The HHMI Gilliam Fellows Program launches promising PhD students into impactful scientific research careers while fostering inclusive training environments. The program is unique in supporting both graduate students and their faculty thesis advisors as mentor-mentee pairs.

Starting with the next competition launching September 1, 2026, the Gilliam Fellows Program will be open to second- and third-year PhD students in the biological and biomedical sciences at any eligible HHMI institution across the US. Beginning with this competition, international PhD students and students in health-sciences dual degree PhD programs such as the MD-PhD are eligible to apply.

Fellows receive up to three years of stipend support during their PhD training, along with a discretionary allowance. Gilliam Fellows have the opportunity to participate in professional development programming and join HHMI’s broader scientific community of peers, alumni, and researchers across career stages.

Following completion of their graduate work, Gilliam PhD Fellows with a strong interest in pursuing a career in academic science may apply for additional postdoctoral salary and research support to become Gilliam Postdoc Fellows. Progression to the postdoctoral phase will consider the Fellow’s PhD research, career aspirations, and suitability of the mentorship and training environment of the potential postdoctoral host lab. Gilliam Postdoc Fellows will receive additional, tailored professional development to support their progression toward independent academic research careers.

Across both PhD and postdoc phases, the Gilliam Fellows Program fosters a cohesive community that supports scientific growth, effective mentorship, and the development of inclusive research environments in which all scientists can thrive.

Additional details about the upcoming competition, including application requirements and timelines, will be shared this summer in advance of the September 2026 application launch.