Damon Runyon-Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge

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Overview | Important Dates | Application Requirements 

Application must be submitted through Proposal Central by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on February 3, 2025. Application instructions and relevant forms are available on Proposal Central.

No hard copies or emailed applications will be accepted. 

Important Dates

*Start dates are contingent upon the post-baccalaureate program timeline at the host institution.

Application Requirements

To view and/or complete the application, create a new profile and log into Proposal Central, next click on the ‘Grant Opportunities’ tab, and use the search box to find ‘Damon Runyon SPARK’. To begin an application, select ‘Apply Now’. For all statements in the application, please use 0.5”-1.0” margins, at least 11-point font (Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial are all acceptable), and single spacing.

The following components are required. Forms are located in Proposal Central:

1. Coversheet

2. Demographics and Research Focus Survey

3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (maximum length 3 pages): We accept multiple formats, please choose the one that fits your experience the best.

4. Personal Statement (maximum length 1 page): Use this statement to describe experiences that have influenced your current educational and career goals. You may discuss challenges that you have faced as well as barriers to STEM and/or research opportunities. Lastly, describe what you hope to gain from this award with respect to its impact on your professional development.

5. Commitment to a Career in Research Statement (maximum length 1 page): Describe your motivation behind wanting to become a researcher and your curiosity for research. Also, describe your short-term and long-term educational and career goals. If you have previous research experience, provide details about the goal of the study, your contribution to the study, and the results. If you do not have research experience, highlight scientific coursework with a lab component.

6. Research Interest Statement (maximum length 1 paragraph): Describe your current research interests. This paragraph will help us match you to a mentor in that area.

7. Transcripts: You may upload unofficial transcripts from each College or University you have attended. Upon acceptance, official transcripts will be required for all universities or colleges attended.

8. Letter of Reference: One letter of reference is required from an individual who can evaluate your qualifications and assess your potential for success in SPARK and for a future career in research. In the Proposal Central application, the applicant will input the referee’s email address. The referee will receive an email from Proposal Central, which will give them access to the reference letter portal where they will upload the letter. Applicants cannot upload the letter on behalf of the referee. The reference letter must be submitted on or before the application deadline.

Applicants will NOT be able to submit their application unless the reference letter is uploaded to the portal.

Contact Information

Award Programs | awards@damonrunyon.org