Application deadline: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET

The HHMI Gilliam Fellows Program supports PhD students and their faculty advisors as they pursue ambitious research and build strong training environments. Fellows receive up to three years of annual support during the PhD, and those pursuing academic research careers become eligible for up to four additional years of postdoctoral support.

This is a joint application with your advisor

Gilliam funds mentor-mentee pairs, not students alone. Both the student and the PhD advisor submit materials, and selected advisors participate in a year-long mentorship development experience with monthly webinars and an in-person workshop. Before starting an application, confirm that your advisor is willing to take this on.

What the award provides

  • $50,000 annual stipend
  • $5,000 annual discretionary allowance for professional development
  • $10,000 annual institutional allowance toward tuition and fees
  • Up to three years of PhD support, beginning September 1, 2027
  • Eligibility for up to four additional years of postdoctoral support for those pursuing academic research careers

Student eligibility

  • Must be a second- or third-year PhD student as of October 27, 2026.
  • Must be enrolled in a biological or biomedical sciences PhD program at an HHMI-eligible institution.
  • Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, and international students who are eligible for funding at their institution.
  • Dual-degree students, including MD-PhD and DVM-PhD candidates, are eligible.
  • Research must be in basic biological or biomedical sciences.

What the student submits

  • Eligibility and educational history.
  • Up to five contributions to science, which may include publications, presentations, and community or outreach activities.
  • A three-page overview of your PhD research, written by you.
  • Written responses describing your leadership and commitment to strengthening the scientific community.
  • A career statement covering your professional goals and your advisor's role in your development.
  • A conflict resolution statement prepared jointly with your advisor.

What the advisor submits

  • Academic background and outcomes of prior trainees.
  • Documentation of current research funding.
  • A two-page letter of support addressing the student's promise and potential.
  • A description of efforts to foster a healthy research environment.
  • A mentoring plan covering lab culture, student support, and professional development.

One additional reference, someone other than the advisor, must also submit a letter of support.

Key Dates

September 1, 2026 — Application opens
October 27, 2026 — Application closes, 11:59 p.m. ET
Summer 2027 — Award notification
September 1, 2027 — Fellowship begins

Students apply directly through HHMI's Application and Review Channel. Institutional grants offices are not involved in preparing or submitting Gilliam applications. Full program details are at hhmi.org/programs/gilliam-fellows.