(This information was circulated to ADRs by email on Dec 2, 2025)
VPRI is seeking self-nominations to the Ono Pharma Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards, which seek to support early and mid-career scientists in the broad domain of chemical biology to pursue novel directions in their research.
Proposals from Principal Investigators in chemical biology should pursue high-risk and high-reward science research projects which have the potential to lead to science discoveries/solutions and, based on further research, to breakthrough treatments for patients. PI's must be 15 or fewer years since starting their independent research career.
Ono Pharma Foundation anticipates awarding three (3) awards in 2026, each offering $900,000 (USD) in support over three (3) years. Applicants are restricted and invited from only 67 Universities worldwide. UBC is allowed to nominate two (2) candidates to the competition.
Topic: Chemical Biology research
"Chemical biology includes all scientific disciplines that aim to understand and control cellular and human biology at the chemical level. The One Initiative places a strong emphasis on original research projects showing innovation, and therefore, the criteria for this field are intentionally broad to ensure that potentially innovative and groundbreaking projects are not excluded. We prioritize rigorous, comprehensive, mechanistic chemical biology. We welcome proposals from both basic and applied sciences."
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be working at UBC
- Must have MD and / or PhD Degree
- Must be a new applicant to the Ono Initiative, or, if PI is a returning applicant, must be applying for a project different from the one PI previously proposed (*Note, this only counts for those who moved passed the internal selection phase and were considered by Ono)
- 15 or fewer years since starting first independent research position. Parental leave(s) will extend this window, but no other type of leave is considered by the sponsor.
- Not have been or nor currently engaged in sponsored or collaborative research with Ono Pharma
- Not applying for funding to amplify current work. However, PIs may research a new idea based on a prior finding of the PI.
- Must not be an healthcare professional holding a current, active state license to perform any professional clinical services. A PI with an MD but without an active state medical license is still eligible.
- PIs serving on healthcare formulary or similar committee are not eligible.
Internal Process:
** UBC is entitled to two (2) nominees in 2026. Consequently, we are running and internal competition. Interested candidates can self-nominate by sending the following materials by January 16, 2026:
- 150-word Abstract
- 1-page Vision of Proposed Research (max 2 pages for figures, references do not count toward limit)
- 5-page CV (NIH Biosketch format preferred, must disclose all relevant grants and awards)
Please send these materials and direct any questions to Kevin McCartney, Award Nomination Development Officer, Health at kevin.mccartney@ubc.ca
For more detailed information, please see this Program Information guide (warning: PDF Pop-up)
Ono also has an FAQ for this competition (warning: PDF Pop-up).