Kleinmuntz Center Young Innovator Program Overview

The Catherine and Don Kleinmuntz Center for Genomics in Business and Society (The Kleinmuntz Center) is excited to offer this program for graduate students and post-docs interested in innovation and bringing their science to society. 

The Young Innovator Program aims to provide professional development for a select cohort of graduate students and post-doctoral associates over a 10-week summer program. At the conclusion, three of the cohort's members will be awarded tiered awards of between $5,000 – $20,000 to help their projects continue to be developed and succeed. The project proposals developed during the program can be based on a current research project, but it is not required.

For full details, please view additional information here.

Application Deadline is Monday, April 24th, 2023

Program Dates

• The program will run for 10 weeks, from May 30th to August 8th, 2023. The class will meet primarily in person for 1-2 hours each week.

Eligibility 

• Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology graduate students or post-doctoral researchers who have gained pre-approval from necessary PIs or faculty members. 

• The trainee's PI must be a current, full-time IGB faculty member at Illinois or an emeritus faculty member who maintains an active research group. The trainee's PI must sign a disclaimer form.

• Postdocs who are funded 100% on grants should indicate this in their application. The Kleinmuntz Center will pay 5% of post-doctoral researchers' salaries for the 10 weeks enrolled in the program to conform with federal uniform guidance. This compensation will also avoid any effort and compensation conflicts of sponsored projects. 
   

Application

Applicants must complete the below application form, provide a CV, and a statement on interest in the program. 

Post-doctoral students must indicate if they are currently funded 100% by sponsored grants or contracts. Appointments will be restructured during this 10-week program so that 5% of pay is covered to avoid effort and compensation conflicts. 

Questions? Contact Erin Louer (emckern2@illinois.edu).