Dean's Award for Faculty Research

Supported by an anonymous donor, the Dean’s Award for Faculty Research expands the capacity of junior faculty to pursue ambitious projects—those that illuminate the forces that devastate communities, investigate and develop transformative interventions, and deepen our understanding of the factors that shape population health. Through this investment, Columbia Mailman faculty will strengthen our School’s culture of scientific creativity, impact-driven inquiry, and leadership in the public health field

Eligibility & Evaluation

Full-time junior faculty (Assistant Professors and Associate Research Scientists) holding appointments in one of the School's departments or centers are eligible.

Applications will be reviewed and ranked by a committee of senior faculty, with the written opinion of outside experts solicited when the committee considers it helpful to do so.

Criteria to be used by the review committee:

• The scientific merit of the proposed research
• The public health significance of the proposed research
• The likely impact of the award on the research career of the applicant 

Pilot projects and support for preliminary work may be submitted, especially in the case of newly appointed faculty.

Application Dates and Notification Process

Application Deadline: June 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Notification of Recipient: July 15, 2026

Award Details

One award of up to $18,000 will be given to support a promising, high-impact research proposal. The funds may be used for salary, travel, equipment, consultation, or administrative/research assistance. The funds must be expended by July 14, 2027, and a formal report must be provided at the completion of the project by no later than September 14, 2027.

The award will be announced and available on July 15, 2026. 

Applying

To apply, please complete the form and forward applications and all supporting documentation to:

Kam-Meng Tchou-Wong, PhD
Executive Director, Research Strategy and Innovation
kmt2159@cumc.columbia.edu