FUNDING EXCEPTIONAL
YOUNG SCIENTISTS.
The Searle Scholars Program makes grants to selected universities and research institutes to support the independent research of exceptional young faculty in the biomedical sciences and chemistry.
AWARDS
Searle Scholars Award Grants are set at $450,000 for a three-year period with $150,000 payable each year.
PROCESS
Participating institutions may nominate outstanding early-career scientists to apply for the program.
TIMELINE
Applications are accepted annually from June through September, only through an online application system.
About the Searle SCholars Program
The Searle Scholars Program Partners
The Searle Scholars Program partners with leading research institutions and universities to nominate promising research faculty. Only participating institutions are eligible to field applicants to the program.
nationalLy Renowned Program Advisors
A Scientific Advisory Board of prestigious researchers—many of whom were Searle Scholars—help guide the program and evaluate applications for each class of Scholars, aimed at finding creative, innovative, and “high risk/high reward” research.
meet the scholars
JUMPSTARTING EARLY CAREERS
Since 1980, the Searle Scholars Program has invested in two generations of promising young scientists. Hear from recent Searle Scholars as they share their thoughts about their research, what excites them in their fields, and the impact of becoming a Searle Scholar.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“Being a Searle Scholar allowed me to conceive and initiate bold new research directions side-by-side with more bread-and-butter studies. The intellectual freedom supported by the Searle Scholars Program can help lay the foundations for an early career scientist’s lab for years.”
— Sung Soo Kim, 2020 Scholar
PRESS ROOM
SEARLE SCHOLARS IN THE NEWS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read more below to answer your questions about the Searle Scholars Program.
How do I apply for the Searle Scholar Award?
You must be nominated by a participating institution in order to apply for our program. Consult the institutional official designated for your institution on this list for further information.
Are basic biological scientists who hold only an M.D. degree eligible?
Yes, as long as they are researchers and not purely clinicians. Additionally, their research must contain basic science components.
Are there restrictions on receiving or applying for other funding?
The Searle Scholars Program does not place any restrictions on funding from other sources of support. The Searle Scholars award is meant to supplement other funding received by an investigator.
How does an institution get invited to participate in the Searle Scholars Program?
See further information under our Process and Eligibility page.
Are applicants required to be U.S. Citizens?
No, however, awardees must be legally employed at a United States degree granting or research institution. Awards are made to tax-exempt institutions described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which must be participating in our program. Awards are not made to individuals.
If I began by tenure track or equivalent position slightly before the start-date for eligibility, could an exception be made in my case?
The Program does consider extenuating circumstances and may make exceptions on a case by case basis. Favorable considerations include a start date very close to our stated date, an unusually short period of post doctoral training, and parental leave.
My institution is not on the list. Can I still apply?
The Searle Scholars Program is a limited submission process. Applicants may only apply if they have been nominated by an invited institution.
