[Burroughs Wellcome Fund](https://www.bwfund.org)

September 2026 (Letter of Intent) | January 2027 (Full proposal, by invitation)

$560,000 total over five years; supports advanced postdoc training and transition to faculty

Supports early-career researchers transitioning from quantitative fields into biology, fostering innovative interdisciplinary academic research.

All dates are projected; check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description The Career Awards at the Scientific Interface (CASI) provide substantial support for early-career researchers with backgrounds in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, statistics, or engineering who are transitioning into biology-focused research. The program aims to bridge the gap between postdoctoral training in quantitative sciences and the establishment of an independent academic research career in the life sciences. CASI awards are intended to foster innovative, interdisciplinary research at the interface of quantitative and biological sciences, enabling recipients to pursue high-impact projects that may be too risky for traditional funders. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (anticipated) - January 2027: Full application / invited full proposal deadline (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Total award: $560,000 over five years - Postdoctoral phase: $100,000/year for up to 2 years (up to $80,000–$85,000/year for stipend; up to $10,000/year for fringe; up to $5,000/year for childcare) - Faculty phase: $120,000/year for up to 3 years (up to $24,000/year for salary and fringe; remainder for research expenses) - No indirect costs allowed; all funds are direct costs - Flexible use for research expenses, equipment, and personnel - No-cost extensions up to 24 months may be available --- ## Eligibility - Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, statistics, engineering, or a closely related field; exceptions possible with significant quantitative expertise (must be pre-approved) - At least 12 months, but not more than 60 months, of postdoctoral research experience by the full application deadline (parental/medical/military leave does not count toward limit; automatic extension for birth/adoption) - Must not hold or have accepted a tenure-track faculty position at any application stage - At least one first-author peer-reviewed publication is required (shared first authorship permitted; preprints do not count toward this requirement) - Research institution must be a nonprofit [501(c)(3) or equivalent] in the U.S. or Canada - Open to U.S. and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents with valid work visas - Not eligible if holding/accepted NIH K99/R00 or similar transition awards (e.g., HHMI Hanna Gray) - Commitment to a full-time research career as an independent investigator is required - Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research integrating quantitative approaches into biology --- ## Application Process ### Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) - Submit via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/) - Requires: - Applicant and institutional information - Up to five publications (with at least one first-author peer-reviewed) - 4,000-character essay outlining the biological question, research plan, innovation, and career goals - Confidential letter of recommendation from primary postdoctoral mentor (uploaded directly) - No budget or letters of collaboration needed at LOI stage ### Stage 2: Full Proposal (by invitation only) - Invited applicants submit a detailed application via ProposalCentral - Requires: - NIH-style biosketch - Personal statement (activities/interests beyond science) - Scientific and lay abstracts - Six-page research plan - Up to three publications (PDFs) - Letter of recommendation from Ph.D. advisor (confidential, uploaded directly) - Optional: up to two collaborator letters and CVs/biosketches, and a third reference letter - Institutional signing official approval - No detailed budget required at application; instructions provided if awarded ### Stage 3: Interview (by invitation) - Short virtual interview with the advisory committee ### Additional Notes - Unlimited resubmissions are allowed while eligible - Special consideration for proposals involving AI/machine learning or climate change and human health - Strong encouragement for applicants from groups underrepresented in science --- ## Additional Information - No indirect costs are permitted; all funds are direct costs - Awardees must submit annual progress and financial reports via ProposalCentral - Equipment purchased is transferable to the new institution if moving to a faculty position - Awardees must devote at least 75% of their time to research-related activities --- ## External Links - [Program page and application portal](https://www.bwfund.org/funding-opportunities/interfaces-in-science/career-awards-at-the-scientific-interface/) - [CASI program FAQ](https://www.bwfund.org/funding-opportunities/interfaces-in-science/career-awards-at-the-scientific-interface/frequently-asked-questions/) - [CASI RFP / Application Guide (PDF)](https://www.bwfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BWF-CASI-RFP-2026_Final.pdf) - [Tips for a Successful Application (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rifIr2iJEVc) - [ProposalCentral application portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) - [Past recipients](https://www.bwfund.org/funding-opportunities/interfaces-in-science/career-awards-at-the-scientific-interface/grant-recipients/) - [Advisory committee](https://www.bwfund.org/funding-opportunities/interfaces-in-science/career-awards-at-the-scientific-interface/advisory-committee/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|--------------------|---------------------------------------|----------------| | Tammy Collins, PhD | Program Officer | [tcollins@bwfund.org](mailto:tcollins@bwfund.org) | 919-991-5120 | | Eliza Gary | Program Associate | [egary@bwfund.org](mailto:egary@bwfund.org) | 919-991-5107 | | Lama Haidar | Program Coordinator| [lhaidar@bwfund.org](mailto:lhaidar@bwfund.org) | 919-991-5115 | | General Inquiries | | [casi@bwfund.org](mailto:casi@bwfund.org) | | | Technical Support | ProposalCentral | [pcsupport@altum.com](mailto:pcsupport@altum.com) | 1-800-875-2562 | ---

Career Awards at the Scientific Interface

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