Limited Submission Opportunity: Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program 2026
NOTE: The foundation has not yet announced the 2026 cycle for this LSO but is expected to soon. The internal competition is announced in anticipation to allow prospective candidates sufficient time to prepare their applications. All information in this announcement is subject to change.
URL: https://ritaallen.org/scholars/
OBJECTIVES
The Rita Allen Foundation Scholars (RAFS) Program funds basic biomedical research in the fields of cancer, immunology, and neuroscience. By investing in early-career biomedical scholars and their research, RAFS aims to advance transformative ideas and leverage them to promote breakthrough solutions.
Past Rita Allen Scholars have gone on to make fundamental contributions to their fields of study and have won recognition including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the National Medal of Science, the Wolf Prize in Medicine, the Lasker-Koshland Award for Special Achievement in Medical Science, and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
FUNDING INFORMATION
Up to $110,000 per year for a maximum of 5 years ($550,000 total).
ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS
To be eligible, the candidate must:
- Have completed their training in one of the following relevant fields: cancer, immunology, neuroscience, or pain
- Be independent investigators in the early stages of their careers and research, preferably within the first three years of their tenure track appointment
- Senior postdocs and associate professors are less likely to be selected as candidates
- Must be employed at a US degree-granting or research institution; citizenship is not a requirement
Rita Allen Foundation Scholars (RAFS) may not accept an award from the following programs that would take effect in year one of their RAFS:
- Beckman Young Investigator Program
- Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences
- Searle Scholars Program
- Vallee Scholars Program
However, RAFS may apply for awards from the listed programs so long as they would take effect beginning in year two of the RAF award. Other sources of funding also may influence selection.
INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS
BU may nominate one candidate. Interested investigators should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by 7/23/2025:
- Short Questions outlined in InfoReady Review application
- 2-page Research Statement describing the candidate’s proposed area of research and how that research represents a bold approach to basic scientific questions addressing problems of global concern significant work, achievements. References may be listed on one additional page.
- Up-to-date CV
A faculty committee will review internal proposals and select nominees. Foundation Relations will work with the nominees to develop and submit the institutional nomination letter and applicant materials by 9/5/2025.
DEADLINES
Internal Materials Due: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 by 11:59 pm EDT
Anticipated Notification Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2025
**Anticipated** LOI Due: Friday, September 5, 2025