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Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Starting with the 2028 competition, the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars and Hanna H. Gray Fellows Programs will select scientists through a single, combined competition. (Applicant review is specific to career stage.)

What the Program Offers

A salary or stipend commensurate with postdoctoral experience, plus additional support to cover certain expenses associated with the Fellowship
Up to two years of support, with renewal contingent on a favorable evaluation of scientific productivity and career development
Flexibility to continue postdoctoral training at your current institution or, with HHMI approval, move to a different institution in the United States or overseas to acquire additional training or technical expertise
Personalized career transition support for your faculty search through workshops and individual advising
Tailored professional development through workshops, retreats, and HHMI Science Meetings
A pathway to the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program upon securing a qualifying tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position at an HHMI eligible institution, contingent on meeting all program requirements and beginning your appointment prior to May 1, 2030

AI Based Application Success Predictor

These are evidence-informed predictors based on HHMI's research philosophy, published program criteria and current fellowship competitions. Their relative importance varies by program; they are not a universal official scoring rubric.

1

★★★★★

Exceptional scientific potential and discovery orientation — Critical

Show potential to make important discoveries that advance fundamental understanding of biology or biomedical science. Strong applications ask significant questions and pursue insights that could change how a field understands a biological process, rather than merely extending established work.

HHMI

2

★★★★★

Originality, creativity and scientific ambition — Critical

Present a compelling, original research direction and explain why conventional approaches are insufficient. HHMI values researchers who can pursue bold questions, take scientifically justified risks and develop new ways to investigate biological problems.

3

★★★★★

Applicant's achievements and future trajectory — Critical

Demonstrate scientific independence appropriate to career stage, intellectual ownership, strong research contributions and the capacity to pursue ambitious future work. For trainee programs, evidence of potential matters alongside current accomplishments.

4

★★★★★

Scientific rigor and a credible research approach — Critical

Define the central question, explain the conceptual rationale and show that the methods can generate interpretable evidence. Use appropriate controls, analytical approaches and alternative strategies without making the proposal so constrained that it loses its exploratory potential.

5

★★★★★

Mentorship quality and a healthy training environment — Critical for trainee programs

For the Gilliam Fellows Program, both the PhD student and faculty advisor are evaluated as a mentor–mentee pair. Show a meaningful mentoring plan, effective communication, conflict-resolution practices and a commitment to an inclusive research culture.

HHMI GIlliam Fellows Program

6

★★★★☆

Commitment to inclusive scientific leadership — Very high

Demonstrate concrete actions that help create an environment where scientists with different backgrounds and experiences can contribute and thrive. For Gilliam, explain the student's leadership and the advisor's efforts to foster a healthy, supportive laboratory culture.

hhmi.org

7

★★★★☆

Fit with the specific HHMI program and career stage — Very high

Match the application to Gilliam, Hanna H. Gray, Freeman Hrabowski Scholars, or the Investigator competition as appropriate. Each program has different requirements, institutional restrictions, and expectations for career development or research leadership.

HHMI Science Programs

8

★★★★☆

Long-term potential and independence — Very high

Explain how the proposed work can lead to new scientific directions, greater independence, a distinctive research identity and sustained contributions to the field. Faculty applicants should articulate a coherent research vision rather than only a list of projects.

9

★★★☆☆

Collaboration, communication and scientific community contribution — High

Show how the applicant will benefit from and contribute to HHMI's scientific community. For mentor–trainee awards, clearly communicate scientific goals, professional development plans and shared responsibilities.

10

★★★★☆

Eligibility, institutional fit and application completeness — Essential gate

Confirm that the institution is eligible, the applicant meets the relevant career-stage and research-area requirements, and all required statements, letters and supporting documents are submitted. A scientifically excellent application cannot compensate for ineligibility.

HHMI

Ranked summary table

Rank	Success predictor	Importance
1	Exceptional discovery potential	Critical
2	Originality and scientific ambition	Critical
3	Applicant achievements and trajectory	Critical
4	Scientific rigor	Critical
5	Mentorship and training environment	Critical for Gilliam
6	Inclusive scientific leadership	Very high
7	Program and career-stage fit	Very high
8	Long-term independence	Very high
9	Collaboration and community contribution	High
10	Eligibility and compliance	Essential gate

Specialties

Others

Eligibility Requirements

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program is open to postdoctoral scientists who meet the following criteria.

You are eligible if you:

Hold a PhD and/or MD degree (or equivalent)
Have no more than 7 years of postdoctoral training experience by December 15, 2026
Conduct research in the basic biological and biomedical sciences in any of the scientific disciplines that HHMI supports
Are currently in a mentored postdoctoral research position at an HHMI eligible institution; or, if you are currently in medical training, will have completed all your clinical residencies and are scheduled to transition to a mentored postdoctoral research position at an HHMI eligible institution by May 1, 2028
Intend to start your first independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position at an HHMI eligible institution no later than May 1, 2030, and can provide a detailed career-development plan, supported by your current mentor, consistent with that expectation
Are authorized to work in the US or are eligible to obtain a work authorization for the duration of your appointment

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road; Chevy Chase; MD 20815-6789

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