[Michelson Medical Research Foundation](https://www.michelsonmedical.org)

June 22, 2025 | June 22, 2026

$150,000 per award; one-year duration; no indirect costs allowed

Annual grants supporting innovative early-career research in human immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy for major global diseases.

Applicants must be 35 or younger on June 22, 2025; open to researchers worldwide.

--- ## Description The Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants provide annual $150,000 awards to early-career investigators advancing human immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy for global health challenges. Administered by the Michelson Medical Research Foundation, the program seeks proposals that address obstacles in vaccine development and deepen understanding of immune processes vital to successful vaccines and immunotherapies. The grant encourages high-risk, high-reward research and welcomes applicants from a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, computer science, artificial intelligence, biophysics, and nanotechnology. The goal is to fund transformative research that would not typically qualify for conventional grant schemes. --- ## Due Dates - June 22, 2025: Full application deadline (applications due by 11:59 pm EDT) - June 22, 2026: Full application deadline (next annual cycle; projected recurring date) All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - $150,000 per award for a one-year research project. - No indirect costs permitted; $150,000 is the total award. - Up to 40% may be used for salaries (without prior approval). - Travel costs capped at $1,500; equipment capped at $15,000. - Flexible use for salary, equipment, supplies, travel, and personnel directly supporting the project. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 35 years old or younger on June 22, 2025 (born June 23, 1989, or later). - Open to early-career investigators, including doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, and researchers in training or non-tenure track positions. - Applicants must be affiliated with an eligible organization (academic, research institute, biotech, NGO, government, etc.) worldwide. - International applicants encouraged; no restrictions on nationality or citizenship. - Awards are made to the applicant's institution. - Only one application per applicant per cycle. - Prior experience in immunology or vaccinology is not required, but proposals must clearly articulate expected impact on human immunology or vaccine science. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [application portal](https://michelsonprizes.smapply.org). - Required materials include: - Project title and abstract - Keywords - 2-page research proposal (objectives, aims, hypothesis, goals) - Description of innovation, impact, application, and feasibility - Conflict of interest disclosure (mentors, collaborators, etc.) - All materials must be submitted in PDF format. - No paper applications accepted. - Once submitted, applications cannot be changed. - Short-listed candidates will be notified in early September and invited to submit supplemental materials (expanded research plan, budget, biosketch, letters of recommendation). - Final award decisions are announced in December; award period runs January–December of the following year. --- ## Additional Information - Recipients must dedicate at least 50% of their full-time professional effort to the funded project during the award period. - Research involving human or animal subjects requires local IRB or IACUC approval if selected, but not at the time of application. - MMRF does not retain rights to publications or patents; awardees are expected to promptly share results with the scientific community. - Final report and accounting required at the end of the award period. - Awards may transfer with the recipient if they change institutions. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Details (PDF)](https://www.michelsonmedicalresearch.org/s/Michelson-Prize_Program_Structure_2025.pdf) - [Application Preview (PDF)](https://www.michelsonmedicalresearch.org/s/Michelson_Prizes_Application_Preview.pdf) - [Program Page](https://www.michelsonmedicalresearch.org/michelson-prizes-next-generation) - [FAQ](https://www.michelsonmedicalresearch.org/faqs-michelson-prizes-next-generation-grants) - [Application Portal](https://michelsonprizes.smapply.org) - [List of Past Winners](https://www.michelsonmedicalresearch.org/michelson-prizes-winners) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Link | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General & Eligibility | [michelsonprizes@nextfrontieradvisors.com](mailto:michelsonprizes@nextfrontieradvisors.com) | | Technical/Application Help | Use the ‘help’ function within the [application portal](https://michelsonprizes.smapply.org) | | Foundation Info | [Contact form](https://www.michelsonmedical.org/contact) |

Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants

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