2020 Pew Scholars Program in Biomedical Sciences Award
The Pew Scholars Program supports assistant professors of outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health. This is a very competitive and prestigious award for both the recipient, as well as their institution. The Pew Charitable Trusts has once again invited Cedars-Sinai to nominate one candidate for its 2020 award.
Eligibility
These are the eligibility requirements for the 2020 award:
- Candidates must have been awarded a doctorate in biomedical sciences, medicine or a related field.
- As of Oct. 17, 2019, nominees must hold full-time appointments 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.)
- On June 14, 2019, candidates must have been in such an appointment for less than 3 years (not appointed before June 14, 2016), 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 3-year limit. Candidates who took parental leave should contact Pew's program office to ensure that application reviewers are aware of their circumstances.
- Candidates may be nominated by their institution 2 times in total. ALL applicants must be nominated by their institution and must complete the 2020 online application.
- If an applicant's university has more than one eligible nominating institution or campus, that applicant may apply from only one institution; they may not reapply in a subsequent year from a different one.
Based on their performance during their education and training, candidates should demonstrate outstanding promise as contributors in science relevant to human health. Strong proposals will incorporate particularly creative and innovative approaches. Candidates whose work is based on biomedical principles, but brings in concepts and theories from more diverse fields, are encouraged to apply. Risk-taking is encouraged. 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 evidence that the candidate is a successful independent investigator and has published significant work.
Nominations
The Pew Scholars Program values groundbreaking, highly innovative, paradigm-shifting research. Clinical trials or observational studies are not suitable for this funding mechanism.
The internal selection committee will only accept nominees recommended by Department Chairs and Institute Directors, and nominations must arrive to the committee for consideration by no later than Monday, June 10. Each applicant shall submit the following pre-proposal materials:
- 1-page innovative basic research proposal
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of support from the department or institute chair that specifically addresses the novelty of the nominee's research.
Selection Committee
The internal selection committee will consist of Jonathan Kaye, PhD, and Roberta Gottlieb, MD, who, as a former Pew Scholar, has the unique position of nominating 1 candidate for consideration.
Note: Candidates who are doing cancer research should contact Dan Theodorescu, MD, to apply for the Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research program.
Terms of the Award
An award of $75,000 per year will be provided to the sponsoring institution for use by the scholar over the 4-year period, subject to annual review of the scholar's progress. Grant agreements will be issued in August of the award year. Annual progress reports are required, describing research accomplishments, project status, and future directions. In addition, financial reports are required annually accounting for grant expenditures. Funding for the second, third and fourth years is contingent upon timely submission of acceptable financial and narrative progress reports and attendance at the annual meeting in March during the 4-year term.
The awarded funds may be used at the discretion of the Pew scholar, for personnel, equipment, supplies, or travel directly related to the scholar's research and as to best advance his or her research and career. Not more than $12,500 of the annual award may be used for the scholar's salary (including benefits). Should the funds not be immediately required, they may be accumulated and carried over through the 4 years of the grant period, and, with written approval of the program office, the grant may be extended for 1 additional (fifth) year (without additional funds). Not more than 8% of the total award may be allocated for overhead costs. It is expected that Pew scholars will spend at least 80% of their time in work related to the accomplishment of their overall research goals. However, Pew provides flexible support to the overall research aims of the scholar and does not monitor or restrict percentage of effort or time of Pew scholars.
During the 4-year scholarship term, program participants are required to attend an annual meeting held in March. All 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.
Have Questions or Need Help?
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