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Investing in today’s scientists for tomorrow’s breakthroughs

Our vision is a healthier world where all people have access to innovative,
life-changing medicines.

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PhRMA Foundation Launches Initiative to Strengthen America’s Future Scientific Workforce

The Foundation is undertaking the largest expansion in its 60-year history, with plans to fund 500 early-career researchers over the next three years. Leading biopharmaceutical companies have pledged more than $16 million to the initiative so far, reflecting a shared industry commitment to fostering future scientific leaders.

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Research Areas

The PhRMA Foundation funds researchers working on the frontiers of variety of disciplines that impact patient health.

News

Read the latest news from the PhRMA Foundation blog.

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September 28, 2026

Q&A with Kelly O’Rourke: Following Her Passion for Drug Discovery, One Puzzle Piece at a Time

Kelly O’Rourke, a PhD student at Vanderbilt University, aims to uncover how a key protein helps protect the brain’s dopamine-producing cells, with the goal of finding new treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
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September 24, 2026

Q&A with Dr. Sichen Song: Designing Better Tuberculosis Medicines for the Patients Who Need Them Most

Dr. Sichen Song, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, aims to make tuberculosis treatment easier and more effective by creating medicines that are easier to store, better absorbed by the body, and require fewer pills for patients to take.
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September 21, 2026

Q&A with Dr. Taotao Wu: Measuring Brain Activity to Improve Concussion Diagnosis

Dr. Taotao Wu, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia, aims to develop a more objective way to measure how the brain is functioning after a concussion.
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Awardee Spotlight

Anastasia Varanko, MS, PhD

  • Vanderbilt University

“The PhRMA Foundation Fellowship supports my pursuit of innovative, cell-specific drug delivery platforms to reshape cancer immunotherapy and connects me to a community dedicated to translating bold science into meaningful advances for patients.”

Grants & Fellowships

The PhRMA Foundation catalyzes the careers of promising researchers through competitive, peer-reviewed grants and fellowships.

Chester Markwalter

Predoctoral Fellowships

PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships provide up to two years in stipend support for full-time graduate students who are engaged in thesis research and have completed most of their pre-thesis requirements.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

PhRMA Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships provide up to two years of stipend support to promising postdoctoral trainees who seek to further develop and refine their research skills.

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Faculty Starter Grants

PhRMA Foundation Faculty Starter Grants provide support to promising young scientists beginning independent research careers at the faculty level.

Special Awards

The PhRMA Foundation periodically offers special funding opportunities to address specific research questions or topics of interest.

Supporters

The PhRMA Foundation owes its success to the pharmaceutical companies that have provided generous support over the past 60 years.

PhRMA Foundation
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