OUR SCIENCE
OUR SCIENCE
Early Career Researcher Award
Pioneering science starts with bold ideas – and people willing to pursue them.
First established to mark 20 years of PROTAC technology, the Arvinas Early Career Researcher Award recognizes the work of an emerging researcher or research team advancing innovation in targeted protein degradation (TPD). We’re pleased to present this award for a second time, championing emerging talent and giving back to the scientific community driving TPD forward.
As pioneers in the field, we’re committed to supporting discoveries that could become tomorrow’s transformative medicines. We’re reinforcing this commitment by offering a $25,000 monetary award to an emerging researcher or research team whose bold ideas and innovations have the potential to shape the next chapter of TPD. By supporting and highlighting the work of emerging researchers in the field of TPD, we can help lay the groundwork for lasting scientific progress.
Key Dates
November 1, 2026
Applications open
December 31, 2026,
11:59 p.m. ET
Applications close
Mid 2027
Winner announced
Award Presentation
The winner will receive a $25,000 monetary award and will be recognized and formally presented with this award in mid-2027 in New Haven, CT.
Eligibility
- Researchers in academia (graduate or postdoctoral level at the time of studies conducted and/or published)
- Must be currently affiliated with an academic or research institution globally
- Self-nominations are allowed
- Applicants may submit jointly with another researcher. Applicants may choose to include the names of other researchers they have collaborated with; however, only the applicant will receive the monetary award.
- Exhibited scientific curiosity and an established pattern of creative thinking
- Applicants may not have a direct role in patient diagnosis and/or treatment
- Demonstrated professional and scientific leadership in protein degradation
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Submission Criteria
You may submit up to three nominations. All award winners will be selected based on the criteria outlined below. Only entries meeting criteria will be considered. Winner must be available to attend an award presentation in New Haven in mid-2027.
- Submissions will be evaluated based on details related to how the individual has fostered innovation in the field of targeted protein degradation, or ways the individual is either planning to or currently applying new approaches or creative thinking to this field. (Please do not submit bios or resumes as a submission)
- Please feel free to provide personal anecdotes, supply any relevant metrics and consider the following as part of your submission: accounts related to innovation, new discoveries, leadership, novel strategies, leading-edge creativity, etc.
- Applicants should include up to three recent, relevant, and referenced publications that demonstrate key contribution(s) to the targeted protein degradation field; Peer-reviewed publications, accepted manuscripts, and publicly available preprints may be included.
- Submissions should capture the inspired and innovative spirit of the prospective nominee.
Applications can begin November 1, 2026, and must be received by 11:59pm ET on December 31, 2026.
How to Apply
Please answer the questions below and complete the nominee information requested for an application to be considered. Submissions should be sent in Microsoft Word or PDF format via email to [email protected] with “Arvinas Early Career Researcher Award” in the subject line of the email by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET December 31, 2026.
- How has the nominee advanced innovation in targeted protein degradation?
Describe the novel approaches, discoveries or creative thinking the nominee has contributed and explain their significance to the field. (500-word max) - What distinguishes the nominee as an early-career researcher?
Describe any unique qualities, accomplishments, or perspectives that make this individual particularly deserving of recognition. (250-word max) - What is the nominee’s vision for the future of targeted protein degradation?
Describe the scientific questions, opportunities or challenges the nominee believes will shape the field. (150-word max) - Please include up to three recent, relevant, and referenced publications. Peer-reviewed publications, accepted manuscripts, and publicly available preprints may be included.
Your Information
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Nominee Information
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Co-nominee Information (optional)
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