Applications are now open for the 2016 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise! The eighth annual Creative Promise Prizes will be awarded in the fields of theatre and biomedical science. Three selected winners in each field will receive a $50,000 cash award.

Foreign-born artists and scientists who have made significant contributions to their fields early in their careers are invited to apply.  For the first time, immigrants who hold an H-1B or O-1 visa and have been living and working in the United States for at least five years, or have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), are eligible to apply, in addition to naturalized citizens and permanent residents.  Applicants should be no older than 38 years old on December 31, 2015.

Theatre professionals working in a variety of capacities are eligible; categories include: playwright and book writer, director, actor, designer (for sets, costumes, lights, projections/video, sound, and/or puppetry), composer and lyricist, and choreographer.

Biomedical science applicants must have earned a doctoral degree: Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent. Applicants must also hold an independent, full-time position in a research or academic institution; eligible positions include assistant, associate, or full professor, research scientist, or the equivalent.

Applications will be accepted through June 15, but don’t wait! Read more about eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions before you begin your application. And if you know any biomedical science or theatre professionals, please encourage them to apply.