The Collaborative Research Awards (CRA) Program is a two-year funded research award designed to support a study team spanning at least two academic institutions. The award is intended to be led by two mentor-mentee pairs—each consisting of an early career investigator and a mentor based at the investigator’s home institution.

The CRA is committed to supporting the development of early career investigators while encouraging a collaborative approach to research focused on enhancing the health and well-being of all children, particularly those most vulnerable. The program seeks to support a diverse team of early career investigators and mentors, including diversity in lived experience and institutional representation.

Given the collaborative nature of this award, interested investigators are encouraged to begin planning early and to use the question box below to submit any questions regarding the CRA. Research teams should note that up to 80% of the funding can be used for salary support.

The Collaborative Research Awards Program currently offers one funding path for applicants:

 

APA's Call for Applications opens each summer for various programs.

The CRA anticipates recruiting every two years - next recruitment will open Summer 2026 for an award start of Spring 2027.

 

More about Collaborative Research Awards