URL: https://searlescholars.org/

Objectives

The Searle Scholars Program makes grants to support the independent research of exceptional young faculty in the biomedical sciences and chemistry who have recently begun their appointment at the assistant professor level and whose appointment is their first tenure-track position.

The Searle Scholars Program supports high risk, high reward research across a broad range of scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and related areas in chemistry, medicine, and the biological sciences. It does not ordinarily support purely clinical research but has supported research programs that include both clinical and basic components. Potential applicants who are unsure if their research is appropriate for the Searle Program are encouraged to examine the research interests of present and former Searle Scholars on the program’s website.

Funding Information

$150,000 per year for 3 years ($450,000 total) beginning on July 1, 2027. For information about use of funds, see the Award Information section of the program’s website.

The Searle Scholars Program does not place any restrictions on funding from other sources of support and is meant to supplement other funding received by an investigator.

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to be pursuing independent research careers in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and related areas in chemistry, medicine, and the biological sciences.

Applicants should have begun their appointment as an independent investigator at the assistant professor level on or after May 1, 2025. The appointment must be their first tenure-track position (or its nearest equivalent).

Applicants who were nominated for awards in the previous competition year but were not awarded may still meet the eligibility criteria for the current competition.

Internal Selection Process

The internal selection process depends on whether your grants are managed by BU or Boston Medical Center (BMC). Use the steps below to determine this information:

  • Step 1: Open the BUMC Home Institution Finder
  • Step 2: Log in to search the database – search using your last name
  • Step 3: Follow one process:
    • If you see BU or BU-CAMED, follow BU Process below
    • If you see BMC, follow the BMC Process below

BU Process

BU may forward up to 2 applicants.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 7/9/2026

  • Research Program Summary (1 page maximum) providing a high-level overview of the research areas you would like to explore in your lab over the next few years in the following format:
  • In-Depth Research Program (2 pages max) describing in detail one of the specific areas of research you would like to perform in your laboratory in the next few years and indicating how this work is particularly novel and important. References may be included on one additional page
  • Research Significance Statement (200 words) providing a summary of your dissertation and/or post-doctoral research and their importance to the field of study. A separate box will be provided in the application form for any necessary citations
  • Up-to-date CV

As necessary, a faculty review committee will review internal applications and select the institutional nominees. Foundation Relations will work with the nominees to develop and submit the institutional nomination letter and applicant materials by 9/30/2026.

BMC Process

If you are a BUMC faculty member who works in BMC space or you are a fellow whose faculty advisor is a BMC investigator, please contact the Program Manager of Strategic Research Growth, Carolina Giudice (carolina.giudice@bmc.org) by Friday, June 26 to express interest in this opportunity.

Deadlines

BMC Internal Materials Due: Friday, June 26, 2026

BU Internal Materials Due: Thursday, July 9, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

Anticipated Notification Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

External Materials Due: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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