Hellman Fellows Fund
The Hellman Fellows Fund supports innovative research by UC Berkeley assistant professors, providing bridge funding between start-up resources and major external grants.
Funder: University of California Berkeley
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $60,000 per award; typical range $20,000–$60,000; 1-year funding period.
Summary: Supports promising assistant professors at UC Berkeley with research funding to bridge the gap between start-up funds and major external grants.
Key Information: For UC Berkeley assistant professors with at least two years in rank and not yet recommended for tenure.
Description
The Hellman Fellows Fund provides substantial research support to promising assistant professors at the University of California, Berkeley. The program is designed specifically to bridge the funding gap that often occurs two to three years into a faculty appointment, after initial start-up funds are exhausted and before major external grants are secured. Awards are based on the quality, creativity, and potential impact of the proposed research, regardless of the field’s popularity or the applicant’s background. The fund is intended to be accessible to a broad range of disciplines and is adjudicated by a multidisciplinary faculty panel.
Funds may be used for a variety of research-related expenses, including research assistants, equipment, travel, dependent care (up to 5% of the award), and up to one month of summer salary (up to 19 days). There is no overhead charged to this award. Recipients are expected to use all funds within one year and before being granted tenure.
