Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Awards at the Scientific Interface

Recognizing the vital role cross-trained scientists will play in furthering biomedical science, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund developed the Career Awards at the Scientific Interface. These grants are intended to foster the early career development of researchers who are dedicated to pursuing a career in academic research. The specific target group are researchers who have transitioned from graduate work in the physical/mathematical/computational sciences or engineering into postdoctoral work in the biological sciences.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund launched the Career Awards at the Scientific Interface in 1999 to foster the early career development of researchers who are transitioning from training environments in the physical, mathematical, computational sciences and/or engineering into postdoctoral work in the biological sciences, and who are dedicated to pursuing a career in academic research. 

Please visit this video overview of the CASI program for more information from former Program Officer Dr. Kelly Rose.

Career Awards at the Scientific Interface (CASI)

BWF’s Career Awards at the Scientific Interface (CASI) provide $560,000 over five years to bridge advanced postdoctoral training and the first three years of faculty service. These awards are open to U.S. and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents.

Scientific advances such as genomics, quantitative structural biology, imaging techniques, and modeling of complex systems have created opportunities for exciting research careers at the interface between the physical/ computational sciences and the biological sciences.Tackling key problems in biology will require scientists trained in areas such as chemistry, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

Proposals that include deep or machine learning applications of artificial intelligence are particularly encouraged. Special consideration will also be given to proposals that investigate the connection between climate change and human health.

Special Considerations

• BWF strongly encourages applications from persons historically underrepresented in the research enterprise, including but not limited to:
  women of any ethnic or racial group; any person identifying as Black or African American, Latino/a or Hispanic American, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, indigenous to the Pacific Islands, indigenous Canadian; persons with disabilities; persons from disadvantaged backgrounds (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html for examples); and individuals who
  identify as LGBTQIA+.
• In addition to seeking participants from the historically underrepresented groups described above, BWF is also interested in increasing diversity based on characteristics such as geographical location of institution, personal experiences and background. If desired, any of the characteristics mentioned in these first two bullets may be addressed in the personal statement for consideration.
• BWF believes that a diverse scientific workforce is essential to the process and advancement of research innovation, academic discovery and public service.