Office of Research

Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science

Limited Submissions

Note: This is not a limited submission and is being announced as a courtesy only.

This year’s theme is Human Gene Therapy

The Franklin Institute seeks nominations for the 2026 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science of individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the field of human gene therapy. Since the concept of gene therapy was proposed more than 50 years ago, the development of therapeutic approaches using directed modification of DNA or cells has made significant progress in tackling challenges of biological complexity. Applications of gene editing systems, novel delivery platforms, and immunotherapies now have the potential to be ‘game-changers’ in the treatment of diseases ranging from in-born errors of metabolism to cancers. Nominations should recognize fundamental contributions to the development of strategies for engineering genetic alterations to cells for the treatment of human disease.

Nominations are encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:

  • Ex vivo/in vivo cellular engineering
  • In vivo gene transfer
  • Cell-based gene therapies
  • Development of viral and non-viral delivery platforms
  • Mediators of genotoxicity

Nominations should clearly indicate the scientific or engineering impact—innovative, technical, and/or conceptual—and the societal and/or economic impact of the nominee’s work.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • This is an international competition for individuals who have pioneered novel strategies for engineering genetic alterations to cells for the treatment of human disease.
  • As specified by the will of Henry Bower, this award and prize must be presented to an individual, not to a group.
  • Candidates must be living, and the winner must participate in The Franklin Institute Awards Week programs, to be held in April 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
  • Nominations from any individual or organization will be accepted, including self-nominations.
  • Nominations of candidates traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering are particularly encouraged.

Application Instructions

An email of intent to nominate would be appreciated by April 30, 2025.

Opportunity Details

Program web page

Program Announcement No.

2025

Deadlines
05/30/2025 UW Internal Deadline Closed
05/30/2025 Sponsor Deadline
Sponsor

Franklin Institute

Funding amount

$250,000

Eligible groups
  • All campus

Inquiries and Contact Information

Investigators who identify a grant, award or fellowship program that restricts the number of applications that can be submitted from an Institution should immediately contact their Chairperson, Associate Dean for Research (or Dean, if no ADR) and the Office of Research (see below) if they intend to prepare a response. Failure to do so, or to meet the deadlines for submission of pre-proposal, will preclude submission of the application through the Office of Sponsored Programs.

For general inquiries, or to request a listing of a limited submission opportunity that should be but is not already listed, please email us at limitedsubs@uw.edu.