Funder: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Due Dates: November 3, 2026, 9:00 AM ET (Opens) | December 15, 2026, 11:59 PM ET (Application) | January 5, 2027, 11:59 PM ET (Mentor materials)
Funding Amounts: Salary or stipend currently $80,000–$104,382 annually, plus $50,000 annually for fellowship expenses, for up to two years
Summary: Supports postdoctoral scientists in basic biological and biomedical sciences as they transition to independent academic careers.
Key Information: Applicants must plan to begin a qualifying independent faculty position at an HHMI-eligible institution by May 1, 2030.
Description
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program supports postdoctoral scientists with exceptional promise as future research leaders. Following HHMI’s “people, not projects” philosophy, it backs bold, creative basic biological and biomedical research while helping fellows prepare for independent academic careers. Fellows are expected to demonstrate scientific excellence, originality, and inclusive leadership, and to recruit, mentor, and inspire future scientists.
Beginning with the 2028 competition, Hanna Gray Fellows and Freeman Hrabowski Scholars are selected through a combined competition, with review specific to career stage. Fellows receive financial support, tailored professional development, and personalized faculty-search guidance through workshops and individual advising. They also join HHMI’s scientific community through retreats and Science Meetings, with a pathway to the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program upon securing a qualifying faculty appointment.
