#Research Funding #Biomedical Sciences #Pew Scholars

Pew Charitable Trusts Welcomes New Biomedical Scholars

On August 12, 2025, the Pew Charitable Trusts unveiled its 2025 class of Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences, welcoming a new cohort of 22 promising early-career researchers. This initiative, which has been nurturing emerging scientific talent for the past four decades, will provide these scholars with four years of vital funding aimed at unlocking key insights into human health and disease.

Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Pew's senior vice president for Philadelphia and scientific advancement, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "For 40 years, Pew has supported young, talented researchers as they take creative approaches to solving big scientific questions. This new class continues that legacy, and we look forward to seeing where their discoveries lead."

The 2025 cohort is special as it marks the 40th group of scholars to be funded since the program's inception in 1985. With this recognition, they join a well-established network of over 1,000 Pew-funded scientists, who are given opportunities to meet regularly, allowing for the exchange of ideas and collaborative efforts across various scientific disciplines.

"Pew-funded scientists have long contributed to biomedical research discoveries that have improved human health," remarked Dr. Lee Niswander, a former Pew scholar and current chair of the program's national advisory committee. He expressed confidence that this new class will uphold the program's esteemed tradition through their innovative approaches to scientific inquiry.

The selection process for the 2025 Pew Scholars was competitive, with 209 applicants nominated by leading academic institutions and notable researchers from around the United States. The new class comprises scientists tackling modern health challenges such as studying the role of gut bacteria in combating metabolic diseases and deciphering the intricate developments of the human brain over time. Notably, five of the members will be focusing on aging-related brain health issues, receiving additional support from the Kathryn W. Davis Peace by Pieces Fund.

2025 Pew Scholars in Biomedical Sciences

Here’s a brief overview of the talented researchers selected for 2025:

1. Ana Paula Arruda, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Arruda's research will analyze how cells can reconfigure their metabolism by reorganizing their subcellular architecture.

2. Sarah Bowling, Ph.D., Stanford University School of Medicine
She aims to uncover how mammalian embryos manage to retain resilience despite experiencing injury or cell loss.

3. Matthew Bramble, Ph.D., Children's Research Institute of Children's National Hospital
Dr. Bramble is set to investigate the molecular biology behind konzo, a condition that leads to paralysis in certain children in sub-Saharan Africa.

4. Cara Brook, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Brook intends to design vaccines aimed at protecting wild bat populations from viruses that potentially threaten human health.

5. Nicholas Burton, Ph.D., Van Andel Institute
His research focuses on understanding how specific bacteria in the microbiome can facilitate cures for metabolic diseases.

6. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, Ph.D., Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Dr. Corbett-Helaire will explore the interactions between coronaviruses, including simian hemorrhagic fever viruses, and human cells.

7. Fleur M. Ferguson, Ph.D., University of California San Diego
She plans to develop strategies for engineering