The Robert J Kleberg, Jr and Helen C Kleberg Foundation Medical Research Grant funds highly innovative and groundbreaking medical research proposals from top tier institutions in both basic biological and applied research that will have the greatest impact on scientific knowledge and human health. Proposals should be distinctive and novel in their approaches, bot being done elsewhere, question the prevailing paradigm, and lead to advancement in knowledge in the field.  In general, the Kleberg Foundation has a strong preference for projects based in or studying topics of particular relevance to South Texas. Areas of particular interest to the Kleberg Foundation include cancer, especially glioblastoma and lung cancer; neurodegenerative disease, especially Alzheimer's; and vaccine development toward diseases that are prevalent in South Texas. Applications that address COVID-related research, aging-related research, ovarian cancer, and rare diseases are not responsive to this funding opportunity.

The Kleberg Foundation holds 2 cycles per year (Fall/Spring).

Budget: No limit; awards are typically $1 - 1.3 million over 3 years
Nominations Allowed: 1

Key Dates

Fall 2026 UTMB Internal RFA

The Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholars Fellowship Award enables postdoctoral researchers to advance to become full-time faculty members at the Assistant Professor level or higher, and to promote the development of a laboratory program that will lead to independent funding. The Award will support individual postdoctoral scientists of exceptional creativity in the field of neuroscience.
Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years and no more than 6 year of post-doctoral experience by July 1, 2027.

Budget: $200,000/year for 2 years ($400,000 total; inclusive of up to 15% indirect costs)
Nominations Allowed: 1

Key Dates

2027 UTMB Internal RFA

The Rita Allen Foundation (RAF) Scholars Program provides grants leading to biomedical research institutions selected by the RAF Scientific Advisory Committee and within parameters defined by the RAF Board of Directors. The Scholars Program supports researchers in the early stages of their career. By investing in early-career biomedical scholars and their research, RAF aims to advance transformative ideas and leverage them to promote breakthrough solutions. RAF seeks research projects with above-average risk that challenge the status quo. Fields of research supported by RAF are cancer, immunology, and neuroscience. Additionally, RAF is interested in attracting a pool of exceptional applicants with a variety of experiences, expertise and perspective. 
Rita Allen Foundation Scholar grant funds may only be used for direct project expenses, including up to 50% of the Scholar’s compensation. No grant funds may be used to support the grant recipient’s overhead or other administrative (indirect) expenses.

Budget: up to $110,000 annually, for up to 5 years (see above for additional details)
Nominations Allowed: 1

Key Dates

2027 UTMB Internal RFA