Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study

November 12, 2021
Gilliam Fellows Program statement

HHMI has a long-standing commitment to inclusion in science and science education. The goal of the Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study is to advance diversity and inclusion in U.S. science. To determine eligibility, HHMI relies on National Science Foundation data to identify populations underrepresented in science because of race, ethnicity, or disability.

We also recognize that there are other ethnic populations who might be underrepresented but who are not currently designated as such by the federal government. In the current competition, concerns have been raised about how HHMI can ensure that persons from these groups are able to apply. Because in the 2022 competition we did not provide nominators specific instructions as to how to nominate persons from other, demonstrably underrepresented ethnic groups, we have extended eligibility to a small number of applicants who were initially advised they were ineligible.

As we plan for future competitions, we are implementing two changes. First, we will work with universities that wish to nominate persons from ethnic groups not identified as underrepresented in science by federal agencies. Second, we will offer more explicit guidance to nominators about how we define eligibility, so they have the information they need to act on this provision. In addition, we will continue to consider how we and other organizations might better examine what ethnic groups are underrepresented in science.

The goals of the Gilliam program are to ensure that students from groups historically excluded from and underrepresented in science are prepared to assume leadership roles in science and science education, and to foster the development of a healthier, more inclusive academic scientific ecosystem by partnering with faculty and institutions committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the sciences.

Gilliam Advisers

Gilliam Advisers play a key role as change-makers who can foster the development of a more inclusive academic scientific environment. To facilitate this role, all Advisers participate in a year-long, culturally responsive mentorship development course, which is a hallmark of the Gilliam program.

Advisers are empowered to disseminate lessons learned to their lab, department, and institution to make an exponentially greater impact on creating a healthy academic scientific ecosystem. Additionally, Advisers receive a modest award to address challenges to diversity and inclusion at the graduate level.

Through their development of Diversity and Inclusion projects, Advisers are able to leverage their influence and implement activities that will remove undue burden from populations historically excluded and underrepresented in science.

Read About Advisers’ Projects »

“I used the knowledge gained from the Gilliam mentor training to develop workshops for faculty in my department on how to create and maintain an inclusive and diverse work environment. Faculty that participated see a visible change in the confidence of their underrepresented mentees.”

Gilliam Fellows

Becoming part of a diverse, supportive, strong community where Fellows can focus on their science is a highlight of the Gilliam Fellows’ experience in the program.

Fellows’ attendance at the Gilliam Annual Meeting and participation in HHMI leadership training gives them the tools to use their strengths and experiences to the benefit of science, to influence the environment, maximize their collaborations, and elevate their voices as scientific leaders.

Gilliam-specific sessions at the HHMI Science Meetings further enable them to engage with their peers, increase their scientific knowledge, and gain important insight and advice from leading HHMI scientists.

“The Gilliam community constantly inspires me. It has given me a group of peers to whom I can relate, who are passionate about scientific discovery, pursuing careers in academia, and making science a more inclusive space for people of all backgrounds. The support of my Gilliam family has been invaluable throughout graduate school, and I know these relationships will remain throughout my entire career.”

About James H. Gilliam, Jr.

The Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study were created in 2004 in honor of the late James H. Gilliam, Jr., a charter Trustee of HHMI and chair of its Audit and Compensation Committee. Mr. Gilliam was a respected business and civic leader who spent his life nurturing excellence and diversity in science and education.