Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards Program 2023

The purpose of the Ono Initiative is to support scientist Principal Investigators (“PIs”) with creative ideas in selected scientific research fields with the mission of seeking discoveries/solutions and development of high impact science.

Annually, the Ono Pharma Foundation considers proposals from PIs for research that could ultimately transform human health. Although additional areas of research may be added in future years, in 2023 the Ono Pharma Foundation will only consider proposals for scientific research projects addressing the following field of science: Chemical Biology Research.

Target research of Chemical Biology is not specified by the Ono Initiative. Chemical Biology is defined as research that deals with the interface between chemistry and biology. The criteria for this field are deliberately broad so as not to disqualify potentially innovative and groundbreaking projects.

Applications comprising laboratory investigation will be considered. Project duration may last up to three years with annual funding of $300,000/year, totaling a maximum of $900,000 for the normal term of a research project.

The Ono Pharma Foundation will provide up to a maximum of an additional 15% ($45,000) per year of the funding to be used for indirect costs of the PI’s institution. The total amount of the three-year grant would be up to $1,035,000.

Three Awards are planned for 2023, contingent upon Ono Pharma Foundation appropriations and the submission of sufficient meritorious applications.

Awardees will be invited to an annual science symposium held by Ono Pharma Foundation. The Foundation will reimburse transportation and daily costs

Eligibility Requirements

• The PI must have an MD and/or a PhD degree.
• The PI must be a new applicant to the Ono Initiative, or, if they are returning, have applied over three years ago for a project different from the one they are currently proposing.
• The PI must be a young and/or mid-career scientist (15 years or below of experience from starting independent academic position).
• The PI may not already be engaged in other sponsored research with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and/or grant program with Ono Pharma Foundation.
• The PI may not apply for funding to amplify current work. However, PIs may research a new idea based on a prior finding of the PI.

Application Instructions

Please submit:

1. A one‐page letter of intent with a description of proposed aims and approach.
2. If the final application requires a diversity statement or statement of broader impacts, please summarize your plans to address the specific requirements on an additional page.
3. CV (not biosketch) of the PI
4. A letter of support from the Dean or Chair that includes verification of the candidate’s start date. This letter of support signifies that the Dean or Chair have ensured that the nominee and application are likely to be of sufficient quality to be competitive nationally. Please be sure to address the funder’s stated selection criteria.

to limitedsubs@uw.edu by 5:00 PM Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Required LOIs are due to the sponsor 2/15/2023 if given the go‐ahead by the Limited Submissions review committee. Submission is via the Sponsor’s portal, and only the PI can submit the materials. If invited by the sponsor to apply, full applications are due 5/17/22, so you will need to have your materials in to the Office of Sponsored Programs by 5/8/2023.