BioEnginuity Impact Grant

Campus Programs

BioEnginuity Impact Grant

The BioEnginuity Impact Grant supports doctoral students working in STEM fields with an emphasis on bioconvergence — the intersection of life sciences with physical sciences, engineering, and/or data science, who have an interest in translating their research to solve important societal problems.

Beyond supporting translational research, the BioEnginuity Impact Grant will create a community of emerging bioconvergence problem solvers and provide you with the intellectual freedom, resources and connections to start tackling critical societal problems by translating academic research to real-world applications.

Applications are now open! Click here to apply by March 2, 2025. 

Click here to view our Impact Grant Recipients

Overview

We encourage you to orient the last stages of your doctoral research toward greater societal impact, which may involve moving your research in new interdisciplinary directions to tackle significant societal problems, for example the impacts of the climate crisis or equitable health care technologies. For some, this might mean a direct ‘reduction to practice’ or exploring steps to commercialization or industry partnerships. For others, the impact could come from an “open source” translation. While moving towards impact is a central aspect of the Grant, no prior entrepreneurship experience is expected.

In the application process you’ll describe how your research can benefit society in a meaningful way, and how the BioEnginuity Impact Grant will move you towards that goal. This may include plans you have for creating a startup, or working with licensing to industry partners.

We welcome applications from diverse problem solvers and changemakers. Successful applicants will be part of a unique group that will continue their dissertation research, and also participate in extracurricular activities offered by BBH, Bakar Labs and QB3 including:

  • Professional development and leadership workshops
  • Mentoring opportunities with BBH, Bakar Labs and other affiliated programs
  • Networking with industry experts in your area of emphasis or an area you’d like to explore

We anticipate that the additional time commitment will be less than that required by a graduate-level seminar course. However, since the BioEnginuity Impact Grant will require time outside the lab, you are required to discuss the program with your dissertation advisor prior to applying. You will need a letter of support indicating your advisor understands the program’s time commitment and goals, and providing a rationale for why you are an appropriate candidate.

Eligibility

Doctoral students going into the final two years of their PhD dissertation research are eligible. The applicant’s home department/PI will receive $40,000/year for two years to be applied towards the applicant’s current GSR appointment, to supplement tuition, stipend, and fees normally covered by the home department/PI.

Deadlines

Applications are open until March 2, 2025. Click here to apply.

Please contact us directly if you have questions: bioenginuityimpact@berkeley.edu