Vallee Scholars in Biomedical Research 2027
| To: | Chairs and Administrators, Associate Deans for Research; College/School Research Administrators |
| From: | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research |
| Date: | September 08, 2026 |
| Subject: | Vallee Scholars in Biomedical Research 2027 |
Deadline
| Deadline for Internal Review: | October 08, 2026 |
Project Description
The Vallee Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of exceptional early career independent investigators. Recognizing that they will drive future advances in the biomedical sciences — and that flexible funding for basic research is essential — the Foundation will once again accept nominations for Vallee Scholar Awards.
The Vallee Foundation welcomes nominations of outstanding scientists across the biomedical sciences and from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Foundation values discovery science and bold and innovative ideas, including those that may not be supported by large funding agencies. Proposals that addresses exciting areas of study that are not currently funded and have a scope commensurate with the level of funding provided by the Vallee Foundation are encouraged.
This award provides a one-time, career development grant of $400,000 to exceptional, independent investigators conducting basic biomedical research. The Award is intended for junior faculty in the early stages of their career where this level of support can have meaningful impact. The Vallee Scholar Award is not a traditional grant program; reviewers evaluate a candidate’s potential as much as the proposed research.
Amount per Award: $400,000
Duration of Award: 4 Years
Number of Awards: 7 in 2026
Eligibility
The candidate must have received a PhD/MD or other equivalent professional degree within 12 years of the application deadline. By the same date, the candidate should be in an independent research position at the nominating institution and have been an independent researcher for 6 years or fewer.
The Vallee Foundation has no restrictions on nominees having received other grant funding.
UW-Madison is allowed to submit 1 nomination.
2027 Vallee Scholars Call for Nominations.
Please note: Each department may submit materials for one faculty member to the Vallee Scholars in Biomedical Research 2027 internal competition. Applications must be submitted to OVCR through the faculty member’s home department.
Website
The following link contains additional information on the program and specific application instructions:
http://www.thevalleefoundation.org/programs/yia
Internal Competition Application Instructions
Applications for Internal Review
To submit your application, attach a single PDF to an email to: grants@research.wisc.edu
Please include the following:
- Cover Sheet including:
- PI name, contact information, and title of the project.
- 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.
- A statement confirming that your department chair or dean is aware that a letter of nomination will be required if selected as the UW nominee.
- Complete Curriculum Vitae. Include degree information, all positions held, research support (institutional and external) including amounts, awards, and publications.
- Research Proposal following the guidelines in the Call for Nominations including:
- One-page overview, outlining the vision for your lab as a whole
- Up to 4 page Research proposal including:
- Title
- Abstract
- Specific Aims
- Brief introduction/survey of the field leading to the open question that you seek to address
- Proposed research, including preliminary results (if relevant), figures,
expected outcomes (what results might emerge and why would they be
important?), and potential weaknesses
Cited literature can be appended as separate pages.
Sponsor Deadlines
Letters of Intent are due to The Vallee Foundation by December 01, 2026. Applications are due to The Vallee Foundation by February 01, 2027.
Questions?
Contact grants@research.wisc.edu.