A.P. Giannini, the founder of Bank of America, established the A.P. Giannini Foundation in 1945 to bring to fruition his long-held dream to promote the study and treatment of human diseases. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over 1,100 fellowships to postdoctoral biomedical researchers sponsored by California’s accredited medical schools. The Foundation awards new fellowships each year on a competitive, peer-reviewed basis.
The A.P. Giannini Foundation invites physician-scientists and junior researchers with three to 36 months of total postdoctoral experience to apply to the 2027 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship & Leadership Award. The Fellowship Program supports innovative research in the basic sciences and applied fields, and trains fellows to become established investigators. Research projects should advance the translation of biomedical science into preventions, treatments and cures for human diseases.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Postdoctoral researchers are eligible to apply to the 2027 program if they have completed no less than 3 months and no more than 3 years in their mentor’s laboratory as of December 31, 2026. The starting date of postdoctoral studies should be well documented. Applicants with tenure-track research positions or faculty appointments will not be considered.
- Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent alien residents. They must hold or complete an MD, MD/PhD, PhD or equivalent degree before they activate the fellowship.
- Applicants must arrange their research training before applying to the 2027 program. The research training program must be sponsored by an accredited California medical school and performed under the mentorship of a principal investigator who holds a full-time faculty or primary appointment at the sponsoring medical school.
Fellowship Stipend & Leadership Training
Fellows receive a competitive stipend during their research training and are required to participate in trainings to foster their communication and leadership skills. Stipend payments are sent directly to the sponsoring medical school and can only be used for salary support. The current fellowship stipend is $70,000 in each of the three years.
Candidates are eligible to obtain additional salary support from their institution but cannot hold another full fellowship or a federal career development award. Other income will not preclude favorable consideration; however, candidates must state the source of other income they expect to receive in their application.
Timeline for 2027 Fellowship & Leadership Award
November 5, 2026: Deadline for all applications and reference letters
December–January: Scientific Advisory Committee reviews and evaluates applications.
January 25, 2027: Foundation notifies applicants of their status in the review process.
March 4, 2027: Scientific Advisory Committee interviews finalists in person and selects the 2027 awardees.
Application Availability & Procedures
Applications are submitted through an online portal on the Foundation’s website: www.apgianninifoundation.org