Smith Family Awards Program for Excellence in Biomedical Research
This grant supports early-career faculty conducting innovative basic or translational biomedical research to advance scientific understanding and medical breakthroughs.
Funder: Health Resources in Action
Due Dates: June 23, 2026: Initial-stage application (Letter of Intent / Initial Research Proposal) submission deadline — June 23, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time
Funding Amounts: Up to five awards of $400,000 each over three years; maximum 5% indirect costs; funding period April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2030.
Summary: Supports early-career faculty in basic or translational biomedical research at eligible institutions in Massachusetts, Brown, or Yale, to foster innovation and advance medical breakthroughs.
Key Information: Applicants must have first independent faculty appointment (Assistant Professor or equivalent) between Oct 1, 2024 and Apr 1, 2027, and less than $350,000/year in other direct costs.
Description
This program, administered by Health Resources in Action and funded by the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation, aims to launch the careers of newly independent faculty in biomedical research. It provides substantial resources to early-career investigators whose work has the potential to transform their fields and drive medical breakthroughs. The awards support research in all areas of basic and translational biomedical science, as well as biomedically-focused projects in physics, chemistry, and engineering. The program encourages innovative, ambitious research that advances fundamental biological understanding or translational applications, but excludes clinical trials and health services research.
