Request for Applications Now Open!

Germaine Wong
Women in Transplantation Chair
TTS Councilor

On behalf of the entire Women in Transplantation Executive, I’m very excited to announce WIT funding opportunities for 2026.

This will be the sixth year that we are offering research fellowships in sex and gender in solid organ transplantation.

These fellowships will support the next generation of scientists, furthering our understanding of the importance of sex and gender in transplantation. This is a growing field of interest and the more we learn the closer we are to applying these findings to clinical care to benefit patients and donors.

We are delighted to announce that we will continue to offer a grant to faculty working in low or middle income countries. This grant will allow transplant professionals working in low and middle income countries to work with an experienced mentor from among the WIT membership to address an important question within their own unique context. We hope that this award will spur exciting international collaborations and build more research capacity in lower resource settings.

For the second year, we are delighted to announce that we will run the WIT Research Grant for Projects in Gender and Sex and SOT amongst Indigenous Populations.

Requests for Applications for all grants are now open and are being considered.

If you have any further questions and for information on how to apply, please contact Katie Tait (WIT Manager) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request more information.

We welcome all applications and look forward to an exciting competition!

Important Dates and Review Process:

  • Completed Proposals are due by 1st April 2026.
  • Funding decisions will be made by an expert review committee from the WIT peer members. Grants will be scored based on novelty, research approach, feasibility of obtaining relevant data, prior work, and engagement of the mentor.
  • All applicants will be notified of final decision in May 2026.

Sponsored by:

The 2026 WIT Research Fellowship Grant Program will fund research that contributes to our understanding of the impact of sex and/or gender in transplantation.

General Information
  • Women in Transplantation (WIT) will provide funding of up to $50,000 USD per grant to an Early Career Researcher to support research focusing on sex and gender issues relevant to solid organ transplantation. The spectrum of studies includes basic, clinical and translational.
  • The WIT Fellowship will grant one research grant for two years at $25,000 per year. Research must commence on 1st July 2026 and conclude by 30th June 2028. The grant is intended to provide salary support for the researcher and supplies/materials. No other costs are permitted, including institutional overhead or travel.
  • Applicants should have spent two years or less performing research relevant to solid organ transplantation since obtaining their last degree (PhD, MD, MSc, PharmD, or equivalent).
  • This work may represent a continuation of current research or a novel aspect of work.
Research Focus
The 2026 Women in Transplantation Research Fellowship Grant will fund research that contributes to our understanding of the impact of sex and/or gender transplantation. Such work includes, but is not limited to: studies of the impact of sex on transplant outcomes, sex differences in the immune response in organ transplantation, the influence of sex hormones on inflammatory responses, sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of immunosuppressive medications, disparities in access to transplantation based on gender or sex, the complex challenge of HLA sensitization in women following pregnancy, and the influence of gender on organ donation. Epidemiologic, clinical, translational, and basic, studies are all necessary and will be considered.
Eligibility
  1. The Applicant
    1. The applicant must be a trainee undertaking research training (pursing MSc, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent) in solid organ transplantation (and/or immunology relating to solid organ transplant).
    2. Throughout the period of the grant, the applicant may not hold an independent faculty level position or a salaried senior staff position (or equivalent) or have institutional support that includes independent lab space and/or start-up funds to allow independent research. Women in Transplantation defines an independent faculty level position as any ranked faculty position (i.e. Lecturer, Assistant Professor, etc).
    3. The applicant’s fellowship must commence prior to or on the start of the grant term (July 1st 2026).
    4. The minimum protected time for research is 75% for the applicant.
  2. Applicant’s Sponsor and Institutional Support
    1. The applicant must have a sponsor/mentor with expertise in transplantation or immunology. The mentor need not have prior expertise in gender or sex in transplantation.
    2. Applicants who have a substantial relationship with Sanofi that would present a real or perceived conflict of interest if awarded this grant should review this concern with the Women in Transplantation to declare the conflict before applying.
    3. Women in Transplantation Reseacrh Fellowship Grant will be awarded per sponsor per year. If more than one grant from a given faculty member is submitted and deemed competitive, Women in Transplantation will make the final determination of which grant to fund.
    4. If the applicant’s sponsor departs or is planning to depart the institution prior to the commencement of the grant (July 1st 2026), the following applies:
      1. If the departure occurs after the submission deadline, the applicant will not be eligible for funding and their grant withdrawn, as an evaluation of the sponsor is part of the scoring procedure.
      2. If the departure occurs after a grant has been awarded and the grant has commenced, funding will be suspended. Reinstitution of the grant will be at the discretion of the Women in Transplantation, contingent upon satisfactory replacement of the sponsor and other factors. Awardee will be responsible for notifying Women in Transplantation of these circumstances as soon as they are aware.
    5. Women in Transplantation membership: The applicant’s sponsor must be an active member of both Women in Transplantation and TTS or have submitted a completed membership before the application deadline.
  3. Previous Funding/Funding from Other Sources
    1. The applicant may be a past or current recipient of other foundation fellowship research grants.
    2. The applicant may currently hold career development awards, or mentored scientist award.
    3. If the applicant is currently receiving funding for a project similar to the topics described in this RFA, the applicant should explain how the funds of the Women in Transplantation Research Fellowship Grant would not overlap with the funds of the other research support.
  4. Miscellaneous
    1. Citizenship: There is no restriction on citizenship.
    2. Laboratory: there is no restriction on laboratory location/country.
Specific Application Requirements

Applications that do not conform to these guidelines will be returned without review.

  1. Name, title, and institution of principle investigator, co-investigator(s), and/or key co- collaborator(s)
  2. Abstract of the proposed research plan: This document should concisely summarize the project in 400 words or less. The abstract should introduce the project and note its relevance to transplantation. It should describe the long-term objectives and specific aims, research design, and methods for achieving these goals. (use template provided in link below)
  3. Applicant’s biosketch (use template provided in link below)
  4. Mentor's biosketch (use template provided in link below)
  5. Complete proposed research plan: This document is limited to three pages (12-font, Times News Roman, single space, 2 cm margins); the page limit does not include references. The following sections MUST be included:
    1. Introduction: provide the rationale for the research
    2. Aims: include the key questions posed or hypotheses to be tested
    3. Preliminary Results (if any): show preliminary results supporting the research plan
    4. Research Plan: explain how the questions or hypothesis will be studied, with emphasis on experimental design over the details of the specific methods to be used. Anticipated results and potential pitfalls and alternative approaches should be briefly discussed. Specific research (and, if applicable, training) goals to be reached at the end of the grant should also be provided.
    5. The research plan should include a description of relevant facilities/capabilities
  6. Mentor narrative: should not exceed three pages and should include:
    1. A description of the training program in addition to research project itself.
    2. A description of the mentor's background in supervising the research and training of students and postdoctoral fellows.
    3. The role of the applicant in the project.
    4. A description of the role of the applicant in preparing the application. A significant role in writing the application is highly encouraged, although input from the mentor is expected. For international applicants not yet in the lab, it is understood that the PI will play a large role in writing the application.
    5. The mentor’s description of the applicant's experience and performance, future potential, and the degree of previous interaction with the applicant.
    6. An explanation of any mitigating or additional factors that need to be considered in terms of eligibility (e.g. account of extra years or a change in research field).
    7. The mentor must specify whether he/she is a recipient or sponsor of another Women in Transplantation fellowship grant. If applicant or mentor has previously been awarded a Fellowship Grant by Women in Transplantation, your application will not be eligible.
    8. A guarantee of minimum of 75% of the applicant’s time protected for research.
    9. The mentor must provide a letter (on letterhead) outlining their commitment to support the applicant, and their role in the project. In this letter, please demonstrate how the proposal was independently developed by the applicant, with mentor support for execution.
  7. Budget:
    1. The grant is intended to provide salary support for the applicant and supplies/materials required to conduct the research. No other costs are permitted, including institutional overhead or travel.
    2. A detailed budget, with justification of each item must be included.
Review Process and Notification
  1. Proposals are due by April 1st 2026 (applications received before this date will be checked for administrative compliance w/c 24th March 2026).
  2. Funding decisions will be made by an expert review committee from the WIT peer members. Grants will be scored based on novelty, research approach, feasibility of obtaining relevant data, prior work, and the qualifications of the mentor, including prior productivity and mentoring experience.
  3. All applicants will be notified of their application status in May 2026 (one month post submission).
  4. For the selected individuals, the term of the grant will begin July 1st 2026. (three months post submission).
Support

It is envisaged that the Grant Recipient payment of $50,000 USD be paid in 2 payments of $25,000.00 USD across a 2 year period, upon receipt of the invoice or on another convenient date agreed upon by both parties, and receipt of signed agreement.

  1. The first payment is due on or before July 1st 2026
  2. The second payment is due on July 1st 2027.

Payments shall be wired to the Grant Recipient using the coordinates provided on the invoice.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

The 2026 WIT Research Grant for LMIC will provide funding of up to $30,000 USD per grant to a transplant professional from an LMIC country (as defined by the OECD - click below to see list) to support research focusing on sex and gender issues relevant to solid organ transplantation. The spectrum of studies includes basic, clinical and translational.

The applicant must identify a research mentor from within the WIT membership who had a track record of expertise in transplantation and/ or immunology research (assistance can be given to identify a suitable mentor)

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
General Information
  • Research must commence on July 1st 2026 and conclude on June 30th 2028.
  • The research start date cannot be deferred for any reason.
  • Applications must be submitted in full by April 1st 2026 in order to be reviewed.
  • The recipient will sign a letter of agreement with WIT. Payments will be issued to the recipient’s institution by WIT, and the recipient will report to the WIT Pillar 2.
Research Focus
The 2026 WIT Research Grants for LMIC will fund research that contributes to our understanding of the impact of sex and/or gender in transplantation. Such work includes, but is not limited to: studies of the impact of sex on transplant outcomes, sex differences in the immune response in organ transplantation, the influence of sex hormones on inflammatory responses, sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of immunosuppressive medications, disparities in access to transplantation based on gender or sex, the complex challenge of HLA sensitization in women following pregnancy, and the influence of gender on organ donation. Epidemiologic, clinical, translational, and basic, studies are all necessary and will be considered.
Eligibility
  1. The Applicant
    1. The applicant (MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent degree) must work in the field of transplantation.
    2. The minimum protected research time is 30%
  2. Applicant’s Sponsor and Institutional Support
    1. The applicant must have a sponsor/mentor who is a WIT member with research expertise in transplantation or immunology relevant to the proposed project and who articulates clear willingness and ability to support the applicant.
    2. The applicant’s Department Chair or equivalent supervisor must provide a letter of support indicating that the applicant has the required protected time, space, and resources to carry out the proposed project.
    3. Women in Transplantation membership: the applicant’s mentor must be an active member of both Women in Transplantation and TTS or have submitted a completed membership application deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to choose a mentor from among WIT members who have volunteered to provide LMIC grant mentorship.
  3. Previous Funding/Funding from Other Sources
    1. The applicant may be a past or current recipient of other foundation fellowship research grants.
    2. The applicant may currently hold career development awards, or a mentored scientist award.
    3. If the applicant is currently receiving funding for a project similar to the topics described in this RFA, the applicant should explain how the funds of the Women in Transplantation grant would not overlap with the funds of the other research support.
  4. Miscellaneous
    1. Citizenship: There is no restriction on citizenship.
    2. Laboratory: there is no restriction on laboratory location/country
Specific Application Requirements

Applications that do not conform to these guidelines will be returned without review.

  1. Name, title, and institution of principle investigator, co-investigator, and/or key co- collaborator(s)
  2. Abstract of the proposed research plan: This document should concisely summarize the project in 400 words or less. The abstract should introduce the project and note its relevance to transplantation. It should describe the long-term objectives and specific aims, research design, and methods for achieving these goals. (use template provided in link below)
  3. Applicant’s biosketch (use template provided in link below)
  4. Mentor's biosketch (use template provided in link below)
  5. Complete proposed research plan: This document is limited to three pages (12-font, Times News Roman, single space, 2x2 cm margin); the page limit does not include references. The following sections must be included:
    1. Introduction: provide the rationale for the study and its relevance to sex and gender in donation and transplantation in low and middle income countries
    2. Aims: clearly state the specific aims of the study and the hypothesis or hypotheses being tested
    3. Preliminary Results (if any): show preliminary results supporting the research plan
    4. Research Plan: explain the experimental design and the methods that will be used to achieve the study objectives. Anticipated results and potential pitfalls and alternative approaches should be briefly discussed.
    5. The research plan should include a description of relevant facilities/capabilities, potential to build future research capacity on sex and gender in transplantation in low and middle income countries.
  6. Mentor narrative: should not exceed three pages and should include:
    1. A description of the training program in addition to research project itself.
    2. A description of the mentor's background in supervising the research and training of students and postdoctoral fellows.
    3. The role of the applicant in the project.
    4. A description of the role of the applicant in preparing the application. A significant role in writing the application is highly encouraged, although input from the mentor is expected. For international applicants not yet in the lab, it is understood that the PI will play a large role in writing the application.
    5. The mentor’s description of the applicant's experience and performance, future potential, and the degree of previous interaction with the applicant.
    6. An explanation of any mitigating or additional factors that need to be considered in terms of eligibility (e.g. account of extra years or a change in research field).
    7. The mentor must specify whether he/she is a recipient or sponsor of another Women in Transplantation fellowship grant. If applicant or mentor has previously been awarded a Fellowship Grant by Women in Transplantation, your application will not be eligible.
    8. A guarantee of minimum of 75% of the applicant’s time protected for research.
    9. The mentor must provide a letter (on letterhead) outlining their commitment to support the applicant, and their role in the project. In this letter, please demonstrate how the proposal was independently developed by the applicant, with mentor support for execution.
  7. Mentor Support Letter:
    The mentor must provide a letter (on letterhead) outlining their commitment to support the applicant, and their role in the project. In this letter, please demonstrate how the proposal was independently developed by the applicant, with mentor support for execution.

  8. Budget
    1. The grant may be used to provide salary support for the researcher and/or supplies/materials or other costs related to the conduct of the research (including salaries for research assistants or trainees). Costs related to travel to the mentor’s lab may be permitted but must be justified. No costs for institutional overhead are permitted.
    2. A detailed budget, with justification of each item must be included.
Review Process and Notification
  1. Proposals are due by April 1st 2026 (applications received before this date will be checked for administrative compliance w/c 24th March 2026).
  2. Funding decisions will be made by an expert review committee from the WIT peer members. Grants will be scored based on novelty, research approach, feasibility of obtaining relevant data, and engagement of the mentor.
  3. All applicants will be notified of their application status in May 2026 (one month post submission)
  4. For the selected individuals, the term of the grant will begin July 1st 2026. (three months post submission).
Support

It is envisaged that the Grant Recipient payment of $30,000 USD will be paid in 2 payments of $15,000.00 USD per year across a 2 year period, upon receipt of the invoice or on another convenient date agreed upon by both parties, and receipt of signed agreement.

  1. The first payment is due on or before July 1st 2026
  2. The second payment is due on July 1st 2027.

Payments shall be wired to the Grant Recipient using the coordinates provided on the invoice.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

For the second year, we are delighted to announce that we will run the WIT Research Grant for Projects in Gender and Sex and SOT amongst Indigenous Populations.

This grant will provide funding of up to $20,000 USD per grant. It will fund research that improves our understanding of the intersection between sex and/or gender and race and/or ethnicity (specifically for Indigenous populations) in the field of solid organ transplantation. It will aim to contribute to improving the equity, advocacy, and health in solid organ transplantation amongst Indigenous peoples globally.

General Information
  • The funding provides one research grant for up to two years at $10,000 USD per year. Research must commence on 1st July 2026 and conclude by 30th June 2028.
  • Any deferral of the research start date must be adequately justified and approved by the WIT Executive and the sponsor.
  • Applications must be submitted in full by 1st May 2026 in order to be reviewed.
  • The recipient will sign a letter of agreement with WIT. Payments will be issued to the recipient’s institution by WIT, and the recipient will report to the WIT Pillar 3.
Research Focus
The WIT Research Grant for Projects in Gender and Sex and SOT amongst Indigenous Populations will fund research and/or knowledge translation that improves our understanding of the intersections between sex and/or gender and race and/or ethnicity as it applies to equitable access for Indigenous patients to solid organ transplantation. Such work may include, but is not limited to: studies of the impact of sex on transplant outcomes amongst Indigenous recipients; disparities in access to transplantation for Indigenous patients based upon sex and/or gender, with potential comparisons to non-Indigenous populations; the influence of gender on organ donation decision making amongst Indigenous populations (and how this may compare to non-Indigenous patient populations), the perceived barriers faced by Indigenous women and/or Indigenous member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community when accessing solid organ transplant or treatment post-transplant. Epidemiologic, clinical, translational, and basic, studies are all necessary and will be considered. All projects should clearly demonstrate Indigenous community engagement including how Indigenous research and data sovereignty will be respected; identify how the research and potential outcomes are a priority for the Indigenous population studied; the potential for the study to advance sex and/or gender equity and improved healthcare outcomes for the population studied; and sustainability and transferability (including demonstrating how the project can influence achievable and effective contributions to health gains for the population studied). All project must have an established partnership with an Indigenous community partner(s). Indigenous partners can be directly involved in the daily activities of the research, or they can play an advisory role whereby they give ongoing input and guidance to researchers, provide feedback on project findings and knowledge translation, and participate in knowledge dissemination. The level of direct involvement of Indigenous partners should be demonstrated and justified in the grant proposal and in letter(s) of support provided by the Indigenous partner(s). Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate an Indigenous driven research to knowledge to action plan.
Eligibility
  1. The Applicant
    The applicant must be a clinician, health policy administrator, social scientist, clinical and/or basic science researcher in solid organ transplantation or donation, (and/or Indigenous health relating to solid organ transplant).

  2. The Team
    The research team must include appropriate Indigenous partners, for example, healthcare leaders and decision makers, persons with lived experience, member of the Indigenous LGBTQIA2S+ community, and/or knowledge uses, based upon the project’s research focus, methodologies and knowledge translation activities. The applicant must identify a mentor with expertise in transplantation research, a demonstrated strong track record in Indigenous health research, and a proven commitment to supporting early-career researchers. The mentor should also be willing and able to actively guide the applicant in the design, execution, and successful completion of the proposed research project and build research capacity among Indigenous peoples.

  3. Applicant’s Sponsor and Institutional Support
    1. The applicant and mentor must have expertise in transplantation and/or Indigenous health.
    2. If the applicant departs or is planning to depart the institution prior to the commencement of the grant (1st October 2026), the following applies:
      1. If the departure occurs after the submission deadline, the applicant will not be eligible for funding and their grant withdrawn.
      2. If the departure occurs after a grant has been awarded and the grant has commenced, funding will be suspended. The awardee will be responsible for notifying Women in Transplantation of these circumstances as soon as they are aware.
    3. Women in Transplantation membership: The applicant must be an active member of both Women in Transplantation and TTS or have submitted a completed membership before the application deadline. The mentor must be an active member of Women in Transplantation and TTS or have submitted a completed membership before the application deadline.

  4. Previous Funding/Funding from Other Sources
    1. The applicant may be a past or current recipient of other foundation research grants.
    2. If the applicant is currently receiving funding for a project similar to the topics described in this RFA, the applicant should explain how the funds of the Women in Transplantation grant would not overlap with the funds of the other research support.

  5. Miscellaneous
    1. Citizenship: There is no restriction on citizenship.
    2. Laboratory: there is no restriction on laboratory location/country
Specific Application Requirements

Applications that do not conform to these guidelines will be returned without review.

  1. Name, title, and institution of principle investigator, co-investigator(s), and/or key co- collaborator(s). At least one research team member should identify as Indigenous.

  2. Abstract of the proposed research plan: This document should concisely summarize the project in 400 words or less. The abstract should introduce the project and note its relevance to transplantation. It should describe the long-term objectives and specific aims, research design, and methods for achieving these goals.

  3. Applicant’s biosketch (maximum-3 pages, 12 font, Times News Roman, single space, 2x2 cm margin; use template provided) to include all usual and pertinent information, particularly describing other past and current research funding and prior published work.

  4. Complete proposed research plan: This document is limited to three pages (12-font, Times News Roman, single space, 2 cm margins); the page limit does not include references. The following sections MUST be included:
    1. Introduction: provide the rationale for the research
    2. Aims: include the key questions posed or hypotheses to be tested
    3. Preliminary Results (if any): show preliminary results supporting the research plan
    4. Research Plan: explain how the questions or hypothesis will be studied, with emphasis on experimental design over the details of the specific methods to be used. Anticipated results and potential pitfalls and alternative approaches should be briefly discussed. Specific research (and, if applicable, training) goals to be reached at the end of the grant should also be provided.
    5. The research plan should include a description of relevant facilities/capabilities
    6. Impact statement (no more than 1/2 page) on how this research will build research capacity now and in the future through mentorship and leadership opportunities among Indigenous peoples in your country/settings and advance the inclusion of Indigenous research priorities, methodologies and data sovereignty, in solid organ transplantation research, including ensuring the culturally safety of Indigenous persons with lived experience, trainees, knowledge users and healthcare leaders.
    7. An explanation of any mitigating or additional factors that need to be considered in terms of eligibility (e.g., account of extra years or a change in research field).
    8. The applicant must specify whether they are a recipient or sponsor of another Women in Transplantation fellowship grant
    9. A guarantee of a minimum of 50% of the applicant’s time protected for research.

  5. It is anticipated that preliminary data resulting from this grant will be submitted as an abstract at 31st International Congress of The Transplantation Society (TTS 2026).

  6. Mentor narrative: should not exceed three pages and should include:
    1. A description of the support they will provide to the applicant to ensure success of the proposed project.
    2. A description of the mentor's background in research and mentorship.
    3. The role of the applicant in the project.
    4. A description of the role of the applicant in preparing the application. The applicant is expected to take the lead in writing the application, but input from the mentor is expected.
    5. An explanation of any mitigating or additional factors that need to be considered in terms of eligibility (e.g. account of extra years or a change in research field).

  7. Budget
    1. The grant is intended to provide salary support for the researcher and supplies/materials. No other costs are permitted, including institutional overhead or travel.
Review Process and Notification
  1. Proposals are due by April 1st 2026.
  2. Funding decisions will be made by an expert review committee from the WIT peer members. Grants will be scored based on novelty, research approach, feasibility of obtaining relevant data, prior work, and the qualifications of the mentor, including prior productivity and mentoring experience.
  3. All applicants will be notified of their application status in May 2026 (one month post submission)
  4. For the selected individual, the term of the grant will begin 1st July 2026.
Support

It is envisaged that the Grant Recipient payment of $20,000 USD will be paid in 2 payments of $10,000.00 USD across a 2-year period, upon receipt of the invoice or on another convenient date agreed upon by both parties, and receipt of signed agreement.

  1. The first payment is due on or before July 1st 2026
  2. The second payment is due on June 30th 2027.

Payments shall be wired to the Grant Recipient using the coordinates provided on the invoice.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
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