The Human Immunome Project supports the next generation of innovators in human immunology in partnership with the Michelson Foundation for Medical Research.

The 2024 Michelson Prizes are research applications related to human immunology and vaccine research. They are interested in research that aims to address current barriers to the development of human vaccines and to broaden the understanding of immune processes that are critical to the successful development of vaccines and immunotherapies. Of particular interest is research with potential applications across multiple disease areas and conditions.

The Michelson Awards aim to support early career individuals with innovative ideas who have significant potential to implement these ideas to bring about 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. Successful applicants will clearly articulate a vision that challenges current dogmas and demonstrate their ability to look beyond convention to make a lasting impact on vaccine and immunotherapy research.

Research international This rigorous and competitive competition will identify the most innovative projects from young scientists working in a wide range of scientific fields. The proposals will be examined by a committee of internationally renowned scientists. The committee will examination will be looking for researchers who challenge dogma, from researchers who clearly articulate a vision that demonstrates an ability to look beyond convention to make a lasting impact on vaccine and immunotherapy research. They encourage applications from the full range of scientific disciplines related to immunology, vaccine and immunotherapy research, including but not limited to:

• Clinical research
• Molecular biology
• Computer Science
• Biophysics
• Bioengineering
• Environmental health
• Biochemistry
• Protein engineering
• AI/Machine learning
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiome
• Vector biology

Price information

• Allocation of the funds to carry out the project funded by the Michelson Prize is under the control of the award holder. It can be used flexibly for items such as salary, equipment, consumable supplies, travel to scientific meetings and laboratory staff working with the awardee. Specific limits are as follows: no more than 40 % of the total grant may be used for salaries without approval, travel expenses may not exceed 1500 $ and there is a cap of 15,000 $ on equipment. The Human Immunome Project does not pay indirect costs on Michelson prizes.
• Candidates will be informed of their selection for a Michelson Prize in December 2024. The award period begins on 1 January 2025 and ends on 31 December 2025.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger on June 9, 2024 (i.e. born on or after June 10, 1988). Early career researchers, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows (including residents and trainees), PhD students and other researchers currently in training are eligible for these fellowships. International applicants are encouraged. Regardless of ethnic origin, nationality or citizenship status, an eligible applicant must be employed by or affiliated with an eligible organisation. Examples of eligible organisations include universities, biotechnology companies, foundations, governmental and non-governmental organisations and research institutes. Individuals from organizations based outside the United States may apply.
• Although the Michelson Prizes focus on research results in the field of vaccine and immunotherapy discovery, applicants from all 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. Previous experience in human immunology and vaccinology is not required. However, the application must clearly explain how the proposed research will impact and advance the understanding of human immunology and/or vaccine science.

For more information, please visit Human Immunome Project website.