UNMC is recruiting for its third cohort of Purdue Pharma Scholars. The award’s goal is to foster graduate training in pharmaceutical sciences and neurosciences and to foster collaborations between UNMC and Purdue Pharma.
The program provides funding for UNMC graduate students conducting neuroscience, pharmaceutical science or pain research. The annual scholarships are just one aspect of larger, ongoing partnership between UNMC and Purdue Pharma L.P.
“The partnership blends UNMC’s extensive and growing expertise and training programs in many health disciplines with Purdue Pharma’s strong track record of drug discovery, formulation and development,” said vice chancellor for academic affairs Dele Davies, M.D.
Who is eligible?
- Second or third-year UNMC Ph.D. students.
- Preference will be given to students who have an interest in, or are already pursuing research in, the fields of pharmaceutical sciences and/or neurosciences, particularly pain research.
How many Purdue Pharma Scholars will be selected and how?
- Up to three Purdue Scholars will be selected annually.
- Scholars will be selected by a UNMC committee of four graduate faculty overseeing or involved in neuroscience research. The UNMC dean for graduate studies or designee will chair the meeting and vote if there is a tie upon reviewing candidates.
- Criteria will include but not be limited to GPA greater than 3.6, area of proposed research concentration and letter of support from mentor indicating likelihood of research success.
- Upon selection, the Purdue Pharma representative will be notified by the UNMC Dean for Graduate Studies.
How to apply
For more information and an application form, click here.
What will the scholars receive and how will they be recognized?
- Each student selected will receive a one-year graduate assistantship (July-June) at the amount paid to students in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, and an additional scholarship of up to $10,000.
- Of the additional scholarship, half is paid immediately upon being named a Purdue Pharma Scholar. The remaining half, when the student successfully competes for a national award (e.g. NIH F30 or F31 award, national society award, etc.). This one-time payment will be in addition to any scholarship UNMC gives to students who have successfully received national awards.
- Scholars will be encouraged to visit and will have access to research facilities at Purdue Pharma at least once during the year, with travel expenses paid by Purdue Pharma.
- Purdue Pharma research leaders and personnel will visit with scholars on campus at least once annually.
- Scholars will present their research at the annual Purdue-UNMC Neuroscience Research Conference at UNMC.
- Scholars will be recognized as being a Purdue Pharma Scholar in “UNMC Today” and in a press announcement when selected. They also are recognized upon their graduation during the Graduate Studies Honors Convocation Ceremony.