The Vilcek Foundation will award three Creative Promise Prizes of $50,000 each to young, immigrant biomedical scientists who demonstrate outstanding early achievement. Applications are now closed for the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. Candidates will be notified in fall 2022.
Who Should Apply
- You were born outside the United States to non-American parents
- You are not more than 38 years old
- You are a biomedical scientist who has conducted creative, independent research in basic, applied, and/or translational biomedical science
Why Should You Apply
- Unrestricted cash prize of $50,000 is awarded to each prizewinner
- Reflect on how your experience as an immigrant has shaped your success
- Receive an invaluable endorsement of your contributions to biomedical science from leaders in your field
- Winners are featured in a public relations campaign that promotes their work
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have been born outside the United States of America to non-American parents.
- Not be more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2022 (born on or after January 1, 1984). Exceptions will be made for applicants who were born between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1983 who experienced career interruptions due to caregiving, medical, military or parental leave.
- Have lived in the United States for at least four years (or immigrated to the United States on or before December 31, 2018).
- Be one of the following: a naturalized citizen or a permanent resident of the United States; a H-1B or O-1 visa holder with a valid visa stamp; a H-4 visa holder with a valid EAD card; a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) relief; an asylee or an asylum seeker who has applied for asylum and has a valid EAD card.
- Have earned a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent).
- Hold a full-time position at an academic institution or other organization. Eligible positions include: assistant or associate professor, or equivalent independent position.
- Be directly responsible for the design and execution of the entire work submitted for consideration and have at least one publication as corresponding author.
- Intend to pursue a professional career in the United States.
- Not be a past recipient of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise.
Application and Selection Process
- Complete the application process. You will be required to:
- Provide personal information.
- Upload a PDF of your CV.
- Upload a PDF with documentation of your valid immigration status and your date of birth.
- Provide information on authored publications. The jury puts the greatest value on publications on which you are the corresponding author.
- Complete three essay questions
- Please describe your role in the conceptualization, research and writing that resulted in the articles you submitted. We are interested in the scientific insights you developed, the evolution of your research approaches and strategies, and any technological innovations you may have made. What is the major significance of your work in the general context of biomedical science? (3,500 characters maximum)
- Please reflect briefly on your background and experiences in developing your scientific knowledge, talents and skills. Indicate what you have done personally and professionally that demonstrates your creativity and productivity. Feel free to make mention of any individual who has played a significant role in your personal development or in regard to your work. In addition, tell us about your future goals and what you are interested in accomplishing in your career. (3,500 characters maximum)
- Describe the circumstances of your immigration to the United States. (1,500 characters maximum)
- Request two letters of recommendation by providing the names and contact information of recommenders.
- Sign an age exception self-attestation if you were born between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1983.
- Submit a completed application by 5:00pm EDT, June 10, 2022.
- A panel of distinguished jurors—scientists and science/medical writers or editors—will evaluate each application based primarily on the individual’s research contributions to progress in biomedical sciences, as demonstrated in the quality and significance of their research and publication record. The individuals chosen will have demonstrated exceptional independence and creativity by their 38th birthday. In addition, the applicants will also be judged on their ability to communicate the significance of their research to a scientifically literate audience. The Creative Promise Prize recipients selected by the jury will be scientists whose work best exemplifies the characteristics above.
- Recommendations of the jury will be submitted to the Vilcek Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval. All three winners will be considered equal in standing.
- The winners of the Creative Promise Prize in Biomedical Science will be notified in fall 2022. Prizewinners will be invited to attend the Vilcek Foundation’s annual awards ceremony in New York City, in the spring of 2023. Travel expenses and accommodations will be covered by the foundation.
