If I am older than 35, can I still apply for a Michelson Prize: Next Generation Grant?

No. Applicants born before June 22, 1989, are not eligible to apply for this year’s award.

Do I have to be an independent investigator to apply?

No. Doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, and others in training or non-tenure track positions are eligible to apply, provided they meet the age requirement.

If I change institutions during the grant period, can I take the award with me?

Yes. Scientists in the early stages of their careers often switch institutions. We will work with you and your institution to facilitate changes should that be necessary.

I am planning to move to a faculty position in 2025; which institution should I put in the pre-application form?

Use your current institution in the application form fields.

Is the money given to me directly or to my institution?

Awards are made to scientists via a standard legal agreement to their institution of affiliation, similar to most grant awards. The grant funding must be used for the conduct of the specific research project for which it was awarded.

Can I use some of the grant money for my salary or to pay others who will help me with my project?

Yes.

Can I apply for the award with a co-investigator or a collaborator?

Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants will be awarded to individual investigators to support the proposed project. However, the applicant is expected to assemble a research team that will provide the necessary expertise to accomplish the research goals proposed in the application.

Does the $150,000 include indirect costs?

$150,000 is the full amount of the award. Per our standard grant policy, we do not pay indirect costs.

If I am short-listed and asked to provide supplemental information, will preliminary scientific data be required?

No.

Is the Michelson Prize application deadline firm?

Yes.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. All applications for the Michelson Prizes must be submitted electronically by the application deadline. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Can I submit more than one application?

No.

Can I change my application once it is submitted?

No. Once your application is submitted, it cannot be changed.

Is the Human Immunome Project still involved in the Michelson Prizes?

The administration of the Michelson Prizes has transitioned from the Human Immunome Project to the Michelson Medical Research Foundation, with support from Next Frontier Advisors. This transition reflects a strategic decision to consolidate MMRF programs and leverage internal resources for enhanced operational efficiency, program sustainability, and long-term impact. HIP remains committed to advancing the program’s mission to support the next generation of research leaders – and the program portal, selection process, and communications will continue without interruption or significant change.

How do the Michelson Prize: Next Generation Grants relate to the Michelson Prizes and Grants for Human Immunology? How do they relate to the Michelson Philanthropies & Science Prize for Immunology?

The Michelson Prizes & Grants in Human Immunology are supported by the Michelson Philanthropies and include two distinct funding opportunities.

• The Michelson Prizes Next Generation Grants: $150K research grants to support disruptive concepts and inventive processes with the potential to significantly advance the development of vaccines and immunotherapies for major global diseases

• The Michelson Philanthropies & Science Prize for Immunology: A $25K award for recent research that will have a significant impact on vaccine and immunotherapy development.

Note: the Michelson Found Animals Foundation (www.foundanimals.org) supports the Michelson Prize & Grants in Reproductive Biology, which incentivizes research to rapidly develop a permanent, single-dose, nonsurgical sterilant for male and female cats and dogs.