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Overview
Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC, combined) may nominate 2 candidates to submit an LOI to the Ono Pharma Foundation’s Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards Program.
The Ono Pharma Foundation is committed to focus on and accelerate researcher-driven open innovation by supporting high-risk and high-reward science research projects which have potential to lead to science discoveries/solutions and, possibly, based on further research, to breakthrough treatments for patients. The Foundation supports academic research in relevant scientific fields, which have the potential of making significant impact on therapeutic approaches to disease and pain management. Only proposals addressing Chemical Biology Research will be considered.
View the 2026 Ono Pharma Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards LSO application instructions.
The “Ono Initiative” is the embodiment of the Foundation’s commitment to focus on and accelerate researcher-driven open innovation by supporting high-risk and high-reward science research projects which have potential to lead to science discoveries/solutions and, possibly, based on further research, to breakthrough treatments for patients. The program seeks proposals for research that could ultimately transform human health. Learn more about the Ono initiative.
Although additional areas of research may be added in future years, in 2026 the Ono Pharma Foundation will only consider proposals for scientific research projects addressing the following field of science:
Chemical Biology Research
- Target research of Chemical Biology is not specified. 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.
- Subjects of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Modulating interactome and cell/tissue crosstalk
- Manipulating biomolecular condensates and protein quality control systems
- Deep understanding and emerging applications of chemical glycobiology
- New concepts of drug delivery and localization to tissu
Award Details
- Internal Deadline: January 6, 2026
- Sponsor's LOI Deadline: February 13, 2026
- Award Amount: Up to $1,035,000 over three years
- Nomination Slots: Two (2) VU/VUMC LOIs
- Eligibility Note: PIs must:
- Have an MD and/or a PhD
- Be a new applicants to Ono, or, if returning, apply with a different project
- Be 15 years or less of experience from starting their independent academic position
- Not be a healthcare professional (no active state medical license)
- Please see the application instructions for full eligibility requirements
- Disciplines: Biological/Biomedical
Please note: Full RFP is attached in the "More Information" section of this page. Faculty and researchers interested in applying for these opportunities based on technologies developed or disclosed at Vanderbilt must submit their proposals through the CTTC.