New York, NY, March 1, 2015 — The Vilcek Foundation is seeking applications for the 2016 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science.  Three foreign-born biomedical scientists will be selected to receive the prizes, each comprising an unrestricted cash award of $50,000.

Established in 2009, the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise honor scientists who have distinguished themselves early in their careers, and help to raise awareness of the key role foreign-born researchers play in sustaining the leadership position of the United States in the sciences.

Researchers in all fields of biomedical science are encouraged to apply.  Applicants must:

• have been born abroad;
• be naturalized citizens or permanent residents of the United States; also eligible are persons who have held a valid H-1B or O-1 visa for at least 5 years, and individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) relief;
• have a doctoral degree and intend to pursue a career in the United States;
• be no more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2015;
• hold a full-time independent position at an academic institution or other research organization.

A panel of distinguished members of the scientific community will select the prizewinners.  The jury will consider the candidates’ innovation, independence, creativity, clarity of vision, and impact on the field of biomedical research.

A written application, professional résumé, list of publications, and letters of recommendation are required. The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2015.  Eligibility requirements and a link to the online application can be found at Vilcek.org.