New York, NY, May 16, 2011 — The Vilcek Foundation is pleased to announce that it will be awarding the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for the fourth time in 2012. This $25,000 prize, established in 2009, documents and rewards the contributions of young immigrants to American science while also raising public awareness about the key role foreign-born researchers play in sustaining the leadership position of the United States in world science.

“Our previous Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science have been awarded to highly deserving individuals for their outstanding research in fields as diverse as cell differentiation, molecular genetics and cancer metastasis,” said Jan Vilcek, President of the Foundation.  “We greatly look forward to rewarding the achievements of other young immigrant biomedical scientists for exceptional contributions to society at early stages of their careers.”

Researchers in all fields of biomedical science are encouraged to apply.  Applicants must have been born abroad, reside permanently in the United States, hold a doctoral degree, intend to pursue a career in the U.S., and be no more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2011.  In addition, they must also hold a full-time independent position in an academic institution or other organization.

A panel of distinguished members of the scientific community will select the recipients of the prize and of four finalist awards of $5,000 each. The jury will consider the candidates’ innovation, independence, creativity, clarity of vision, and impact on the field of biomedical research.

A written application, professional resume, list of publications, and letters of recommendation are required. The deadline for submissions is August 14, 2011. A link to the online application can be found at www.vilcek.org.

The winner and finalists will be notified in November 2011 and honored at an awards ceremony in New York City in April 2012.

For more information about the Vilcek Foundation and the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science, please visit www.vilcek.org.