Deadline: 22-Jun-25
The Michelson Prizes are awarded annually to support early-career investigators working to advance human immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy research for major global diseases.
They are interested in research that aims to tackle the current roadblocks in human vaccine development and expand the understanding of immune processes fundamental to successful vaccine and immunotherapy development. Research with potential applications across multiple disease areas and states is of particular interest.
The Michelson Prizes are intended to support individuals early in their careers who possess novel ideas and who have significant potential to execute these ideas to affect transformative change in their respective fields. Research incorporating multiplexed and non-traditional approaches from outside the fields of immunology and vaccinology and demonstrating a high degree of novelty and creative thinking is encouraged. The successful applicants will clearly articulate a vision that challenges current dogma and demonstrate an ability to look beyond convention to make a lasting impact on vaccine and immunotherapy research.
The Michelson Prizes seek to draw young investigators from a wide range of disciplines, including clinical research, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, biophysics, nanotechnology, microbiome, tropical medicine, environmental health, etc.
Prize Information
- $150,000 Michelson Prizes are available to support research.
Duration
- The award period commences on January 1, 2026, and ends on December 31, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be 35 or younger on June 22, 2025 (i.e., born June 23, 1989, or later). Early-career investigators, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows (including residents and interns), doctoral students and other researchers currently in training positions are eligible for these awards. International applicants are encouraged. Regardless of ethnicity, nationality or citizenship status, an eligible applicant must be employed by or affiliated with an eligible organization. Examples of eligible organizations include academia, biotechnology companies, foundations, government and non-governmental organizations, and research institutes. Individuals from organizations based outside of the US are eligible to apply.
- While the Michelson Prizes are focused on research outcomes in the field of vaccine and immunotherapy discovery, applicants from the full spectrum of related disciplines, including clinical research, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, biophysics, nanotechnology, microbiome, tropical medicine, environmental health etc., are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in human immunology and vaccinology is not required; however, the application must clearly articulate how the proposed research will impact and advance the understanding of human immunology and/or vaccine science.
For more information, visit Human Immunome Project.