Navigating the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship Application
Hey there! If you're considering applying for the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship, it's important to recognize that this isn't just another funding opportunity—it's a commitment to becoming a leader who actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the scientific community. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Gilliam Fellowship is unique in its mission to support scientific excellence and foster a healthier, more inclusive environment within science.
I am writing this guide as I conclude my three-year time as an HHMI Gilliam fellow. I submitted my application as a second-year PhD student in December 2020 and started my official fellowship term on September 1, 2021. Starting from my time applying, I’ve sought out the experiences of many successful fellows. My goal here is to summarize a collection of advice from current fellows as well as HHMI Leadership. At the end of this post, I also include some links to other helpful resources.
My PhD advisor (Dr. Maria Lehtinen) and I together soon after receiving the notification that we’d been awarded a Gilliam Fellowship!
Understanding the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship
Why Is This Fellowship Different?
The Gilliam Fellowship stands out for several reasons:
Focus on DEI and Healthy Scientific Environments: It emphasizes your dedication to DEI initiatives and your potential to enact positive change in the scientific ecosystem.
Advisor-Student Partnership: The fellowship requires a joint application from you and your advisor, highlighting a collaborative commitment to creating inclusive scientific environments.
Long-Term Commitment: Both you and your advisor engage in activities beyond the application process, including mentorship training and DEI initiatives spanning the fellowship's duration.
Key Goals of the Fellowship
Before diving into the application, it's crucial to understand what HHMI is looking for:
Scientific Excellence: Demonstrated ability to pursue interesting scientific questions creatively and effectively.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: A strong track record and plans for promoting equity in science.
Effective Mentorship: Both you and your advisor should be committed to fostering inclusive and supportive environments.
Potential for Leadership: Evidence that you can become a leader who will influence positive change in the scientific community.
Eligibility and Key Dates
Who Can Apply?
The 2025 Gilliam Fellowship is open to:
Doctoral Students: You must be enrolled in a PhD program in biomedical or life sciences at an accredited institution in the United States or U.S. territories.
Second or Third-Year Students: At the time of application, you should be in your second or third year, with at least two full years of study remaining as of September 1, 2025.
U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Eligible Individuals: This includes undocumented individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or similar temporary permission to stay in the U.S. International students are not eligible.
Student-Advisor Pairs: You and your thesis advisor apply jointly, demonstrating a partnership committed to DEI in science.
Individuals Committed to DEI: Applicants should showcase a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.
Note: Students enrolled in dual-degree programs (e.g., MD-PhD) are not eligible.
Note: The fellowship encourages applications from individuals from historically underrepresented groups in science. However, it is open to all doctoral students who are passionate about DEI, regardless of personal background.
Key Dates for the 2025 Cohort
Application Opens: October 17, 2024
Application Deadline: December 5, 2024
Award Notification: June 2025
Fellowship Term Begins: September 1, 2025
The Award Details
For the 2025 cohort, the total award is $53,000 per year for up to three years. The grant includes:
Fellow's Stipend: $36,000 annually.
Fellow's Discretionary Allowance: $4,000 annually for professional development, non-elective medical expenses, mental health support, and up to $1,000 for food or housing insecurity. A portion may be used for professional computing equipment.
Institutional Allowance: $10,000 annually to cover tuition, health insurance, and fees. If costs exceed $10,000, the institution must cover or waive the excess.
Community Engagement Allowance: $3,000 annually for activities led by the Fellow to engage communities in science or improve the inclusivity of science training environments.
Note: Fellows are not permitted to receive funds from another extramurally funded fellowship, scholarship, or similar award during the fellowship term.
What's in It for You?
Generous Funding: You'll receive a stipend, an institutional allowance, and additional funds for professional development.
Advisor-Student Pairing: Both you and your advisor apply together, emphasizing a collaborative commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Professional Development: Attend annual meetings and HHMI investigator meetings and network with other Gilliam Fellows.
Mentorship Training for Advisors: Your advisor will participate in a year-long mentorship program to become a better mentor and promote inclusivity.
Community Engagement: Join a supportive community of scientists committed to diversity and inclusion.
Is the Gilliam Fellowship Right for You?
Reflect on your own goals and priorities:
Are you passionate about promoting DEI in science?
Do you have a track record of involvement in DEI initiatives or a strong desire to begin contributing?
Are you committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive environment in your scientific endeavors?
Are you willing to engage deeply with mentorship training and community-building activities?
If you answered yes, the Gilliam Fellowship aligns with your values and aspirations.
If DEI and creating healthy scientific environments aren't your main priorities, consider exploring other funding opportunities like the NSF GRFP or NIH F31.
Ensuring Your Advisor Is Fully On Board
A unique aspect of the Gilliam Fellowship is your advisor's significant role—not just during the application but throughout the fellowship tenure. It's crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your advisor to ensure they are fully committed to:
The Application Effort: The application requires substantial work from both of you. Your advisor must prepare detailed statements, mentorship and DEI plans, and gather supporting documents.
Long-Term Involvement: If awarded, your advisor is expected to participate in a year-long mentorship development course, engage in DEI initiatives, and contribute to creating a more inclusive environment within your institution. This includes monthly online webinars and two in-person workshops.
Shared Vision for DEI: Both you and your advisor should share a genuine commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in science.
Before applying, discuss these responsibilities with your advisor. Ensure they understand the scope of the commitment and are enthusiastic about participating. Their support is critical for a successful application and maximizing the fellowship's benefits for both of you.
This guide is designed to help you craft a standout application that showcases your scientific abilities and your passion for DEI and healthy scientific environments. I'll draw on insights from successful applicants and provide practical tips to strengthen your application.
Changes to the Application Process
In recent years, HHMI has significantly changed the Gilliam Fellowship application process. Understanding these changes will help you tailor your application effectively.
Open Competition
What Changed: The fellowship is now open to all eligible students regardless of personal background or institution, removing previous nomination requirements or institutional limits.
Implications for Applicants:
Broader Eligibility: More students now have the opportunity to apply, increasing competition but also promoting diversity.
What to Focus On: To stand out in a larger applicant pool, emphasize your unique experiences and commitment to DEI.
Career Flexibility
What Changed: There's less emphasis on applicants pursuing academic careers; all career goals are valued equally.
Implications for Applicants:
Authenticity in Career Goals: You can be honest about your aspirations, whether in academia, industry, policy, education, or other fields.
What to Focus On: Discuss how your career plans align with promoting DEI and healthy scientific environments, regardless of the sector.
De-Emphasis on Publications
What Changed: The focus has shifted from traditional metrics like publications to a holistic view of the applicant's contributions to science and DEI.
Implications for Applicants:
Highlight Diverse Contributions: Showcase teaching, mentorship, outreach, and other activities.
What to Focus On: Provide context for your contributions, emphasizing impact over quantity.
Shortened Research Statement
What Changed: The research proposal has been reduced from five pages to three pages.
Implications for Applicants:
Clarity and Conciseness: You must communicate your research effectively in a shorter format.
What to Focus On: Prioritize the most critical aspects of your research, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience.
Introduction of the Community Engagement Allowance
What Changed: The fellowship now includes a Community Engagement Allowance, shifting focus from advisor-led DEI initiatives to fellow-led activities.
Implications for Applicants:
Ownership of DEI Initiatives: Fellows are expected to propose and lead projects that engage communities in science.
What to Focus On: Develop a thoughtful and feasible plan for utilizing the allowance to promote DEI.
New Expectations for Advisors
What Changed: Advisors must participate in a year-long mentorship development course and provide detailed mentoring and DEI plans.
Implications for Applicants:
Advisor's Commitment: Your advisor must be willing to invest time and effort into mentorship training.
What to Focus On: Ensure your advisor understands and is enthusiastic about these commitments.
The Application Components
Here's a breakdown of the application components, along with specific advice to help you craft a compelling submission.
1. Scientific Contributions
Purpose: Showcase your experiences and how they reflect your growth and commitment to science.
What It Is: A list of your top five contributions to science. These don't have to be traditional metrics like publications.
Writing Tips:
Select Diverse Contributions: Include a variety of experiences such as research projects, publications, presentations, teaching, mentorship, outreach, or DEI initiatives.
Provide Context: For each contribution, explain your role, the significance, and the impact.
Reflect on Growth: Highlight how these experiences have shaped you as a scientist.
Do's:
Do Be Specific: Use concrete examples and quantify impact when possible.
Do Highlight DEI Efforts: Emphasize contributions that align with promoting diversity and inclusion.
Don'ts:
Don't Focus Solely on Publications: Avoid listing only traditional metrics unless they are your most impactful contributions.
Don't Use Jargon: Ensure descriptions are accessible to a broad audience.
2. Dissertation Research Project Overview
What It Is: A concise, three-page summary of your research plan.
Structuring Advice:
Introduction: Briefly introduce the background and significance of your research area.
Objectives/Aims: Clearly state your research questions or hypotheses.
Methodology: Describe the methods and approaches you will use.
Expected Outcomes: Discuss potential results and their implications.
Significance: Explain how your research advances the field or addresses important problems.
Writing Tips:
Clarity and Accessibility: Write for a general scientific audience; avoid excessive jargon.
Conciseness: Be precise and stay within the three-page limit.
Visual Aids: Use figures or diagrams if they aid understanding (ensure they fit within the page limit).
Do's:
Do Emphasize Innovation: Highlight what makes your research novel.
Do Discuss Feasibility: Show that your project is realistic and you have considered potential challenges.
Don'ts:
Don't Overcomplicate: Avoid unnecessary details that don't contribute to the overall understanding.
Don't Assume Prior Knowledge: Provide sufficient background for readers unfamiliar with your specific field.
3. Equity and Inclusion Statement
Purpose: Demonstrate your dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable scientific environment.
What It Is: A personal statement about your commitment to diversity and inclusion in science.
Writing Tips:
Tone: Be authentic, sincere, and reflective.
Structure:
Introduction: Briefly explain your understanding of DEI in science.
Personal Narrative: Share experiences that have shaped your commitment to DEI.
Actions Taken: Describe specific activities or initiatives you've been involved in.
Future Plans: Outline how you intend to continue promoting DEI in your career.
Do's:
Do Use Specific Examples: Illustrate your commitment with concrete instances.
Do Reflect on Impact: Discuss the outcomes of your actions and what you learned.
Do Align with HHMI's Mission: Show how your efforts contribute to broader goals.
Don'ts:
Don't Generalize: Avoid vague statements without supporting details.
Don't Exaggerate: Be honest about your contributions; authenticity is key.
Don't Use Jargon: Make your statement accessible to reviewers from diverse backgrounds.
4. Career Statement
Purpose: Articulate your professional goals and how they align with promoting DEI and healthy scientific environments.
What It Is: An outline of your professional aspirations.
Writing Tips:
Authenticity: Be honest about your career aspirations, whether in academia, industry, policy, or other fields.
Alignment with DEI: Explain how you will incorporate DEI principles into your future roles.
Advisor's Role: Mention how your advisor will support your career development.
Do's:
Do Provide Specific Goals: Outline both short-term and long-term objectives.
Do Discuss Impact: Explain how your career will contribute to positive change in science.
Do Reflect on Personal Motivation: Share what drives you toward these goals.
Don'ts:
Don't Feel Pressured to Conform: There's no 'right' career path; all are valued.
Don't Be Vague: Avoid generic statements; provide clear plans.
5. Student Resources and Conflict Resolution Statement
Purpose: Show your proactive approach to well-being and professional relationships.
What It Is: A two-part statement about mental health resources and your strategy for resolving conflicts with your advisor.
Writing Tips:
Part 1: Mental Health Resources
Awareness: Demonstrate knowledge of available support services.
Utilization: Explain how you have or plan to use these resources.
Part 2: Conflict Resolution Strategy
Communication Plan: Outline strategies for maintaining open dialogue with your advisor.
Resolution Methods: Describe steps you would take if conflicts arise.
Do's:
Do Be Proactive: Show initiative in seeking support and managing relationships.
Do Provide Specific Strategies: Detail how you will foster a healthy working relationship.
Do Ensure Alignment with Advisor: Discuss these plans with your advisor to ensure compatibility.
Don'ts:
Don't Ignore Potential Challenges: Acknowledge that conflicts can occur and be prepared.
6. Community Engagement Allowance Plan
Purpose: Demonstrate your initiative to engage communities in science and promote inclusivity.
What It Is: A description of how you plan to use the $3,000 annual community engagement allowance.
Writing Tips:
Project Description: Clearly outline your proposed activities.
Goals and Objectives: Define what you aim to achieve.
Implementation Plan: Provide details on how you will execute the project.
Budget Overview: Briefly explain how you will allocate the funds.
Impact Assessment: Discuss how you will measure success.
Do's:
Do Align with DEI Goals: Ensure your activities promote diversity and inclusion.
Do Be Realistic: Propose feasible projects considering time and resources.
Do Show Enthusiasm: Convey passion for the proposed activities.
Don'ts:
Don't Be Vague: Provide specific details rather than general ideas.
Don't Overextend: Avoid proposing too many activities that may not be achievable.
Because this is a new way to view the fellowship’s previous Advisor Diversity Allowance, there is not an explicit list of previously successful ideas. Instead, try to think about ways to truly engage the community around you meaningfully with science. This can be at your graduate institution, but it can also be in your town or even more broadly, like online.
Since this is the first year that the initiative has been phrased this way, please take the following with a grain of salt. They are just ideas that I thought might fit the directive.
Example 1: STEM Mentorship Program for High School Girls
Description: Establish a mentorship program connecting graduate students with high school girls interested in STEM. Activities include monthly workshops, lab tours, and hands-on projects.
Impact: Encourages young women to pursue STEM careers and provides role models. This could be oriented towards any group you are passionate about, however.
Example 2: Inclusive Teaching Workshop Series
Description: Organize a series of workshops for teaching assistants and faculty on inclusive teaching strategies, facilitated by experts in DEI.
Impact: Enhances the learning environment and supports diverse student populations.
Example 3: Community Science Day
Description: Host a day-long event where community members can participate in interactive science demonstrations, meet scientists, and learn about current research.
Impact: Demystifies science and fosters community engagement.
Example 4: Online Resource Hub for Underrepresented Students
Description: Develop a website offering resources such as scholarship information, study tips, and interviews with scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Impact: Provides accessible support and inspiration for students navigating academic pathways.
Example 5: Science and Art Integration Project
Description: Collaborate with local artists to create murals or exhibits that celebrate scientific discoveries and diversity in science.
Impact: Bridges the gap between science and the arts, making science more approachable.
7. Letter of Support from a Faculty Member
Purpose: Provide additional perspectives on your qualifications and commitment to DEI.
Tips:
Choose Someone Who Knows You Well: Select a faculty member familiar with your work and values.
Provide Context: Share your application materials to help them tailor their letter.
Highlight DEI Commitment: Ensure they can speak to your dedication to inclusion and leadership potential.
Collaborating with Your Advisor
Remember, this fellowship is unique because it's a joint application between you and your advisor. Effective collaboration is essential.
Advisor's Application Components
Your advisor needs to submit:
Biosketch and Contributions to Science
List of Grants: Funding that will support your project.
Letter of Support for the Student: Addressing your promise, leadership potential, and DEI commitment.
Mentoring Plan:
Mentoring Philosophy: Their approach to mentoring students.
Tailored Plan for You: How they will support your growth.
Conflict Resolution Strategy: Their plan for addressing potential issues.
Personal Narrative: What they hope to gain from the mentorship development course.
Equity and Inclusion Statement: Their commitment to fostering DEI.
Community Engagement Support Statement: How they will assist you with your community engagement activities.
Tips for Working with Your Advisor
Open Communication: Discuss the fellowship's goals and ensure they're on board with the commitments.
Align Narratives: Have conversations to ensure your statements present a cohesive vision.
Advisor's Growth: Encourage your advisor to express a genuine desire to grow as a mentor and promote inclusivity.
Collaborative Planning: Work together on the community engagement plan to ensure mutual support and alignment.
Practical Tips for Crafting Your Application
Start Early
Give Yourself Time: Begin drafting your statements well ahead of the deadline.
Iterate and Revise: Multiple drafts will help refine your message.
Seek Feedback
Mentors and Peers: Have others review your application for clarity and impact.
Writing Centers: Utilize institutional resources for polishing your writing.
Adhere to Guidelines
Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to formatting and submission requirements.
Stay Within Limits: Respect word counts and page limits to ensure your application is considered.
Proofread Thoroughly
Eliminate Errors: Spelling and grammatical mistakes can detract from your message.
Read Aloud: This can help catch awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.
Maintain Consistency
Align Your Statements: Ensure your various statements present a cohesive narrative.
Coordinate with Your Advisor: Discuss overarching themes to present a unified application.
Be Authentic
Your Story Matters: Authenticity resonates with the selection committee.
Avoid Clichés: Be genuine in your reflections and avoid generic statements.
Final Thoughts
If DEI and fostering healthy scientific environments are central to your identity and career aspirations, the Gilliam Fellowship could be the perfect avenue to amplify your impact.
If these aren't your main priorities, consider exploring other funding opportunities like the NSF GRFP or NIH F31, which may align more closely with your goals.
Applying for the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship is an opportunity to reflect deeply on your journey and future impact. Remember:
Authenticity resonates with the selection committee.
Focus on the difference you've made and plan to make.
Your partnership with your advisor strengthens your application.
Be concise and ensure your application is accessible to a broad audience.
Use this to reflect on your goals and how you can impact the scientific community.
By integrating these insights and dedicating time to crafting your application, you're setting yourself up for success—not just in this fellowship but in your future career as a leader in science.
Best of luck! Remember, the scientific community thrives when diverse voices and perspectives come together. Your commitment to excellence and inclusion can help shape the future of science.
You're embarking on an exciting journey, and regardless of the outcome, the self-reflection and connections you'll make during this process are invaluable. Don't hesitate to contact peers, mentors, or past fellows for support. You've got this!
Other Resources
Check out HHMI Gilliam Fellow Lillian Horin’s YouTube Video: “Winning the HHMI Gilliam Fellowship (even with the app changes)”
Cientifico Latino, with 2017 HHMI Gilliam Fellow Dr. Titilayo Omotade, shared a great webinar in 2020 on “Applying to the HHMI Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study”. Some of the competition details have since changed, but much of this advice is still spot-on!
In this 2024 Cientifico Latino webinar “Grad School 101: Applying to Fellowships (2024)”, you can find overall solid fellowship advice, and I also personally speak a bit to the HHMI Gilliam program.
