The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI’s new fellowship program supports outstanding international predoctoral students studying in the United States who are ineligible for fellowships or training grants through U.S. federal agencies.
HHMI will award three-year fellowships to international students to support years three, four, and five of a Ph.D. program. Eligible biomedical-related fields include biology, chemistry, physics, math, computer science, engineering, and plant biology—as well as interdisciplinary research.
The HHMI is a medical research organization that plays a powerful role in advancing scientific research and education in the United States. Its scientists, located across the country and around the world, have made important discoveries that advance both human health and our fundamental understanding of biology. The Institute also aims to transform science education into a creative, interdisciplinary endeavour that reflects the excitement of real research.
Eligibility
HHMI will award three-year fellowships to students while they are engaged in their doctoral dissertation research. U.S. institutions designated by HHMI will nominate students who
• have demonstrated exceptional talent for research,
• are currently in the second (or third) year of graduate study,
• have entered a laboratory in which they will conduct their dissertation research, and
• are not U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.
Evaluation and Selection
Fellows will be chosen based on their promise as a scientific investigator. Many factors will be assessed. The most influential will be the candidate’s summary of his or her proposed thesis research and the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by the student. Also important will be recommendation letters, which give evidence of the candidate’s exceptional talent as a researcher and descriptions of the candidate’s previous research and other accomplishments. Candidates must provide either an undergraduate or unofficial graduate transcript.
Worth of Fellowships
It normally covers the cost of tuition and contribution towards living expenses.
Fellowship Length
The term of the fellowship will be three years. Continuation of support beyond the initial year will be contingent on annual demonstration to HHMI that the fellow has made appropriate research and academic progress in the previous year.
Application Process
Applications will be submitted online using HHMI’s Web-based competition system (see link below). Submission of all applicant material including graduate transcripts and reference letters must be made using the HHMI online system. Applicants will upload undergraduate or graduate transcripts directly into the competition system. HHMI will verify graduate transcripts with the nominating institution and will confirm scores with the appropriate test provider.
Important Dates
Institutional nomination deadline: December 1, 2011
Application deadline: February 9, 2012
Award notification: June 2012
Fellowships begin: September 1, 2012
For more information about the fellowship, click here
To begin your application, click here
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