Michelson Prizes
Supporting the next generation of innovators in human immunology
The Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants are $150,000 research grants given annually to support promising researchers who are applying disruptive concepts and inventive processes to advance human immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy research for major global diseases.
We are now accepting applications for the 2022 round of prizes. The Deadline for submissions is June 26, 2022. Please click here to apply.
The committee will be looking for research aimed at tackling the current roadblocks that exist in human vaccine development and expanding our limited understanding of key immune processes that are fundamental to successful vaccine and immunotherapy development. The Michelson Prizes are awarding research that is highly innovative and impactful, with the potential to be applied across many diseases.
While the Michelson Prizes are focused on research in the fields of immunology, 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, etc., are encouraged to apply.
Michelson Prize Winners
Watch last year’s winners explain how their research made an essential scientific contribution:
Across Sectors, Across Diseases
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. We 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
The Michelson Prize was instrumental in my early career. It allowed me to pursue high-risk, high-impact ideas, which would not have been possible without the funding and scientific collaborations developed through the Human Vaccines Project.
Ansuman Satpathy,
M.D., Ph.D.
Stanford University
Eligibility and Application
Information for applicants
Applications for the 2022 Michelson Prizes will be accepted from April 14, 2022 – June 26, 2022.
Applicants must be 35 or younger at the time of submission. Early career independent investigators, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows (including residents and interns), and other researchers currently in training positions are eligible for these awards. Eligible applicants must be employed by, or affiliated with, an eligible organization (e.g., academia, biotechnology companies, foundations, government and non-governmental organizations, and research institutes).
Questions?
More information about the Prizes can be downloaded HERE.
Michelson Prizes FAQ’s can be downloaded HERE.
Review our applicant FAQ below, or contact us at michelsonprizes@humanvaccinesproject.org.
About the Donors
Dr. Gary K. Michelson is a Board Certified Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon, with more than 900 issued patents worldwide. His work has revolutionized the practice of spinal surgery, making such procedures less invasive, less traumatic, safer, faster, and more effective. Alya Michelson is an accomplished journalist, who has written in, and been published in four different languages.
Together the Michelsons support a broad array of philanthropic endeavors and operate three foundations that they founded and fund; including the Michelson Medical Research Foundation, 20MM, and Michelson Found Animals.
The Michelson Prizes & Grants in Human Immunology are supported by the Michelson Medical Research Foundation and include two funding opportunities
• The Michelson Prizes Young Investigators Grants (see above): Prospective 150K grants to support disruptive research concepts and inventive processes with the potential to significantly advance the development of vaccines and immunotherapies for major global diseases
• The Michelson Philanthropies & Science Prize for Immunology: A 25K award for recent research that will have a significant impact on vaccine and immunotherapy development. Applications open May 01, 2022.
Michelson Found Animals supports the Michelson Prize & Grants in Reproductive Biology. More information about these awards can be found here.
