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University of Wisconsin–Madison

Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program 2027

PostedJuly 10, 2026
To:Chairs and Administrators, Departments in the Biological Sciences; Associate Deans for Research; College/School Research Administrators
From:Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Date:July 10, 2026
Subject:Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program 2027

Deadline

Deadline for Internal Review:August 06, 2026

Project Description

The Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program supports research scientists in the early stages of their careers and funds basic biomedical research in the fields of cancer, immunology, and neuroscience. The Rita Allen Foundation aims to advance transformative ideas and leverage them to promote breakthrough solutions. The program embraces innovative research with above-average risk and groundbreaking possibilities.

Amount per award: $110,000 annually
Duration of award: 5 Years
Number of awards: 5 awarded in 2026

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award candidates must:
• Be nominated by a selected institution
• Have completed their training and provided persuasive evidence of distinguished achievement or extraordinary promise in research in one of the relevant fields
• Be in the early stages of their careers; most likely, this will mean a recent appointment at a faculty level

Rita Allen Foundation Scholars may not accept an award from the Beckman Young Investigator Program, Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences, Searle Scholars Program, or Vallee Scholars Program that would take effect beginning in year one of the RAF award. Rita Allen Scholars may apply for awards from these organizations that would take effect beginning in year two of the RAF award. Other sources of funding also may influence selection.

Additional information on eligibility can be found in the 2026 Grant Guidelines and FAQs.

Please note: Each department may submit materials for one researcher to the Margaret Q. Landenberger Foundation Award 2027 internal competition. Applications must be submitted to OVCR through the researcher’s home department.

UW–Madison may nominate one candidate.

Website

The following link contains additional information on the program and specific application instructions:
https://ritaallen.org/

Internal Competition Application Instructions

Applications for Internal Review

To submit your application, please email a single PDF to grants@research.wisc.edu
Please include the following information:

  • Cover Sheet, with PI name, contact information, and title of the project. Please include a statement indicating that your department chair has reviewed and approved your application and has selected you as the department’s sole nominee for this internal competition.
  • Letter of Support from Chair or Center Director (no more than 2 pages, using the candidate assessment instructions in the FAQs as guidance)
  • CV
  • Research project summary of no more than 4 pages providing a description of how the proposed project meets the goals of the solicitation

Sponsor Deadlines

Nominations are due to Rita Allen Foundation by September 03, 2026. Applications are due to Rita Allen Foundation by October 14, 2026.

Questions?

Contact grants@research.wisc.edu.