The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program is a transformational award for postdoctoral scientists who show exceptional promise as future leaders in academic science, advancing foundational discoveries while fostering inclusive scientific cultures. In addition to financial support, Hanna Gray Fellows join the vibrant, multigenerational HHMI community, where they learn from experts and each other as they build creative and effective research environments.

Since its founding, the program has played an essential role in supporting postdoctoral researchers as they transition into early faculty careers. Historically, the Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program provided up to four years of postdoctoral support and up to four years of support after Fellows launched their independent labs. The program is now entering a new phase, joining with the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program to amplify their shared mission. Together, these efforts will strengthen support for postdocs seeking faculty roles, and provide long-term resources to new faculty as they establish their labs. Under this new structure, Hanna Gray Fellows will receive up to two years of postdoctoral support, and up to ten years of faculty support as Freeman Hrabowski Scholars.

In 2026, postdoctoral scientists within two years of pursuing an independent, tenure-track faculty position will apply to be Hanna Gray Fellows as part of the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program. For additional details, please visit the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars webpage, and sign up to receive program and competition emails.

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Life as a Hanna Gray Fellow
 

 

 

Support for a major career transition 

In conjunction with the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program, the Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program provides support for individuals' postdoctoral training, and helps to ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of their career.

 

Join a vibrant scientific community 

Fellows are part of an active network of more than 100 current program participants, as well as the broader HHMI scientific community. Through collaborations and HHMI Science Meetings, they connect with peers to exchange ideas and share emerging research. 

 

Tailored training and professional development

Fellows access learning opportunities that help them build thriving research environments, drawing on the expertise of program leaders and the shared experiences of the Fellow community. 
As a postdoc studying immune-system response to pathogens, HHMI Hanna Gray Fellow Jeannette Tenthorey realized HIV was fruitful field of research. Her work shows how much is left to understand about the virus.Inspired by the work of HHMI Investigators, Christopher Barnes and his lab focus on studying how HIV makes first contact with host cells – and how the immune system responds.Evert Njomen, PhD at Duke University identifies potential drug targets by using a time-saving method and proteome-wide approach pioneered by her postdoc supervisor. (via trinity.duke.edu)The Hanna Gray Fellow at the University of Washington School of Medicine says both skills are necessary to survive the highs and lows of scientific research. (via brotmanbaty.org)
About Hanna H. Gray

The program honors the contributions and service of Hanna Holborn Gray, an HHMI trustee for nearly three decades and a former president of the University of Chicago. During her tenure, the Institute made significant changes to its process for selecting the scientists in which it invests, opening its doors to an ever-increasing pool of applicants.