Gilead Sciences Research Scholars Program supports early-stage U.S. faculty investigators conducting independent basic or clinical research in breast, endometrial, ovarian, or small cell lung cancer. Eligible projects address unmet needs in cancer biology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment strategies, disparities, patient outcomes, or related research questions. The program funds the scholar’s U.S. host research institution, not an unrestricted individual award.
Each selected scholar receives an institutional research award of $180,000 over two years, inclusive of indirect costs, normally paid in annual installments of up to $90,000. Second-year support depends on satisfactory progress reporting and review. Gilead’s current program overview anticipates at least three awards; the total program allocation is not an individual award.
Applications are open. The required first-stage one-page Specific Aims submission is due November 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Only applicants invited following first-stage review may submit a full five-page proposal, due March 10, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Applications and required supporting documents are submitted electronically through the funder’s Research Scholars application portal.
Applicants must hold an MD, DO, PhD or equivalent, have received their initial faculty appointment within the past seven years at a U.S. research institution, have an experienced mentor, and demonstrate institutional support to dedicate at least 30% of professional time to research. The project must be feasible within the two-year award. Citizenship and visa rules apply. Fellows without an eligible faculty appointment and applicants with certain substantial prior NIH research grants are ineligible, subject to the funder’s stated exceptions.
Gilead-sponsored product studies, drug-administration interventional trials, co-principal-investigator applications, and duplicative funding are excluded. Applicants must disclose overlapping sources and ensure institutional acceptance of the award terms. For allowable budget categories, indirect costs, institutional assurances, supporting documents, and reporting, review the funder’s current application essentials and detailed guidance; no universal applicant match was identified in the published program overview.
Official sources: Current program and deadlines; Eligibility and restrictions; Application essentials. Information verified November 7, 2026.