What is a BWF PDEP Revson Scholar? Who is eligible?

In addition to the PDEP awards funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, up to five additional PDEP awards will be funded by the Charles H. Revson Foundation. These awards will be recognized as the BWF PDEP Revson Scholars. This designation is in recognition of postdoctoral researchers at institutions located within the New York Metro area receiving the BWF PDEP award.  All elements of the PDEP award and programming are consistent with ALL PDEP awardees except in the case of some additional engagement of New York Metro awardees with the Charles H. Revson Foundation.

How do I determine if I am eligible to submit an application; what is the first step?

Review eligibility requirements in the Request for Proposals

How do I determine if I am within the criteria of being within an underrepresented group?

The PDEP program prioritizes groups in the US and Canada shown to be underrepresented in the sciences and historically excluded because of race/ethnicity: Native American, Native Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Latinx. For the purpose of this program, these groups are defined as follows:

• Black/African American refers to US citizens of African descent who have been raised in the United States and who are descendants from families of the American South or Deep South, or descendants of families who migrated from the American south to urban areas in the north, Midwest and southwest; Black Americans exposed to US discriminatory laws and practices that were in effect prior to the passage of the US Civil Rights Act by Congress in 1964, such as redlining, Jim Crow laws, and enslavement.
• Latinx refers to the people of Latin America and their descendants who live in the US. The PDEP program prioritizes support for postdocs who reside in the US and who are descendants of Latin American families disadvantaged by US immigration and economic practices such as migrant farm work and other low-wage labor. Most such families will have immigrated from Mexico, Central America, or Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican residents and citizens are eligible to apply.
• Native American refers to US or Canadian citizens who are descendants of the indigenous peoples of North America. US Natives eligible for this program need to be accepted members of any of the 573 recognized Nations or tribes as listed by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Canadian Natives should be members of any of the First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
• Native Pacific Islander refers to a) Native Hawaiians, who are the indigenous Polynesian people of Hawaii; b) Indigenous peoples of Oceania who are citizens of any of the islands served by the US Office of Insular Affairs.

Do I need to be nominated by my institution?

You must have a mentor at a degree-granting institution in the United States or Canada where you will conduct the postdoctoral training. Funding for the postdoc must have been secured and the position must begin on or before the award commencement date. Applicants must be approved by an official responsible for sponsored programs at the degree-granting institution.

Can I apply if I have more than 48 months of postdoc experience?

No, applicants should have no more than 48 months of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application and should not be more than five years from their Ph.D.

Are permanent residents of the United States eligible to apply?

Applicants must be citizens of the United States or Canada at the time of the application deadline.

What role does the mentor play in my application?

The mentor is an important part of your application. You should hold a position in your mentor’s lab at a degree-granting institution in the U.S. or Canada. The mentor is expected to provide a letter of nomination and the mentor’s commitment to the applicant’s career is important. The mentor should explain in the letter how the applicant’s stipend will be covered during the tenure of the award. The mentor may be requested to participate in a mentoring workshop. Please review the RFP carefully for characteristics of the mentor, points the mentor should address in the nomination letter and instructions for submission of the letter.

Is the BWF application deadline firm?

Yes.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. BWF requires that all applications for this program be submitted electronically by the application deadline. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Can I change my application once submitted?

No. Once your application is submitted, it cannot be changed.

To whom should my mentor letter be addressed?

The letter from the mentor should be addressed to the PDEP Advisory Committee. The letter must be submitted by the mentor prior to the application deadline. Faxed letters will not be accepted.