Apply for the 2026 Innovative Student Research Grant Program

Admin,

Application Deadline:January 14,  2026

The Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA) has launched the Innovative Student Research Grant Program 2026, designed to empower graduate students in psychology and behavior analysis. This program provides vital financial support to help students advance innovative, evidence-based research in the experimental analysis of behavior.

Through this initiative, SABA seeks to foster creative and methodologically rigorous studies that address important behavioral science questions while promoting excellence in academic research.

Grant Details and Funding Amount

The program offers competitive funding to outstanding graduate students:

  • Three Doctoral Dissertation Grants: Up to $5,000 each
  • Two Master’s Thesis Grants: Up to $2,000 each
  • One Additional Research Grant: Up to $1,000

Funding allocations are based on detailed budget proposals, with a preference for translational research projects that bridge basic and applied behavior analysis.

This program is funded through donations to the SABA Endowment, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to advancing behavioral science worldwide.

Recognition and Impact

Recipients of the Innovative Student Research Grant gain more than just financial support. Awardees are:

  • Recognized during the SABA Awards Ceremony at the ABAI Annual Convention.
  • Featured in Inside Behavior Analysis, a prominent publication within the field.

This recognition provides visibility and credibility for emerging researchers, positioning them among leading scholars in behavior analysis.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled or accepted in a doctoral or master’s program in psychology, education, behavioral science, or related disciplines.
  • Have at least one academic year remaining after application to complete the proposed project.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to research in behavior analysis (either basic or applied).
  • Applicants cannot apply for both the Innovative Student Research Grant and the Bijou Grant in the same year.

The ABAI Science Board oversees the review process, while the SABA Board of Directors makes the final selection of recipients.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive application package that includes:

  1. Biosketch (academic and professional summary)
  2. Research Proposal
    • Doctoral students: Maximum 5 pages
    • Master’s students: Maximum 3 pages
    • Up to 2 additional pages allowed for references
  3. Proposal Sections:
    • Title
    • Significance
    • Specific Aims
    • Method
    • Limitations
    • Timeline
    • Budget and Matching Funding (if any)
  4. Letters of Support from:
    • The academic advisor
    • The department chair confirming eligibility and available resources

All materials should be submitted before the application deadline: January 14, 2026.

Reporting Requirement

Successful grantees are required to submit a brief report and expenditure outline by April 1, 2027 to the SABA Board. This ensures transparency and accountability by detailing how funds were used to complete the project.

Program Timeline

  • Post Date: November 12, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 14, 2026

Early preparation is highly encouraged to ensure a strong and complete application submission.

Why You Should Apply

The Innovative Student Research Grant Program is more than a funding opportunity—it’s a professional growth platform that helps emerging researchers:

  • Gain recognition within the international behavior analysis community
  • Strengthen their research profile and publication potential
  • Access financial support to complete groundbreaking academic projects

Graduate students eager to make meaningful contributions to psychology and behavioral science are strongly encouraged to apply.


Conclusion

The Innovative Student Research Grant Program stands out as a transformative opportunity for graduate students seeking to contribute to the advancement of behavior analysis. Through financial support, recognition, and mentorship, this program not only funds research but also empowers the next generation of behavioral scientists.

Apply now to take your research to the next level and gain global recognition for your work.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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