MIchelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants

Eligibility

Applicants must be 35 or younger on June 09, 2024 (i.e., born June 10, 1988, or later). The Michelson Prizes are intended to support individuals early in their careers who possess novel ideas and who have significant potential to execute these ideas to affect transformative change in their respective fields. Research incorporating multiplexed and non-traditional approaches from outside the fields of immunology and vaccinology and demonstrating a high degree of novelty and creative thinking is encouraged. Early-career investigators, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows (including residents and interns), doctoral students and other researchers currently in training positions are eligible for these awards.

Regardless of ethnicity, nationality or citizenship status, an eligible applicant must be employed by or affiliated with an eligible organization. Examples of eligible organizations include academia, biotechnology companies, foundations, government and non-governmental organizations, and research institutes. Individuals from organizations based outside of the US are eligible to apply.  

While the Michelson Prizes are focused on research outcomes in the field of vaccine and immunotherapy discovery, applicants from the full spectrum of related disciplines, including clinical research, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, biophysics, nanotechnology, microbiome, tropical medicine, environmental health etc., are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in human immunology and vaccinology is not required; however, the application must clearly articulate how the proposed research will impact and advance our understanding of human immunology and/or vaccine science.  

The successful applicants will clearly articulate a vision that challenges current dogma and demonstrate an ability to look beyond convention to make a lasting impact on vaccine and immunotherapy research. The Michelson Prizes seek to draw young investigators from a wide range of disciplines,  including clinical research, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, biophysics, nanotechnology, microbiome, tropical medicine, environmental health, etc. 

Summary

Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants are $150,000 research grants given annually to support promising researchers applying disruptive concepts and inventive processes to advance human immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy research for major global diseases.

Through a collaboration with the Human Immunome Project, Michelson Medical Research Foundation seeks to unravel the complexity of the human immune system, accelerating the development of vaccines and therapies for some of the world’s most threatening diseases.

The Michelson Prizes is looking for research proposals for human immunology and vaccine research. The committee will look for research aimed at tackling the current roadblocks that exist in human vaccine development and expanding our limited understanding of key immune processes that are fundamental to successful vaccine and immunotherapy development.

While the Michelson Prizes are focused on research in the fields of immunology, vaccine, and immunotherapy discovery, applicants from the full spectrum of related disciplines, including clinical research, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, biophysics, nanotechnology, etc., are encouraged to apply. 

Overhead

 The Human Immunome Project does not pay indirect costs on the Michelson Prizes.  See policy document for further research funding conditions. 

Application deadlines

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Applications will be accepted from 1 April to 9 June 2024, 11:59 p.m. EDT / 9:59 p.m. MDT.

The Michelson Prizes use an online application. All communications, including the invitation to submit supplemental information, will be made through email. We encourage applicants to add the Survey Monkey email address (noreply@mail.smapply.net) to their whitelist or contacts list so emails don’t get stuck in spam. 

How to Submit an Online Application 

Go to https://michelsonprizes.smapply.org (or click the ‘apply now’ button @ www.humanimmunomeproject.org/michelson-prizes) • Complete the 2024 Michelson Prizes application forms, upload a two-page research project description, and submit your completed application.  • Applications must contain all the information required in the form to be accepted.

Applicants must submit a 2-page description of their research proposal, which will be judged with an emphasis on innovation and the ability to bring new insight and approaches to immunology and vaccine based research. Short-listed candidates will be invited to submit supplemental information to support the selection committee’s final decision-making. A preview of the application can be found here, but the final application must be completed in the sm.apply portal.

If you have questions or need assistance, please first review our online Frequently Asked Questions and detailed program info.  For technical questions regarding the sm.apply platform, please use the ‘help’ function (upper right-hand corner of this website).  For specific questions about eligibility or the application process, you may email us at michelsonprizes@immunomeproject.org

Supplemental information 

After the applications are reviewed, shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit supplemental information (note: this is by invitation only). We expect to communicate the status of all applicants in late August 2024. If you are selected to submit supplemental information (which will include an expanded 5page research plan, budget, and letters of recommendation), you will receive an invitation email from the Human Immunome Project. Instructions on how to submit will be provided with the invitation, and applicants will have approximately one month to compile information. All applicants will be notified by email of any changes in the deadline dates. 

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Support for projects involving Indigenous Research:

Support with the development of your grant application is available internally through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST). Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Support for Knowledge Engagement:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation is available internally through the Knowledge Engagement Team. Applicants can reach out by email to the KE team at knowledge.engagement@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information, please visit the KE team webpage.

Support for Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@libanswers.ucalgary.com and/or visit https://libguides.ucalgary.ca/researchdatamanagement.

Support for EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice. Contact Erin.OToole@ucalgary.ca for more information.

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application