UW – Madison Stem Cell Graduate Scholar Award

2026 Wisconsin Stem Cell Graduate Scholar Awards

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center (SCRMC) is committed to training future leaders in stem cell research. We are seeking nominations of senior PhD students for the Wisconsin Stem Cell Graduate Scholar Awards to celebrate their accomplishments and support their continued training. Selected scholars will present posters at the 20th annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium, present a short talk at the SCRMC Seminar series, meet with UW faculty to learn about postdoctoral opportunities in stem cell biology, and tour campus and Madison, April 14-15, 2026. Generous travel awards covering transportation, food, hotel, and registration, will be provided to selected nominees to attend the Symposium.

Eligibility: Senior graduate students defending their thesis between summer 2026 and summer 2027. Participants should not have committed to a postdoctoral position before the symposium is held.

Submission:

· Summary of thesis research project (up to one page single spaced)

· Current CV

· Recommendation letter from current mentor (sent from mentor directly)

· List of at least 5 PIs that you would be interested in meeting should you be selected as a Scholar.

Referees should submit their letter via email to:

kejakubowski@wisc.edu

Kate Jakubowski, Office Administrator

Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology

Background: The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a long history of pioneering breakthroughs in stem cell research, including the work of James Thomson in isolating the first human embryonic stem cell lines. This work continues with the exciting development of induced pluripotent stem cells for regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. The SCRMC and its affiliated departments cover a wide range of topics in stem cell and regenerative biology, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neural regeneration, blood stem cell research, and stem cell bioengineering.

In 2024, Madison was ranked third in the country for quality of life, based on factors such as desirability, weather, and job market (U.S. News & World Report). As a small, beautiful city in the Midwest with easy access to the outdoors, Madison continues to attract researchers from across the US and internationally who make up our rich research community.