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Pew Biomedical Scholars

Pew Charitable Trusts

The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences provides funding to young investigators of outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health.

The current grant level is $300,000; $75,000 per year for a four-year period. For the 2027 award, one nomination will be invited from each of the participating institutions listed at the bottom of this page.

Based on their performance during their education and training, candidates should demonstrate outstanding promise as contributors in science relevant to human health. This program does not fund clinical trials research. Strong proposals will incorporate particularly creative and pioneering approaches to basic, translational, and applied biomedical research. Candidates whose work is based on biomedical principles but who bring in concepts and theories from more diverse fields are encouraged to apply.

Ideas with the potential to produce an unusually high impact are encouraged. Selection of the successful candidates will be based on a detailed description of the work that the applicant proposes to undertake, evaluations of the candidate’s performance, and notable past accomplishments, including honors, awards, and publications. In evaluating the candidates, the National Advisory Committee gives considerable weight to both the project proposal and the researcher, including evidence that the candidate is a successful independent investigator and has the skill set needed to carry out their high-impact proposal.

Funding from the NIH, other government sources, and project grants from nonprofit associations do not pose a conflict with the Pew scholars program. If you have questions concerning eligibility, please contact Pew Biomedical Programs (scholarsapp@pewtrusts.org) in advance of applying.

Terms of the Award

Funding terms

An award of $75,000 per year for four years will be provided to the sponsoring institution for use by the scholar, subject to annual review of the scholar’s progress. Grant agreements will be issued in August of the award year. The awarded funds may be used at the discretion of the Pew scholar, for personnel, equipment, supplies, or travel directly related to the scholar's research and as to best advance his or her research and career.

The amount of the award that may be used for the principal investigator’s salary is limited to $12,500 per year (including benefits) or $50,000 over the duration of the grant. There are no limits on student or postdoctoral salaries.
Not more than 8 percent ($24,000) of the total award value may be allocated for facilities and administration (F&A) charges or indirect costs (IDCs).
Should the funds not be immediately required, they may be accumulated and carried over through the grant period and, with written approval of the program office, the grant may receive a no-cost extension for one additional year (without additional funds).
Subawards are allowed.

Investigator effort

It is expected that Pew scholars will spend at least 80 percent of their time in work or activities related to the accomplishment of their overall research goals (which are not restricted to the specific aims proposed for this award). However, Pew provides flexible support to the general research aims of the scholar and does not require effort reporting.

Annual meeting attendance

During the four-year grant term, program participants are required to attend an annual meeting held in March or April. All eligible expenses for attendees’ travel, lodging, and meals are paid by Pew. The meeting provides Pew scholars with an opportunity to present their research and for scientific collaboration and exchange with other scholars and members of the National Advisory Committee.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Based on Pew funding programs (especially biomedical scholars and policy initiatives):

🥇 1. High Scientific Excellence (Top Predictor)

Requires:
- Strong academic track record
- High-impact publications

✔ Especially critical for:

Pew Biomedical Scholars

🥈 2. Innovation & Creativity

Strong emphasis on:
- Novel ideas
- Bold, unconventional research

✔ High success:

High-risk, high-reward proposals

🥉 3. Early Career Investigator Focus

Many Pew programs target:
- Early-stage faculty

✔ Predictor:

Strong potential for future leadership

4. Interdisciplinary Research

Competitive proposals combine:
- Multiple fields

✔ Example:

Biology + data science
Medicine + engineering

5. Broad Impact Beyond Academia

Preference for:
- Work influencing:
  - Policy
  - Society
  - Public health

6. Strong Institutional Environment

Important:
- Host institution support
- Research infrastructure

7. Independence & Creativity of PI

Key factor:
- Original thinking
- Independence from mentors

8. Feasibility with Innovation Balance

Must balance:
- Risk + practicality

🧪 Common Funded Research Areas

Biomedical sciences
Infectious diseases
Neuroscience
Environmental science
Public policy research

⚠️ Common Reasons for Rejection

Lack of originality
Weak track record
Incremental research ideas
Poor alignment with program goals

🧠 Bottom Line (Key Predictors Ranked)

High scientific excellence
Innovation and originality
Early-career investigator potential
Interdisciplinary approach
Broad societal impact
Strong institutional support

✔️ In short:
Pew funding favors creative, high-impact, early-career researchers with innovative ideas and strong potential for leadership.

Specialties

Biomedical Engineering

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
Hold a doctorate in biomedical sciences, medicine, or a related field, including engineering or the physical sciences.
As of Sept. 3, 2026, run an independent lab and hold a full-time appointment at the rank of assistant professor. (Appointments such as research assistant professor, adjunct assistant professor, assistant professor research track, visiting professor, or instructor are not eligible).
- Current appointments such as research assistant professor, adjunct assistant professor, assistant professor research track, visiting professor, or instructor are not eligible to apply.
Must not have been appointed as an assistant professor and run an independent lab at any institution prior to June 10, 2023, whether or not such an appointment was on a tenure track. Time spent in clinical internships, residencies, in work toward board certification, or on parental leave does not count as part of this three-year limit. Candidates who need an exception on the three-year limit should contact Pew’s program office to ensure that application reviewers are aware an exception has been given.
May apply to the program a maximum of two times. All applicants must be nominated by their institution and must complete the 2027 online application.
If applicants have appointments at more than one eligible nominating institution or affiliate, they may not reapply in a subsequent year from a different nominating entity.
May not be nominated for the Pew Scholars Program and the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program for Cancer Research in the same year.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Pew Charitable Trusts

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 202-552-2000 901 E St. NW Washington, DC 20004-2008

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