2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science Grant

The 2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science will award three $50,000 prizes to exceptional young immigrant scientists in the U.S. This prestigious prize recognizes innovative research contributions in biomedical science. Eligible candidates must be under 38 years old, hold a doctoral degree, and have made significant achievements in their field. The Vilcek Foundation aims to highlight the impact of immigrant scientists on the advancement of biomedical research, fostering diversity and excellence.

2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science”
The Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 each to young immigrant scientists living and working in the United States. The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise honor research scientists whose work demonstrates outstanding achievement, and represents a significant contribution to their field.

Eligibility

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 or translational biomedical scienceApplicants 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, 2025 (born on or after January 1, 1987), Exceptions will be made for applicants who were born on January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1986, and who experienced career interruptions due to caregiving, medical, military, or parental leave;Have lived in the United States for at least 4 years (or immigrated to the United States on or before December 31, 2021);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.Applicants may be required to submit a scanned copy of a valid immigration document if their application progresses in the review process. The staff at the Vilcek Foundation will reach out with instructions at the appropriate time;Have earned a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent);Hold a full-time position at an academic institution or other organization. Eligible positions include the following: assistant or associate professor or equivalent independent position. Be directly responsible for the design and execution of the work submitted for consideration and have co-authored at least 1 publication;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.What biomedical science categories are eligible?Biochemistry

Ineligibility

Please note that other types of visas including TN, F-1, J-1 visa holders are not eligible for the prize. Applicants required to work under the supervision of a mentor (such as postdoctoral fellows) are not eligible;