PhRMA Foundation Launches Initiative to Strengthen America’s Future Scientific Workforce

The PhRMA Foundation today announced plans to expand its fellowship programs to fund 500 early-career researchers over the next three years, significantly increasing its investment in America’s future biomedical research workforce.

Leading biopharmaceutical companies have pledged more than $16 million to the initiative so far, reflecting a shared industry commitment to fostering future scientific leaders whose discoveries could lead to new medicines and improved patient care.

“Maintaining America’s global leadership in biopharmaceutical innovation requires a robust pipeline of talented young scientists dedicated to developing life-changing treatments for patients,” said Amy M. Miller, PhD, President of the PhRMA Foundation. “Through the PhRMA Foundation, the biopharmaceutical industry is making an unprecedented investment in the next generation of American scientific talent at a pivotal moment for the nation’s research enterprise.”

This investment will enable the largest expansion in the Foundation’s 60-year history. While the Foundation has traditionally funded 30 to 50 researchers annually, this initiative aims to support 500 early-career researchers over the next three years.

To launch the expansion, the PhRMA Foundation announced additional 2027 funding opportunities for predoctoral students and postdoctoral trainees at U.S. universities who are conducting investigator-driven research in the areas of drug discovery, drug delivery, and translational medicine. Predoctoral fellowships will provide $30,000 per year of stipend support for up to two years. Postdoctoral fellowships will provide $60,000 per year of stipend support for up to two years.

The PhRMA Foundation’s grantmaking activities are made possible by these generous supporters:

Expansion Supporters

• Eli Lilly and Company
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck
• Novartis
• Takeda Pharmaceuticals
• UCB

New Supporter

• AstraZeneca

Foundational Supporters

• Bristol Myers Squibb
• Genentech
• Gilead Sciences
• Pfizer
• Sanofi

About the PhRMA Foundation

Established in 1965, the PhRMA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters biopharmaceutical innovation and value-driven health care by investing in the frontiers of research. The Foundation catalyzes the careers of promising researchers through competitive, peer-reviewed grants and fellowships in the fields of drug delivery, drug discovery, translational medicine, and value assessment and health outcomes research.

Media Contact

Emily Ortman, Head of Communications, PhRMA Foundation
eortman@phrmafoundation.org