Friends of the Semel Institute Research Scholar Program
2025-2027 Application Process
Opening September 4, 2025
The Friends of the Semel Institute is committed to helping develop the next generation of researchers of the mind and brain in health and disease. The backbone of the Friends Scholar Program is starter grants of $25,000 per year for up to two years, focused primarily in providing research funding to assist early career investigators and their development of research in neuroscience and human behavior within the Semel Institute. All applications will be reviewed by a panel of Semel Institute scientists and board members of The Friends of the Semel Institute. Those receiving a Friends starter award will be named a Friends’ Scholar.
Applications are due by 12:00 PM on November 17, 2025 and submitted to Wendy Kelman at WKelman@mednet.ucla.edu
The Friends of the Semel Institute is committed to helping develop the next generation of researchers of the mind and brain in health and disease. The backbone of the Friends Scholar Program is starter grants of $25,000 per year for up to two years, focused primarily in providing research funding to assist early career investigators and their development of research in neuroscience and human behavior within the Semel Institute. All applications will be reviewed by a panel of Semel Institute scientists and board members of The Friends of the Semel Institute. Those receiving a Friends starter award will be named a Friends’ Scholar.
2022 - 2024 Application Process
For more information please vist The Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA
Scholar Program Eligibility and Expectations
Eligibility:
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Post-doctoral scientists in training at UCLA’s Semel Institute
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Junior faculty (Assistant Professor or equivalent) conducting research in the Semel Institute, who have not yet received independent research funding (i.e., K or other extramural awards)
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Strong preference is given to translational research projects that do not currently have adequate financial support and show promise for development toward extramural funding
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Further consideration will be given to projects that address issues related to mental health concerns of traditionally underserved demographic groups shared with donors.
Expectations of those receiving Friends Starter Award:
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Friends Scholars will be asked to present updates on their research to the
Board Members of the Friends and/or the Institute in general. -
Friends Scholars may be asked to attend one or more Friends receptions to meet donors who supported the program.
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Friends Scholars will be required to submit to The Friends a year-end report of research progress that may be shared with donors.
For further information on this application process, or to receive an application contact:
Wendy Kelman
The Friends of the Semel Institute
760 Westwood Plaza, C7-463
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Email: WKelman@mednet.ucla.edu
310.825-3119