Hendrickson Research Fellowship

Lester C. and Phyllis M. Hendrickson Research Fellowship in Medicine

The Lester C. and Phyllis M. Hendrickson Research Fellowship in Medicine is a competitive funding program for medical students to support research and discovery activities in basic science, especially within the domain of genetics. Medical students are eligible for awards up to $1,500 to support supplies and services related to research and discovery activities in basic science.

Apply

Link will be active in early 2026

Eligibility

  • M1-M4 UI COM (Chicago) student (not LOA, not MD/PhD).
  • Registered and in good academic standing.
  • Research conducted while a UI COM student with a faculty mentor.
  • Research conducted as part of a UI COM structured research program (Craig scholars program, Dean’s summer research scholars in basic/translational science, James scholars program, joint degree program) favored but not required.
  • Foreign national students are eligible.

Application

  • Key dates:
    • Application opens April 1
    • Application due date is May 1
    • Result notification by April 30
    • Award period is September 1 to March 30 for use of funds.
  • Students must complete the Lester C. and Phyllis M. Hendrickson Research Fellowship in Medicine application (link above).
  • All applications must be received by the noted due date. Applications not received in a timely matter may be denied.
  • Application: submit as a single PDF document containing primary application materials and additional application materials (see below).
  • Primary application materials (3 pages or less):
    • Introduction: title of proposed research project, acknowledgement that proposal was written/approved by applicant, and description of the use of AI.
    • Specific aims: background and description of overall scientific question and objectives.
    • Research plan: proposed scientific/technical methods, data analytic strategies, and anticipated outcomes and outputs.
    • Budget: support requested (up to $1,500), description of expenses and justification.
  • Additional application materials:
    • CV: prior research experience should be highlighted.
    • Personal statement: summary of interest in research, description of how participation will affect professional development.
    • Letter of support: from research mentor, description of mentor role in supporting student.

Eligible expenses

  • Supplies and services related to research and discovery activities in basic science.

Deliverables

  • Upon completion of award period, the recipient must submit a final report (1-2 page summary) and commit to presenting the research at the annual UI College of Medicine Research Forum or another national scientific conference.