External Fellowship / Award Opportunities
The Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences strongly encourages our students to actively seek external fellowship/award opportunities.
Children’s Tumor Foundation: Young Investigator Award
The Young Investigator Award, initiated in 1985, is Children’s Tumor Foundation’s longest running award program, and provides two-year salary support to early career neurofibromatosis (NF) researchers, such as senior doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers, to help them get established as independent NF investigators. (Letter of Intent (LOI) November 3(9:00 am ET)-December 2, 2025 (4:00 pm ET) Award Start Date- July 1, 2026)
The Young Investigator Award, initiated in 1985, is Children’s Tumor Foundation’s longest running award program, and provides two-year salary support to early career neurofibromatosis (NF) researchers, such as senior doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers, to help them get established as independent NF investigators. (Letter of Intent (LOI) November 3(9:00 am ET)-December 2, 2025 (4:00 pm ET) Award Start Date- July 1, 2026)
Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship Program
The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship Program (DOE CSGF) is open to U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who plan full-time, uninterrupted study toward a Ph.D. at an accredited U.S. university. The agency encourages applications from students in engineering and the physical, computer, mathematical or life sciences who meet the eligibility requirements. The fellowship provides four years of support but must be renewed each summer. Eligibility includes first-year MS or PhD students without an M.S. degree. (Deadline: January)
The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship Program (DOE CSGF) is open to U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who plan full-time, uninterrupted study toward a Ph.D. at an accredited U.S. university. The agency encourages applications from students in engineering and the physical, computer, mathematical or life sciences who meet the eligibility requirements. The fellowship provides four years of support but must be renewed each summer. Eligibility includes first-year MS or PhD students without an M.S. degree. (Deadline: January)
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer – Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) Program
The POST Program is designed for undergraduate, graduate and medical students interested in pursuing a career in pediatric oncology research. POST provides an opportunity for students to train with a mentor who is conducting research in the field of pediatric oncology during the summer break. A mentor/mentee pair is a prerequisite for applying. Students may join a research project underway in a mentor’s lab or begin an original investigation with the mentor. Although the mentor and the student should work together on the application, it should be submitted online by the mentor. Students may train at an institution other than their own college, graduate or medical school. There is no citizenship restriction. (Deadline: February)
The POST Program is designed for undergraduate, graduate and medical students interested in pursuing a career in pediatric oncology research. POST provides an opportunity for students to train with a mentor who is conducting research in the field of pediatric oncology during the summer break. A mentor/mentee pair is a prerequisite for applying. Students may join a research project underway in a mentor’s lab or begin an original investigation with the mentor. Although the mentor and the student should work together on the application, it should be submitted online by the mentor. Students may train at an institution other than their own college, graduate or medical school. There is no citizenship restriction. (Deadline: February)
The Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) Grant
The program awards grants of up to $1,000 to students from most areas of the sciences and engineering. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project. (Sprinf Cycle: March 15, Fall Cycle October 1)
The program awards grants of up to $1,000 to students from most areas of the sciences and engineering. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project. (Sprinf Cycle: March 15, Fall Cycle October 1)
Foundation for Women’s Wellness Gridley McKim-Smith Women’s Health Fellowship Awards
The awards are one-time, non-recurring $5,000 awards provided directly to awardees (subject to income tax). Only one application per applicant. There is no limit to the number of applications from any one medical institution/organization. Research should be related to the foundation’s priority areas, including cardiovascular disease, leading female cancers, hormones’ role in disease and stage-of-life health concerns, diseases or health concerns that disproportionately afflict women, exploration of gender differences related to the aforementioned topics. There is no citizenship restriction. (Applcations submission for next year will be accepted January 15- March 14, 2026)
The awards are one-time, non-recurring $5,000 awards provided directly to awardees (subject to income tax). Only one application per applicant. There is no limit to the number of applications from any one medical institution/organization. Research should be related to the foundation’s priority areas, including cardiovascular disease, leading female cancers, hormones’ role in disease and stage-of-life health concerns, diseases or health concerns that disproportionately afflict women, exploration of gender differences related to the aforementioned topics. There is no citizenship restriction. (Applcations submission for next year will be accepted January 15- March 14, 2026)
Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging
Each scholarship is $5,000. Applicants must be MD, DO, PhD, or combined degree students in good standing at a not-for-profit institution in the United States. Examples of promising areas of research for award consideration include, but are not limited to aging and immune function, stem cell aging, inflammation, genetic control of longevity, neurobiology and neuropathology of aging, mechanisms of dementia, invertebrate or vertebrate animal models, cardiovascular aging, aging and cellular stress response, metabolic and endocrine changes, macular degeneration, regenerative biology, RNA control of gene expression in relation to age-related diseases. (Deadline 2025 April 15, 2025 at 5:00 pm, Deadline for 2026: Pending)
Each scholarship is $5,000. Applicants must be MD, DO, PhD, or combined degree students in good standing at a not-for-profit institution in the United States. Examples of promising areas of research for award consideration include, but are not limited to aging and immune function, stem cell aging, inflammation, genetic control of longevity, neurobiology and neuropathology of aging, mechanisms of dementia, invertebrate or vertebrate animal models, cardiovascular aging, aging and cellular stress response, metabolic and endocrine changes, macular degeneration, regenerative biology, RNA control of gene expression in relation to age-related diseases. (Deadline 2025 April 15, 2025 at 5:00 pm, Deadline for 2026: Pending)
Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Program
The Program is open only to graduate and undergraduate students who (i) will be attending an accredited US college or university in the Fall 2020 semester; (ii) who is or will be a legal resident of one of the 50 US states or the District of Columbia as of August 6, 2020; (iii) will be at least 18 years of age or older as of August 6, 2020; and (iv) have a declared major of biology, chemistry, bio-chemistry or a related life science field; and (v) meets the following applicable GPA requirements: Graduate students must have a cumulative graduate GPA of >3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The program offers $35,000 in scholarship funding (Deadline: TBD)
The Program is open only to graduate and undergraduate students who (i) will be attending an accredited US college or university in the Fall 2020 semester; (ii) who is or will be a legal resident of one of the 50 US states or the District of Columbia as of August 6, 2020; (iii) will be at least 18 years of age or older as of August 6, 2020; and (iv) have a declared major of biology, chemistry, bio-chemistry or a related life science field; and (v) meets the following applicable GPA requirements: Graduate students must have a cumulative graduate GPA of >3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The program offers $35,000 in scholarship funding (Deadline: TBD)
American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship
The AHA funds basic, clinical, behavioral, translational and population research, bioengineering/biotechnology and public health problems broadly related to fulfilling our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. At the time of application, the applicant must be enrolled full time in a post-baccalaureate Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.V.M., Pharm.D., D.D.S., DrPH, or Ph.D. in nursing or equivalent clinical health science doctoral degree program, who seeks research training with a sponsor prior to embarking upon a research career. a full-time student working towards his/her degree. At the time of award activation, the candidate must have completed initial coursework and be at the stage of the program where he/she can devote full-time effort to research or activities related to the development into an independent researcher or a related career aimed at improving global cardiovascular health. (2025 Deadline: September 3, 2025, 2026 Deadline: TBD)
The AHA funds basic, clinical, behavioral, translational and population research, bioengineering/biotechnology and public health problems broadly related to fulfilling our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. At the time of application, the applicant must be enrolled full time in a post-baccalaureate Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.V.M., Pharm.D., D.D.S., DrPH, or Ph.D. in nursing or equivalent clinical health science doctoral degree program, who seeks research training with a sponsor prior to embarking upon a research career. a full-time student working towards his/her degree. At the time of award activation, the candidate must have completed initial coursework and be at the stage of the program where he/she can devote full-time effort to research or activities related to the development into an independent researcher or a related career aimed at improving global cardiovascular health. (2025 Deadline: September 3, 2025, 2026 Deadline: TBD)
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, veterans, and undergraduate seniors to apply. (Deadline: October)
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The competition is merit-based. Selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment. Each Fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) a US citizen by birth and both of your parents were born abroad as non-US citizens; (b) been naturalized as a US citizen either on your own or as a minor child under the application of one of your parents; (c) were born outside of the US or one of its territories and were subsequently adopted by American parents and were awarded US citizenship because of your adoption; (d) in possession of a valid green card; (e) been granted asylum or refugee status in the US; (f) non-US citizen/resident but graduated from both high school and college in the US. (Deadline October)
The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, veterans, and undergraduate seniors to apply. (Deadline: October)
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The competition is merit-based. Selection criteria emphasize creativity, originality, initiative, and sustained accomplishment. Each Fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) a US citizen by birth and both of your parents were born abroad as non-US citizens; (b) been naturalized as a US citizen either on your own or as a minor child under the application of one of your parents; (c) were born outside of the US or one of its territories and were subsequently adopted by American parents and were awarded US citizenship because of your adoption; (d) in possession of a valid green card; (e) been granted asylum or refugee status in the US; (f) non-US citizen/resident but graduated from both high school and college in the US. (Deadline October)
American Association of University Women: American Fellowships
AAUW American Fellowships support women scholars who are completing dissertations, planning research leave from accredited institutions, or preparing research for publication. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of scholarly excellence; quality and originality of project design; and active commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities, professions, or fields of research. (2025 Deadline: September 30, 2026; Deadline: TBD)
AAUW American Fellowships support women scholars who are completing dissertations, planning research leave from accredited institutions, or preparing research for publication. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of scholarly excellence; quality and originality of project design; and active commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities, professions, or fields of research. (2025 Deadline: September 30, 2026; Deadline: TBD)
American Association of University Women: International Fellowships
International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions are supported. Recipients are selected for academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women and girls. Originally designed to provide Latin American women opportunities for graduate and postgraduate study in the U.S., the International Fellowships program awarded its first fellowship in 1917. The program now includes women from around the world, and International Fellowships have been awarded to more than 3,600 women from more than 150 nations. (2025 Deadline: September 30, 2025; 2026 Deadline: TBD )
International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions are supported. Recipients are selected for academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women and girls. Originally designed to provide Latin American women opportunities for graduate and postgraduate study in the U.S., the International Fellowships program awarded its first fellowship in 1917. The program now includes women from around the world, and International Fellowships have been awarded to more than 3,600 women from more than 150 nations. (2025 Deadline: September 30, 2025; 2026 Deadline: TBD )
American Association for Cancer Research Scholar-in-Training Awards
Scholar-in-Training Awards are highly competitive and recognize outstanding young investigators presenting meritorious proffered papers at the AACR Annual Meeting. Applicants must be the first author and presenter of an abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting. Scholar-in-Training Award funds are to defray travel, subsistence, and registration expenses to attend the Annual Meeting. Home institutions may not deduct any overhead expenses from these funds, and no government funds are used in support of Scholar-in-Training Awards. (Deadline: November 18, 2025)
Scholar-in-Training Awards are highly competitive and recognize outstanding young investigators presenting meritorious proffered papers at the AACR Annual Meeting. Applicants must be the first author and presenter of an abstract submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting. Scholar-in-Training Award funds are to defray travel, subsistence, and registration expenses to attend the Annual Meeting. Home institutions may not deduct any overhead expenses from these funds, and no government funds are used in support of Scholar-in-Training Awards. (Deadline: November 18, 2025)
Autism Science Foundation Predoctoral Training Awards & Medical Student Gap Year Research Training Awards
The Autism Science Foundation invites applications for its Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Awards from graduate students, medical students and postdoctoral fellows interested in pursuing careers in basic and clinical research relevant to autism spectrum disorders. The proposed training should be scientifically linked to autism but may be broadened to include training in a closely related area of scientific research. Autism Science Foundation will consider all areas of related basic and clinical research including but not limited to: human behavior across the lifespan (language, learning, behavior, communication, social function, motor skills & planning, epilepsy, sleep, repetitive disorders), neurobiology (anatomy, development, neuroimaging), pharmacology, behavioral intervention, neuropathology, genetics and gene/environment interactions, epigenetics, genomics, epigenomics, immunology, molecular and cellular mechanisms, studies employing model organisms and systems, and studies of treatment and service delivery.
The Autism Science Foundation invites applications for its Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Awards from graduate students, medical students and postdoctoral fellows interested in pursuing careers in basic and clinical research relevant to autism spectrum disorders. The proposed training should be scientifically linked to autism but may be broadened to include training in a closely related area of scientific research. Autism Science Foundation will consider all areas of related basic and clinical research including but not limited to: human behavior across the lifespan (language, learning, behavior, communication, social function, motor skills & planning, epilepsy, sleep, repetitive disorders), neurobiology (anatomy, development, neuroimaging), pharmacology, behavioral intervention, neuropathology, genetics and gene/environment interactions, epigenetics, genomics, epigenomics, immunology, molecular and cellular mechanisms, studies employing model organisms and systems, and studies of treatment and service delivery.
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense (DoD) upon degree completion. Applicants MUST be pursuing a technical degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines listed below. Technical degrees include programs specializing in science, mathematics and engineering (as listed in the 21 approved disciplines). (Deadline by 5:00 pm EST on the first Friday in December)
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense (DoD) upon degree completion. Applicants MUST be pursuing a technical degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines listed below. Technical degrees include programs specializing in science, mathematics and engineering (as listed in the 21 approved disciplines). (Deadline by 5:00 pm EST on the first Friday in December)
UNCF/Merk Graduate Science Research Dissertation
The purpose of this fellowship is to increase the number of African Americans in the pipeline of biomedical science education and research in the fields of biological and physical sciences. The UNCF-Merck Science Initiative is dedicated to supporting the training and development of world-class African American biomedical scientists to achieve the complementary goals of national economic competitiveness and social diversity. Applicants must be African American, enrolled full-time in a doctoral program in the life or physical sciences, a third or fourth-year graduate student, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
For additional internal link for funding opportunities.