Recognizing that outstanding, early career, independent investigators are the source for future advances in the biomedical sciences and appreciating that flexible funding for basic research is needed, the Vallee Foundation will once again accept nominations for Vallee Scholar Awards. The Vallee Foundation welcomes nominations for outstanding scientists regardless of race, gender or disability, but is mindful of the lack of diversity within the scientific research community as a whole and is committed to furthering the careers of historically under-represented minorities.
It is expected that Vallee Scholars will be engaged in bold and innovative research. During the grant period, Vallee Scholars will be invited to two biennial Vallee Scholars Meetings and, in alternate years, to two Vallee Summer Symposia and will be asked to present their research on at least one of these occasions. The Foundation expects Vallee Scholars to make every effort to attend these scientific meetings and become members of the Vallee Foundation community. A list of previous Vallee Scholars can be found on our website: www.thevalleefoundation.org
Duke may nominate ONE candidate.
- Duke Internal Deadline: Nov. 1, 2024
- Nomination to sponsor: Dec. 1, 2024
- Sponsor Deadline: Feb. 1, 2025
FAQs: https://www.thevalleefoundation.org/programs/yia/faq
Basic biomedical sciences
This award is available only to investigators nominated by institutions that have been invited by the Vallee Foundation to submit a nomination, and only one application can be submitted per institution. The candidate must have received a PhD/MD or other professional degree within 12 years of the application deadline. By the same date, the candidate should be in an independent research position at the nominating institution and have been an independent researcher for 6 years or fewer. The Vallee Foundation has no restrictions on nominees having received other grant funding; the Selection Committee may, at its discretion, however, consider the levels and other sources of funding when comparing closely-ranked candidates.
This award provides a one-time, career development award of $340,000 to exceptional, early stage, independent investigators carrying out basic biomedical research. These funds must be expended over a period of four years or less. (Under extenuating circumstances, a one-year extension of the award may be granted.) While relatively unrestricted, no more than 10% of the grant can be used for institutional indirect costs. Use of award funds for salary support of the applicant is not permitted. Salary for others, such as postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and research assistants is allowed, as are expenditures for supplies, equipment, research travel, and dependent care while attending scientific conferences. Graduate student tuition payments cannot exceed $10,000 per year.
2016 - Yiyang Gong
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering
2013 - David Tobin, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Owing to the sponsor's restriction on the number of applications that may be submitted from Duke, anyone wishing to pursue nomination should submit the following materials as one PDF.
1. Complete Curriculum Vitae. Include degree information, all positions held, research support (institutional and external), awards, and publications. Please include your tenure track appointment date.
2. Please provide a document that includes the following.
- Project Summary or Abstract (max 1400 characters):
- What are the most innovative and novel aspects of your proposed research (max 1400 characters)?
- How would the Vallee Foundation funding make a difference to this research and how would it be specific from your current funding (max 1400 characters)?
3. Letter of support from the Dean or Department Chair describing the merit of the candidate and the research. Letters of support can be emailed directly to fundopps@duke.edu if they are to remain confidential.
Please submit internal materials through My Research Proposal. (Code: ILN) https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/lTr6hR
Instructions for creating an account (if needed) and submitting your materials: https://ctsi.duke.edu/about-myresearchproposal