Pew Biomedical Scholars

Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO). Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity.

Program Summary 

Based on their performance during their education and training, candidates should demonstrate outstanding promise as contributors in science relevant to human health. This program does not fund clinical trials research. Strong proposals will incorporate particularly creative and pioneering approaches to basic, translational, and applied biomedical research. Candidates whose work is based on biomedical principles but who bring in concepts and theories from more diverse fields are encouraged to apply.

During the four-year grant term, program participants are required to attend an annual meeting held in March or April. All eligible expenses for attendees’ travel, lodging, and meals are paid by Pew. The meeting provides Pew scholars with an opportunity to present their research and for scientific collaboration and exchange with other scholars and members of the National Advisory Committee.

Deadlines

CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST April 8, 2024

Sponsor Nomination Deadline: May 15, 2024

Sponsor Application Deadline: September 5, 2024

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

  • Self-Assessment: Please include your: 1) most significant research (1400 characters max); 2) most innovative and novel aspects of research (1400 characters max); and 3) how your personal background and/or scientific training has helped you stand out in your approach to science and your career (1400 characters max).
  • Description of Proposed Research (1 page maximum): Include a statement of the project to be undertaken, its aims and objectives, the methods to be used, and the potential significance of the research. The description should include a paragraph detailing how this project fits into the applicant's "big picture" plans.
  • PI CV / Biosketch
  • Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit: https://cuboulderovcr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/6960/home

Eligibility

  • Hold a doctorate in biomedical sciences, medicine, or a related field, including engineering or the physical sciences.
  • As of Sept. 5, 2024, run an independent lab and hold a full-time appointment at the rank of assistant professor. (Appointments such as research assistant professor, adjunct assistant professor, assistant professor research track, visiting professor, or instructor are not eligible).
  • Must not have been appointed as an assistant professor at any institution prior to June 10, 2020, whether or not such an appointment was on a tenure track. Time spent in clinical internships, residencies, in work toward board certification, or on parental leave does not count as part of this four-year limit. Candidates who need an exception on the four-year limit should contact Pew’s program office to ensure that application reviewers are aware an exception has been given.
    • Please note that the eligibility criteria above have been temporarily expanded to account for COVID-related lab shutdowns. Please direct any questions to the program office at scholarsapp@pewtrusts.org.
  • May apply to the program a maximum of two times. All applicants must be nominated by their institution and must complete the 2025 online application.
  • If applicants have appointments at more than one eligible nominating institution or affiliate, they may not reapply in a subsequent year from a different nominating entity.
  • May not be nominated for the Pew Scholars Program and the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program for Cancer Research in the same year.

Limited Submission Guidelines

One nomination is invited from CU Boulder.

Award Information

$300,000 ($75,000 per year for a four-year period). Not more than $12,500 of the annual award may be used for the PI’s salary (including benefits) or $50,000 over the duration of the grant. There are no limits on student or postdoctoral salaries. Not more than 8 percent of the total award ($24,000) may be allocated for overhead/F&A costs. It is expected that Pew scholars will spend at least 80 percent of their time in work related to the accomplishment of their overall research goals (which are not restricted to the specific aims proposed for this award). 

Review Criteria

Selection of the successful candidates will be based on a detailed description of the work that the applicant proposes to undertake, evaluations of the candidate’s performance, and notable past accomplishments, including honors, awards, and publications. In evaluating the candidates, the National Advisory Committee gives considerable weight to both the project proposal and the researcher, including evidence that the candidate is a successful independent investigator and has the skill set needed to carry out their high-impact proposal.