The mission of the Foundation is to support early stage investigators engaged in basic biomedical research that has the potential to significantly advance the understanding, diagnosis or treatment of disease. The grants program provides $180,000 ($60,000 per year) over a period of up to three years and are not renewable.
Funds are directed to faculty members who hold M.D. and/or Ph.D. degrees and who are in the first to fourth year of a tenure-track position. Funding supports the advancement of research projects to the point where R01 or other independent funding can be obtained. Applicants with current R01 funding should not apply.
From six to eight awardees are chosen each cycle. Funding commences on October 1. No indirect costs are allowed, but salary is acceptable. Penn State is limited to a single nominee.
Investigators should bear in mind that the selection process is shepherded by Trustees with a medical/scientific background, but a lay summary is critical to connecting to the other members of the Board who ultimately have an important role in the final selection of award recipients.
Foundation Relations Insights:
The majority of the past awardees have come from medical schools, with some exceptions. Cutting edge projects that may lead to a potential cure/breakthrough are generally competitive.
For complete program guidelines and instructions see the Foundation website. Prospective applicants can view information regarding past awardees.
Interested applicants should upload the following documents in sequence in one PDF file (File name: Last Name_Mallinckrodt_2021.pdf) no later than 4:00 p.m. on the internal submission deadline:
- Research Summary: (5-page max including references & figures) Detailed description of proposed project.
- Lay Summary: (1 to 2 pages) Applicants should bear in mind that the Foundation’s Board includes non-scientist members, making this summary of particular importance.
- Budget Summary: (2-page max) Explanation of how funds will be used to advance the unique problem under study in a way that cannot be done with existing funds. In addition, detail the levels of support of any grants already available or pending.
- NIH-style Biosketch: (5-page max) as well as a cover page with name of investigator, contact information, and title of project.
Formatting Guidelines:
- Font/size: Times New Roman (12 pt.)
- Document margins: 1.0” (top, bottom, left and right)
- Standard paper size (8 ½” x 11)
The internal down-select will be based on responsiveness of the internal application to the following criteria from the foundation. Bear in mind that the Foundation's Board includes non-scientist members, making the lay summary of particular importance.
- Is the proposal for basic biomedical research that has the potential to significantly advance the understanding, diagnosis or treatment of disease? Is there evidence that the candidate is a successful independent investigator with notable past accomplishments, honors, awards, and publications? Is the proposal creative, innovative and risk-taking? Will the lay summary communicate effectively to a non-scientific audience?
The Office of Foundation Relations is available to consult on proposal narrative elements and answer other foundation-related questions. University Park applicants, should please contact Sophie Penney, Directory of Foundation Relations (swp2@psu.edu or 514-867-5605). Penn State College of Medicine applicants should please contact Jess Kiely, Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, (jkiely1@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-5827) for additional support.