Terry Hillblom Summit Scholar Grant

Grant Criteria

Purpose

The purpose of the Terry Hillblom Summit Scholar Grant is to advance exceptional Hillblom Startup Grant recipients toward long-term research independence. This highly selective award provides substantial funding, scientific flexibility, and mentorship from the Scientific Advisory Board to help investigators accelerate their research programs and successfully compete for federal funding. The program is designed to support outstanding early-career faculty during the critical transition from startup funding to sustained independent research support.

Grant Making Procedures

The Summit Scholar Grant is awarded directly to, and administered by, the Office of Contracts and Grants at the Qualified Institution. The institution is responsible for the proper expenditure of grant funds and the overall administration of the award. Continued funding is contingent upon satisfactory annual progress and compliance with all Foundation requirements.

Summit Scholar Grant Details

  • Qualified Institutions: Nominee must be a current Hillblom Start-Up Grant recipient in good standing and must hold an Assistant Professor (or equivalent junior faculty) appointment at a California academic or research institution.
  • Funding Areas: Diabetes or Aging.
  • Maximum Funding: $250,000 per year; $750,000 maximum total award.
  • Duration of the Award: Up to three (3) years, beginning upon completion of the recipient's Hillblom Startup Grant.
  • Maximum Allowable Indirect Costs: 10% total cost-allowance for institutional overhead is included in the total grant award.

Scholar Expectations

Recipients are expected to demonstrate continued scientific excellence and meaningful progress toward independent funding. Annual progress reports, budgets, publications, and research updates must be submitted to the Foundation. Scholars will also present their work at the Annual Hillblom Scientific Meeting and participate in ongoing discussions with the Scientific Advisory Board.

Allowable Research Costs

The Summit Scholar Grant may be used to support:

  • Research personnel
  • Laboratory supplies and research expenses
  • Equipment necessary to support the investigator's research program
  • Travel related to scientific meetings and professional development
  • Other expenses directly related to the growth and advancement of an independent research laboratory

Restrictions

  1. Applicants must maintain eligibility for NIH Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) or New Investigator status at the time of award.
  2. Individuals who have previously received an NIH R01 or equivalent independent research award are not eligible.
  3. Award funds may not be used to replace institutional startup commitments, salary support, laboratory space, or protected research time.

Application and Award Schedule

  • Nomination only. Unsolicited applications will not be accepted.
  • Candidates are identified and nominated by the Scientific Advisory Board.
  • Invited nominees will be asked to submit a proposal outlining their scientific vision and future research plans.

Acknowledgements

All publications and presentations resulting from Foundation support must acknowledge the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation.

Grant Details

  • Qualified Institutions: Eligible applicants must hold an Assistant Professor or other junior faculty appointment at a California academic or research institution and be current a Hillblom Startup Grant recipient in good standing.
  • Funding Areas: Diabetes or Aging
  • Maximum Funding: $250,000 per year.
  • A separate, one-time equipment supplement of up to $50,000 may be available in exceptional circumstances.
  • Duration of the Award: Up to three (3) years, beginning at the end of the current year of the candidate’s Hillblom Startup Grant, at which time the original startup grant will terminate.
  • Maximum Allowable Indirect Costs: 10% total cost-allowance for institutional overhead is included in the total grant award.
Important

Nomination only. Unsolicited applications are not accepted. Qualified candidates will be invited directly by LLHF and the foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board.