Ono Pharma Foundation Breakthrough Science Initiative

Ono Pharma Foundation Breakthrough Science Initiative is sponsored by Ono Pharma Foundation. Supports high-impact biomedical and chemical biology research through competitive awards to leading research universities and institutes.

Annually, the Ono Pharma Foundation considers proposals from PIs for research that could ultimately transform human health. Although additional areas of research may be added in future years, the Ono Pharma Foundation is only considering proposals for scientific research addressing Chemical Biology at this time. Chemical Biology is defined as research that deals with the interface between chemistry and biology.

The criteria for this field are deliberately broad so as not to disqualify potentially innovative and groundbreaking projects. Applications will be assessed and awards will be made based upon the following criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on the scientific merit of the research proposal. Applications will be evaluated based on their relevance to Ono Pharma Foundation’s mission: significance, innovation and approach.

Applications will be judged on their consideration and understanding of the technology required for completion. Principle Investigators will need to prove their relevant experience and qualifications. Evidence will need to be provided of a suitable environment to conduct study.

Applicants must meet the following requirements. LOIs and final Proposals from applicants not meeting the requirements listed below will not be considered. PIs applying must be working at one of the nominating institutions.

Nominating institutions might be replaced or added to in subsequent years. For the list of nominating institutions, please see the FAQ. The PI must have an MD and/or a PhD degree.

The PI must be a new applicant to the Ono Initiative, or, if they are a returning applicant, must be applying for a project different from the one they previously proposed. The PI must be a young and/or mid-career scientist (15 years or less of experience since starting an independent academic position).

The PI must not have been, nor currently be, engaged in other sponsored research and/or collaborative research with Ono Pharmaceutical Co. , Ltd. and/or grant program with Ono Pharma Foundation. The PI may not apply for funding to amplify current work.

However, PIs may research a new idea based on a prior finding of the PI. The PI must not be a healthcare professional (defined as individuals currently holding an active state license for which they are (a) qualified to prescribe, administer, use or supply any medicinal or medical products or (b) perform any professional clinical services). A PI with an MD but without an active state medical license is still eligible.

PIs serving on a healthcare formulary or similar committee are not eligible. As a US private foundation, Ono Pharma Foundation grants to Canadian institutions are conditioned on an equivalency determination by the Foundation. This may require additional documentation and information from the institution outside of the application process.

The timetable for both steps of the Application Process is outlined below in detail.

Funding Opportunity Program Announcement for 2025 Awards Funding Opportunity Program Announcement for 2025 Awards Responsible Party: Ono Pharma Foundation Responsible Party: PI/Instituion Request for Proposal (“RFP”) sent out Responsible Party: Ono Pharma Foundation Announcement of the Awards Responsible Party: Ono Pharma Foundation LOI: PIs should first contact the administration office of their Institution.

Institutions will be asked to nominate PIs, but only the PI may submit LOIs and Proposals. An LOI should be submitted through the Ono Pharma Foundation online portal. An LOI submission must include the following information: Abstract – no more than 150 words.

The abstract should provide a brief description of the PI’s project’s goal(s). Vision of the Proposed Research – one page single-spaced 12pt font . CV and reference list do not contribute to this page limit.

Figures may be included but should not exceed an additional two pages. If there is a figure that best explains your project, please indicate which one. This will help our Scientific Advisory Board as they review.

The CV may not exceed five pages NIH Biosketch format is preferred. The new format extends the page limit for the biosketch from four to five pages, and allows researchers to describe up to five of their most significant contributions to science, along with the historical background that framed their research. Investigators can outline the central findings of prior work and the influence of those findings on the investigator’s field.

The CV must disclose all grants or awards currently received or pending which would be relevant to the Proposed Research. PIs invited to submit a full Proposal will receive instructions via email and in the Ono Pharma Foundation portal.

The Proposal – in response to the RFP – must include the following information: A detailed Research Plan (no more than seven pages), including: Background on the area(s) of research and key gaps in our understanding of the field or important challenges to be addressed. Recent progress by the PI, focusing on the past five years. Do not repeat material adequately covered in the prior CV or Biosketch.

Do not include a Publication List. Overview of the Research Proposal. This should be a description of the key questions or challenges the PI plans to address and the general strategies.

A detailed experimental plan is not expected. The proposed direction of the PI’s scientific project will be considered in the review process. If new opportunities or directions arise during the course of the research, the PI will have the flexibility to change course and pursue them.

If such a development should occur, the PI should be in touch promptly with the Ono Pharma Foundation. Itemized PI budget for the Proposal – not part of the Proposal page/word limit If needed, the prior CV can be updated Other research, describing overlap with Ono Initiative Frequently Asked Questions What is the goal of the Ono Pharma Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards Program?

The Ono Initiative supports creative research conducted by emerging Chemical Biologists in search of new discoveries, solutions, and the development of high-impact science. The goals of the Ono Initiative are to: Identify and develop innovative research proposals and results that could lead to the development of breakthrough treatment solutions for patients.

Support academic research and the career development of promising young and established scientists. Build strong relationships within the community in order to lead to transformative research aligned with Ono Initiative's interest. What is the length of this Award?

All grants awarded by Ono Pharma Foundation have a three year term. What is the funding level of these Awards? Awards will consist of annual funding of $300,000/year, totaling a maximum of $900,000 for the normal term of a research project.

The Ono Pharma Foundation will provide up to an additional 15% ($45,000) per year to be used for indirect costs of the PI’s institution. In total, Ono Pharma Foundation’s three-year research awards provide up to $1,035,000 to researchers and their institutions. How many Awards are given?

Three Awards are planned every year, contingent upon Ono Pharma Foundation appropriations and the submission of sufficient meritorious applications. Who will make the decisions about the Awardees? The Ono Pharma Foundation selects all Awardees based upon recommendations of its Scientific Advisory Board (“SAB”), which is comprised of outside experts from the fields of Chemical Biology.

Which are the Nominating Institutions?

2026 Applicant Nominating Institutions in Chemical Biology Research * Albert Einstein College of Medicine Baylor College of Medicine California Institute of Technology Carnegie Mellon University Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute Georgia Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Michigan State University Oregon Health and Science University Salk Institute for Biological Studies The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT The Ohio State University The Pennsylvania State University The Rockefeller University The Scripps Research Institute The University of Arizona The University of Chicago The University of Texas – Austin The University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center University of British Columbia University of California – Berkeley University of California – Davis University of California – Irvine University of California – Los Angeles University of California – San Diego University of California – San Francisco University of California – Santa Barbara University of California – Santa Cruz University of Colorado Anschutz University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign University of Massachusetts – Amherst University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Southern California University of Wisconsin – Madison Washington University in St Louis *Each Nominating Institution may nominate up to two (2) applicants in Chemical Biology Research.