Rita Allen Foundation Scholars
Sponsor: The Rita Allen FoundationInternal Deadline: 08/03/2026Institutional Submission Limit: 1Sponsor Deadline: 09/03/2026Program Website
The Rita Allen Foundation Scholars program funds basic biomedical research in the fields of cancer, immunology, and neuroscience. The program embraces innovative research with above-average risk and groundbreaking possibilities. Scholars are distinguished by bold approaches to basic scientific questions that address problems of global concern and by their potential for learning, leadership, and collaboration.
Rita Allen Foundation Scholars receive up to $110,000 per year for a maximum of five years. Grant funds may only be used for direct project expenses, including up to 50% of the Scholar's compensation.
USC is limited to submitting one nomination per review cycle.
Candidates should be independent investigators in the early stages of their careers and research, preferably within the first three years of their tenure-track appointment. Senior postdocs and associate professors should not be nominated. Candidates must have completed their training and provided persuasive evidence of distinguished achievement or extraordinary promise in one of the relevant fields and must have committed start-up funds and lab space from their institutions.
Rita Allen Foundation Scholars may not accept an award from the Beckman Young Investigator Program, Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences, Searle Scholars Program, or Vallee Scholars Program that would take effect beginning in year one of the RAF award. Rita Allen Scholars may apply for awards
from these organizations that would take effect beginning in year two of the RAF award. Other sources of funding may also influence selection.
Submission Process
Faculty interested in submitting for this opportunity should submit the following materials as a single PDF to Corporate and Foundation Relations at USCCFR@sc.edu by 5:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026.
· A letter of support from the dean/chair that includes an assessment of the candidate and confirms committed start-up funds and lab space.
· A project summary of no more than three pages, including references and supporting materials. The summary should explain how the award would enable the candidate to pursue new ideas and take strategic risks, and how the proposal differs from or relates to the candidate's other supported projects.
· A detailed curriculum vitae, including the candidate's address and telephone number, date of appointment to the tenure-track position (month and year), and confirmation of institutional start-up funds and lab space.
· Details of past, current, and pending support from other funding sources, both public and non-public, and the candidate's role (PI or co-PI). For current projects, please provide the percentage of time the candidate devotes to each.
For questions regarding the following, please contact:
Jenni Asman, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University Development; asmanj@mailbox.sc.edu