The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) announced the Medically Trained Scientists Program (MTS), a new investment of over $120 million to support biomedical researchers who have trained in medicine and are committed to academic careers in basic, fundamental research. HHMI is starting this program because medically trained scientists bring a valuable viewpoint to discovery science, and so it is looking for individuals at any stage of medical training who will be holding an MD, a DO, or an MD-PhD by the award date who want to make a significant impact on biological problems. This first competition will select up to ten MTS Fellows who will receive long-term support — starting with mentored postdoctoral training and transitioning to early years as independent faculty. Applications are due by August 11 for an award start of July 1, 2021.

The 2021 program will offer as many as eight years of support for up to 10 early career scientists who are committed to conducting basic research. This long-term investment will begin with mentored postdoctoral training and transition through MTS fellows’ early years as independent faculty.