Gilliam Fellows Program
The HHMI Gilliam Fellows Program supports PhD students and their advisors in the biological/biomedical sciences with funding and training to promote inclusive research environments.
Funder: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026: Nomination deadline (projected) | December 2026: Full application materials deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000–$53,000/year for up to 3 years (PhD phase), plus discretionary and institutional allowances; additional postdoc support available.
Summary: Supports second- and third-year PhD students and their advisors in the biological/biomedical sciences with funding and professional development to foster inclusive research environments.
Key Information: Application is by institutional nomination; eligibility and requirements are updated for the 2026 cycle.
Description
The Gilliam Fellows Program, administered by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), is designed to advance inclusive scientific training environments by supporting promising PhD students and their faculty thesis advisors as mentor-mentee pairs. The program provides up to three years of stipend and discretionary funding for PhD students in the biological and biomedical sciences at eligible U.S. institutions. Both students and advisors benefit from professional development opportunities and become part of HHMI’s scientific community.
The program uniquely invests in both the student and the advisor, emphasizing effective mentorship and the creation of inclusive research environments. Following completion of their PhD, fellows interested in academic research careers may apply for further postdoctoral support, including tailored professional development.
