Office of Research

Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards Program

Limited Submissions

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, the Ono Pharma Foundation is only considering proposals for scientific research addressing Chemical Biology at this time.

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.

The goals of the Ono Initiative are to:

  • Identify and develop innovative research proposals and results that could lead to the development of breakthrough treatment solutions for patients.
  • Support academic research and the career development of promising young and established scientists.
  • Build strong relationships within the community in order to lead to transformative research aligned with Ono Initiative's interest.

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 a returning applicant, must be applying for a project different from the one they previously proposed.
  • The PI must be a young and/or mid-career scientist (15 years or less of experience since starting an independent academic position).
  • 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 as one combined pdf labeled with PI’s Lastname, Firstname:

  1. A one‐page letter of intent with a description of proposed aims and approach.
  2. If the final application requires a statement of broader impacts, please summarize your plans to address the specific requirements on an additional page.
  3. CV (not biosketch) of the PI including past grant funding.

to limitedsubs@uw.edu by 5:00 PM Wednesday, December 17, 2025. If given the go‐ahead by the Limited Submissions review committee, a required LOI is due to the sponsor 2/13/2026. If invited to send a full proposal, the deadline is 5/15/2026 with the OSP deadline of 5/6/2026.

Opportunity Details

Program web page

Program Announcement No.

2026

Deadlines
12/17/2025 UW Internal Deadline Open
02/13/2026 Sponsor Deadline
Sponsor

Ono Pharma Foundation

Funding amount

$900,000 (for 3 years)

Maximum Number of Applications

2

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.