The Gilliam Fellows Program is an annual HHMI fellowship for PhD student–advisor pairs at eligible US institutions. It supports ambitious basic biological and biomedical research while developing inclusive training environments.
Fellows continue their PhD research at their graduate institution. Selected Fellows may later compete separately for four years of postdoctoral support.
Benefits & funding
- US$65,000 per year for up to three years: US$50,000 stipend, US$5,000 professional-development allowance, and US$10,000 institutional allowance toward tuition, health insurance, and fees.
- Advisors must complete a year-long HHMI mentorship course; HHMI covers travel and accommodation for program meetings.
- Gilliam funding cannot overlap with another external fellowship; awardees must relinquish it or defer Gilliam for one year.
Eligibility
- Apply as a pair: a PhD student and permanent, full-time faculty PhD advisor at the same eligible institution, or institutions with a shared financial arrangement.
- The student must be in good standing in year two or three of a biological or biomedical PhD or dual-degree PhD on October 27, 2026.
- Research must be in an HHMI-supported basic biological or biomedical discipline; the student must pursue a scientific research career and commit to advancing excellence and inclusion.
- US and international students may apply if legally eligible to study and receive funding from their institution.
Can you apply?
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Education required
PhD Enrolled
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Application process
- 1The student starts the ARC application and names their advisor plus one additional referee.
- 2The student submits eligibility and education details, up to five contributions, a three-page research overview, leadership and career statements, and a joint conflict-resolution statement.
- 3The advisor submits a support letter, research-environment statement, and mentoring plan; the referee submits a support letter.
- 4All three contributors submit their materials directly by the deadline.
Program timeline
Applications open
September 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Application deadline
October 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Award notifications
Summer 2027
Fellowship begins
September 1, 2027