Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences

Seven Pew Scholars Named HHMI Investigators

On May 9, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) announced that 27 of the nation’s top biomedical researchers—including seven Pew scholars—will become HHMI investigators and will receive the flexible support necessary to move their research in creative new directions. The Pew scholars named HHMI investigators are Peter Baumann (2003), Michael Dyer (2004), Nicole King (2004), Tirin Moore (2004), Dyche Mullins (2000), Michael Rape (2007), and Rachel Wilson (2005).

2009 Pew Biomedical Scholar Charles Mullighan Helps Identify Mutations Linked to Brain Tumors

2009 Pew Biomedical Scholar Charles Mullighan was part of a research team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital which recently found mutations responsible for more than half of a subtype of childhood brain tumors. Their paper in Nature Genetics pinpointed alterations in two genes that increased the risk of low-grade gliomas—the most common childhood tumors of the brain and spinal cord—and identified an existing drug as a possible treatment.

2012 Pew Scholar Earns ARI Young Investigator Grant

Salil Lachke, a 2012 Pew scholar and assistant professor of biological sciences at the University of Delaware, has been selected by the Alcon Research Institute as a 2013 Young Investigator. As one of just eight researchers worldwide to receive the $50,000 grant, Dr. Lachke will continue his work on an online tool he created to discover genes related to glaucoma and other eye diseases.

2011 Pew Scholar awarded $1.13 million from NIH

Jeff Gore, a 2011 Pew Scholar and assistant professor of physics at MIT, has been awarded a four-year, $1,131,603 grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences – one of the 27 National Institutes of Health – to pursue research into cooperation and cheating in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

2009 Pew Scholar Shows Cells Can Naturally “Reprogram” Themselves

Ben Stanger, a 2009 Pew scholar and assistant professor at University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, has demonstrated that cells can change their identities under normal conditions in the body. In a study published in Genes and Development, Dr. Stanger pinpointed the gene that allows the main type of liver cells in mammals to convert into the cells lining bile ducts.

1991 Pew Scholar Wins Prestigious Gairdner Award

One of the six recipients of the 2013 Canada Gairdner International Awards is Stephen Elledge, a 1991 Pew Scholar and Gregor Mendel Professor of Genetics and of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. With the $100,000 prize, Dr. Elledge will study the DNA damage response—a signaling pathway that allows cells to repair themselves when DNA is impaired.

2011 Pew Scholar is One of ''America's Best and Brightest Minds''

In celebration of what would have been Albert Einstein’s 134th birthday, FoxNews.com ran an article highlighting young researchers, including 2011 Pew scholar Ann Morris. Thanks to her creative research on vision in zebrafish, Dr. Morris was mentioned among scientists who are “poised to change the way we live today, and will continue to influence our culture in the coming decades.

2012 Scholar Profiled in National Geographic

Dinu Florin Albeanu, a 2012 Pew Scholar, was profiled in National Geographic’s “Only Human” series, which highlighted his success as a Romanian scientist. Having lived in Bucharest for most of his life, Dr. Albeanu recognizes the challenges facing Romania’s scientific enterprise. Since relocating to the United States, the assistant professor of neurology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has co-founded a summer program for aspiring neurologists in Romania.

2011 Pew Scholar Wins Paul Allen Distinguished Investigators Award to Unlock Fundamental Questions in Biology

Jeff Gore, 2011 Pew Scholar and assistant professor of physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has won the Paul Allen Distinguished Investigators Award to Unlock Fundamental Questions in Biology. The award, announced today by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, provides $7.5 million in exploratory grant funding to a carefully selected group of scientists who will embark on five new pioneering research projects that aim to unlock fundamental questions in biology. Dr. Gore will use single-celled yeast to explore how ideas from game theory can provide insight into cellular decision making.

2007 Pew Scholar Wins The Vilcek Prize

Dr. Michael "Micha" Rape, a 2007 Pew Scholar, has been named winner of The Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for his work on ubiquitination, a process which "tags" damaged or bad proteins for destruction, as it relates to many diseases, including cancer or neurodegeneration.

2009 Pew Scholar Identifies “Molecular Master Switch” for Pancreatic Cancer

Ben Stanger, named a Pew biomedical Scholar in 2009, co-authored a paper in Genes and Development describing a master regulator protein, which may explain the development of aberrant cell growth in the pancreas spurred by inflammation.

Pew Scholar Reveals Role of ''Braveheart'' Molecule

Laurie Boyer, named a Pew biomedical scholar in 2008, has helped uncover the functions of ribonucleic acids (RNAs) that don’t code for proteins. In a paper published in Cell, her MIT laboratory demonstrated how a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) they dubbed “Braveheart” stimulated the transformation of stem cells into heart cells.

2011 Pew Scholar Identifies Treatment Target for MRSA

Anthony Richardson, a member of the 2011 class of Pew biomedical scholars, has pinpointed the gene that makes one strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria more infectious than others. In a study in Cell Host & Microbe, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill assistant professor proved that a single gene made one strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) impervious to a skin compound that kills off other strains. Manipulating that gene could provide a potential treatment target for all strains of MRSA.

2011 Pew Scholar Uncovers Clues to Cancer and the Aging Process

2011 Pew Scholar Eros Lazzarni Denchi, an assistant professor at Scripps Research Institute, has uncovered the details of a protein that help keep chromosomes from sticking together. In a paper published online ahead of print in Nature, Dr. Denchi described how the protein TRF2 actively and passively suppresses DNA repair machinery that would fuse chromosomes together. This work has significant implications for our understanding of cancer and the aging process.

Pew Scholar Awarded Novel Research Grant from The Lupus Research Institute

Deborah Lenschow, named a Pew biomedical scholar in 2008, has been awarded a three-year grant from the Lupus Research Institute. Out of nearly 100 applications submitted, the Washington University in St. Louis professor’s proposal to study interferon kappa was one of 12 chosen by the leading private research institution.

2009 Pew Scholar Discovers Potential Key to Pain Prevention

2009 Pew Scholar Diana Bautista, an assistant professor of molecular and cell biology at University of California, Berkeley, was featured in the Daily Mail for her findings on the star-nosed mole. Her study of the animal’s nose, which is extremely sensitive, pinpointed genes linked to touch, identifying new treatment targets for chronic pain.

Pew Scholar Featured in San Francisco Chronicle

Leor Weinberger, named a Pew biomedical scholar in 2008, discussed his virology research—programing viruses to attack themselves—in the San Francisco Chronicle.

2009 Pew Biomedical Scholar Charles Mullighan Identifies Possible Treatment of Childhood Leukemia

2009 Pew Biomedical Scholar Charles Mullighan discovers a possible treatment to childhood Leukemia while leading a study at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

1989 Pew Biomedical Scholar Named Director of University of Minnesota's Center for Immunology

1989 Pew Biomedical Scholar Marc Jenkins, Ph.D., has been named director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Immunology.

2008 Pew Biomedical Scholar Finds New Method for Flu Prevention

NPR features 2008 Pew Biomedical Scholar, Ben tenOever, who has discovered a possible new way of preventing the flu vaccine.

1990 Pew Scholar Featured in The Washington Post

The Washington Post highlighted the research of 1990 Pew Biomedical Scholar Carol Greider in a Q&A article. In the article, Dr. Greider discussed how a hunch she had as a young researcher led to the discovery of the enzyme telomerase, which has potential applications in aging and cancer and won her the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.

1993 Pew Scholar Profiled by Boston Globe

The Boston Globe featured a story on 1993 Pew Biomedical Scholar Rudy Tanzi, a “rock star of science.” The story profiled Dr. Tanzi, who is best known for discovering genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and explained how his diverse interests—including rock music—are all bolstered by the same willingness to risk failure and explore fresh ideas.

Pew Scholars Win Both 2013 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Awards

Both winners of the 2013 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award are current Pew Scholars; Valerie Horsley, 2010 Pew Scholar and Mary Gehring, 2011 Pew Scholar.

''Turning Point: Sohini Ramachandran''

Sohini Ramachandran, a population geneticist at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, received two high-profile awards this year. In June, she was named a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences by the Pew Charitable Trusts, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and in February, she received a fellowship from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York. She plans to use the grants to distinguish herself in a fast-moving field.

''Delaware's Lachke Selected Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences''

"Salil Lachke, a University of Delaware biologist whose research is yielding new discoveries about the world’s leading causes of blindness, has been named a 2012 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Lachke is one of 22 scholars selected across the U.S., and the first University of Delaware professor to receive the award."

Biomedical Science Programs Make a Positive Impact on Research

The Pew Scholars Program and The Pew Latin American Fellows Program support promising early-career scientists from North, South and Central America in the health sciences — particularly young researchers with innovative approaches and ideas. Anita Pepper, Director of the Pew Programs in the Biomedical Sciences, explains the benefits of the programs.

Pew Biomedical Scholars Named Outstanding Early-Career Scientists by President Obama

Four Pew Scholars have been awarded Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. They are

NU biologist wins $240K award

The Pew Charitable Trusts have named Northwestern University chemical biologist Alexander V. Statsuk a 2012 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences.

''Alexander Statsuk Honored by Pew Charitable Trusts''

"The Pew Charitable Trusts have named Northwestern University chemical biologist Alexander V. Statsuk a 2012 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences."

''Physicist Alexander Sher named Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences''

"The Pew Charitable Trusts has named Alexander Sher, assistant professor of physics at UC Santa Cruz, a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences."

''Dr. Kevin K. Park Selected as 2012 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences''

"Twenty-two of the nation’s most innovative young researchers, including Kevin K. Park, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurological surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, were named Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences by The Pew Charitable Trusts on June 14."

''OMRF researcher selected as Pew Scholar''

"Today the Pew Charitable Trusts named Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Lorin Olson, Ph.D., one of 22 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences for 2012."

''ENG’s Xue Han Named Pew Scholar''

"A notoriously shrinking nationwide research funding market is making it increasingly difficult to secure grants for innovative research. But for the third time in two years, the efforts of a College of Engineering assistant professor of biomedical engineering to make better tools to study the brain have been rewarded."

''Vanessa Ruta named Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences''

"Vanessa Ruta, head of the Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior at The Rockefeller University, has been chosen as a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences by The Pew Charitable Trusts."

''Yap named Pew Scholar''

"Frances Yap, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at SLU, won the distinction given to promising young scientists, and with it a grant of $240,000 over four years to pursue her research without restriction."

''MU researcher selected as PEW Scholar; Will receive $240,000 to support research''

"While this research is at the molecular level, Cornish has drawn the attention of his peers at a much higher level, as he has been recognized as a 2012 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences. This award recognizes him as one of the 22 most promising, young investigators in the field."

22 of America's Most Promising Scientists Selected as Pew Biomedical Scholars

Twenty-two of the nation’s most innovative young researchers were named Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences by The Pew Charitable Trusts today.

Biomedical Scholars Profile: Benjamin R. tenOever

On his way out of high school, Benjamin tenOever had his sights set on becoming a doctor and, in his words, “making the world a better place.” But, when he started learning about the complex structure of viruses in his basic biology courses at McGill University in Montreal, he began “to find viruses much more intriguing.”

''Fletcher to Use Pew Grant to Study Olfactory Function''

"Max Fletcher, Ph.D., one of this year’s Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences said that, as a scientist, he enjoys trying to answer things for which no one has answers yet. Fletcher, an assistant professor in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s department of anatomy and neurobiology, is one of only 22 young scientists awarded by the Pew Charitable Trusts this year. The prestigious prize includes a $240,000 grant over four years, and it has been awarded to many who went on to win such awards as the Nobel Prize."

Twenty-Two of America's Most Promising Scientists Selected as 2011 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences

Twenty-two of America’s most promising scientists have been named Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

On the Record: CNBC Focuses on Pew’s Investment in Biomedical Innovation

In his State of the Union address this year, President Barack Obama called for increased investment to spur American innovation because “none of us can predict with certainty what the next big industry will be, or where the new jobs will come from.” In the wake of the speech, the host of CNBC’s Wall Street Journal Report, Maria Bartiromo, interviewed Rebecca Rimel, The Pew Charitable Trust’s President and CEO, and Pew Biomedical Scholars Dr. Carol Greider and Dr. Matthew Evans on the need for increased investment in America’s young scientists.

''Investing in Biomedical Innovation - Carol Greider and Rebecca Rimel''

The host of CNBC’s “Wall Street Journal Report” Maria Bartiromo interviews Pew CEO Rebecca Rimel and Pew Biomedical Scholars Dr. Carol Greider and Dr. Matthew Evans on the need for increased investment in America’s young scientists.

''America's young scientists at risk''

"Rising Above The Gathering Storm, Revisited: Rapidly Approaching Category 5 provides a troubling sequel to an influential 2005 study, which called for action and investment in 20 specific areas of science, math and engineering education, research and science and technology policy. But as the hurricane metaphor in the report's title broadcasts, our nation is more at risk than ever: "It would appear that overall the United States' long-term competitiveness outlook (read jobs) has further deteriorated," according to the blue-ribbon panel that prepared the new analysis."

Twenty-one of America’s Top Early-Career Scientists Named 2010 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences

The Pew Charitable Trusts today named 21 talented scientists as Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences.

Pew Health Group

Americans should not have to worry about hidden dangers in the products they use every day—in the medicines they take, the food they eat or the financial and consumer items they rely on. The Pew Health Group implements Pew founder Joseph N. Pew Jr.’s vision of telling the truth and trusting the people by shining a light on potential and actual hazards in these products while advocating for policies and practices that reduce unacceptable risks to the health and well-being of the American public.

Carol Greider and the Nobel Prize

"Carol W. Greider, Ph.D., a 1990 Pew scholar in the biomedical sciences and now professor of molecular biology and genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, received the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, sharing the award with Jack W. Szostak of Massachusetts General Hospital and Elizabeth H. Blackburn of the University of California at San Francisco.

The three scientists solved the biology question of how chromosomes, which contain DNA molecules, can be copied in a complete way during cell division and how they are protected against degradation. They showed, as the Nobel Assembly put it, that “the solution is to be found in the ends of the chromosomes—the telomeres—and in an enzyme that forms them—telomerase.”

''Carol Greider and the Nobel Prize''

Four Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences Receive 2009 National Institutes of Health Director’s High-Risk Research Awards

Four Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences have received grants totaling $7 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore bold ideas that have the potential to catapult fields forward and speed the translation of research into improved health.

Pew CEO Rebecca W. Rimel Congratulates Dr. Carol W. Greider on Receiving the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Rebecca W. Rimel, President and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts, issued the following statement today, congratulating Pew Biomedical Scholar Carol W. Greider, Ph.D., on receiving the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

''NIH Names Kevin Janes a 'New Innovator'''

"Kevin Janes, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia, is one of 55 engineers and scientists from around the country to receive a 2009 National Institutes of Health 'New Innovator Award."

''President Honors Outstanding Early-Career Scientists''

"President Obama today named 100 beginning researchers as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers."

''Jon Boyle Named ’09 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences''

"University of Pittsburgh professor Jon Boyle’s ongoing investigation into the unique molecular relationship between disease-causing microorganisms and their hosts has earned him recognition by the Pew Charitable Trusts as a 2009 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences, an honor he shares with some of the nation’s top researchers, including two Nobel laureates."

''Biochemist Named 2009 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences''

"Jennifer G. DeLuca, assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is one of 17 recipients of the 2009 Pew Scholars Award in the Biomedical Sciences. As a Pew Scholar, DeLuca will receive a $240,000 award over four years to support her research and gains inclusion into a select community of scientists that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas."

Seventeen of America’s Most Promising Scientists Selected as 2009 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences

The Pew Charitable Trusts today named 17 early-career scientists as Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences.

UCSF Team Closer to Creating Safe Embryonic-Like Stem Cells

A team of UCSF researchers has for the first time used tiny molecules called microRNAs to help turn adult mouse cells back to their embryonic state. These reprogrammed cells are pluripotent, meaning that, like embryonic stem cells, they have the capacity to become any cell type in the body.

''Story corps for scientists''

"Nobel prize-winning geneticist Joshua Lederberg, liposome pioneer and essayist Gerald Weissmann, Lasker Prize-winning microbiologist Carol Greider—these are only a smattering of the scientists whose thoughts, reflections, and tribulations have been recorded in oral histories as part of the Pew Oral History Project, a recently-forged collaboration between the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Chemical Heritage Foundation."

Twenty of America’s Most Promising Scientists Selected as 2008 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences

The Pew Charitable Trusts and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) announced today that 20 exceptional researchers have been selected as 2008 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences.

Two Pew Scholars Receive New Innovator Award From NIH

Drs. Ekaterina Heldwein and Michael Rape, 2007 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences, each will receive $1.5 million over a five-year period to further their innovative biomedical research as part of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) New Innovator Award Program.

Statement of Rebecca W. Rimel on the News That a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences Won the 2006 Nobel Prize in Medicine

"The Pew Charitable Trusts extends our warmest congratulations to Craig C. Mello, Ph.D., on his achievement in winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Dr. Mello was selected in 1995 as a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences, receiving support over four years for his research on RNA interference - an investigation that ultimately led to his award-winning discovery..."

Pew Scholar Wins Lasker Prize

Carol W. Greider, a 1990 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences, is among a trio of leading scientists who have won the 2006 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, one of the most prestigious awards in American science and often referred to as “the American Nobel.”

Fifteen Researchers Named Pew Scholars, Awarded Unique Opportunity to Expand the Frontiers of Biomedical Science

Fifteen of the nation’s most promising early- to mid-career biomedical researchers were named today as 2006 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF).

''Three young faculty members named MacArthur 'genius' fellows''

"Nicole King, a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences and molecular biologist from the University of California, Berkeley, was named one of 25 MacArthur Fellows, a prestigious award by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional originality and promise of future advances in their field."

Pew Scholar Receives MacArthur “Genius” Award

Nicole King, a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences and molecular biologist from the University of California, Berkeley, was named one of 25 MacArthur Fellows, a prestigious award by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to

Fifteen of America’s Most Promising Biomedical Researchers Chosen as Pew Scholars

The Pew Charitable Trusts and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) announced today that 15 gifted researchers have been selected as 2005 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences.

''Seven Pew Biomedical Scholars are Named Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators''

"Launched in 1985, the Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences provides four years of crucial support to fifteen investigators in the early to mid stages of their careers who show outstanding promise in the basic and clinical sciences. This year seven Pew Scholars, along with 36 other promising biomedical scientists, were named Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigators."

Fifteen of America’s Most Gifted Scientists Earn Recognition as 2004 Pew Biomedical Scholars

Fifteen of America’s most gifted biomedical scientists have been chosen as 2004 Pew Biomedical Scholars, The Pew Charitable Trusts and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) announced today.