Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants

The 2024 Michelson Prizes are looking for applications related to Human Immunology and Vaccine Research. 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.

A rigorous and competitive international search will identify the most innovative projects from young scientists working across a broad range of scientific fields. Proposals will be reviewed by a distinguished committee of internationally-recognized scientists. The review committee will be looking for research that challenges dogma, from researchers who clearly articulate a vision that demonstrates an ability to look beyond convention to make a lasting impact on vaccine and immunotherapy research. They encourage applications from the full spectrum of scientific disciplines related to immunology, vaccine, and immunotherapy research, including but not limited to:

• Clinical Research
• Molecular Biology
• Computer science
• Biophysics
• Bioengineering
• Environmental Health
• Biochemistry
• Protein Engineering
• AI/Machine Learning
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiome
• Vector Biology

Award Information

• The allocation of award funds for the conduct of the Michelson Prize-funded project is under the control of the awardee. It may be used flexibly for items such as salary, equipment, consumable supplies, travel to scientific meetings, and laboratory personnel working with the awardee. Specific limitations include the following: No more than 40% of the total award can be used for salaries without approval, travel costs cannot exceed $1500, and there is a $15,000 cap on equipment. The Human Immunome Project does not pay indirect costs on the Michelson Prizes.
• Applicants will be notified of their selection for a Michelson Prize in December 2024. The award period commences on January 1, 2025, and ends on December 31, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be 35 or younger on June 09, 2024 (i.e., born June 10, 1988, 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.