list, please see here). 

Required documents include:

1. Research Plan - Fellowships (Young Investigator)
2. Signatures and Declaration - Fellowships
3. Proof of institution’s non-profit status (bylaws or governing document)
4. Applicant’s biographical sketch (maximum 3 pages)
5. Collaborative Agreements
6. Letters of Support from current and/or future supervisors or mentors
7. List of abstracts for any current or pending support (if applicable)

Applications for this programme must be submitted in the EFSD programme portal. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the User Guide to complete and submit your application. Access the portal:

EFSD Programme Portal

Applications must be prepared on the official application form in the EFSD Programme Portal and completed in strict accordance with the detailed instructions to be found there. Applications which do not comply with the instructions given the application system will not be considered for review.

Please submit your application in the EFSD Programme Portal before 12:00 midday (CET) on the deadline date: 17 February 2026

Completed applications will be evaluated by an independent scientific committee. Upon completion of the Awards, the recipient may be invited to present his/her research results at a scientific meeting hosted by Lilly.

Reporting Requirements and Approval of Funding

All funded applications will receive initial funding instalment upon confirmation of the approval of the Review Committee as appropriate. 90% of the funding will be provided at the start of the programme while the remaining 10% will be paid upon submission of final scientific and financial report. All reports will be subject to assessment prior to the release of any further funds.

Investigators must provide EFSD with copies of papers accepted for publication, and must acknowledge the support of the Programme in all written material by use of the phrase: "Supported by EFSD/Lilly".

Schedule

Announcement: December 2025

Application Deadline: 17 February 2026

Anticipated Award: May 2026

Enquiries

Enquiries should be directed to foundation@easd.org.