Fellows Program: Advancing Career Development in the Biological Sciences (US)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

he Keystone Symposia Fellows Program is a one-year professional development fellowship for U.S. postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists in biological and biomedical sciences. Fellows receive leadership training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and direct exposure to academic, industry, and government leaders while helping shape the scientific programming of Keystone Symposia’s international conference series. What Is the Keystone Symposia Fellows Program? The Keystone Symposia Fellows Program is designed to prepare promising scientists for future leadership roles in research and the broader scientific community. The programme combines scientific engagement with structured leadership and career development. During the one-year fellowship, participants work with members of the Keystone Symposia Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and gain insight into how scientific conferences and research priorities are developed.

The programme focuses on developing:

- Scientific leadership. - Professional networking. - Career planning. - Communication skills. - Mentoring relationships. - Cross-sector collaboration. - Understanding of scientific programme development. Why Does the Fellowship Matter? Early-career scientists often need opportunities to build leadership skills beyond their laboratory or research position. The fellowship provides exposure to senior professionals across: - Academia. - Industry. - Government. - Biomedical research. - Biological sciences. This allows fellows to develop a broader understanding of scientific leadership and build professional relationships that can support their long-term careers. Who Is the Keystone Symposia Fellowship For? The programme is designed for U.S. postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists working in biological and biomedical sciences.

Eligible candidates can come from:

- Academic institutions. - Industry. - Government research organisations. The fellowship is particularly suited to researchers who want to develop leadership and professional skills alongside their scientific careers. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must meet citizenship, educational, career-stage, and disciplinary requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. - Hold a Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.. - Have a degree in a biological or biomedical science field. - Be either a qualifying postdoctoral researcher or early-career researcher. Postdoctoral Eligibility Postdoctoral applicants must generally be: - 1–4 years post-Ph.D. Early-Career Researcher Eligibility

Early-career applicants can be:

- Assistant professors, or - Research scientists. They must have been in their current position for less than six years. Eligible applicants can work in academia, industry, or government. What Does the Fellowship Provide? The fellowship provides a combination of professional development, mentoring, networking, and participation in scientific programme planning.

Key benefits include:

- Participation in three Scientific Advisory Board meetings. - Leadership training modules. - Tailored mentoring. - Peer-to-peer mentorship. - Membership in the Keystone Symposia Fellows Community. - Exposure to senior scientific leaders. - Support for travel-related expenses associated with SAB meetings. What Are Scientific Advisory Board Meetings? Scientific Advisory Board meetings provide fellows with an opportunity to engage directly with experienced leaders involved in scientific programming. Fellows participate in discussions with representatives from: - Academic research. - Industry. - Government. - Scientific leadership. They help review and curate scientific programming for Keystone Symposia’s international conference series. This gives fellows practical insight into how scientific topics are selected, evaluated, and developed for an international research audience. How Many SAB Meetings Are Required? Fellows participate in three Scientific Advisory Board meetings during the fellowship.

The programme includes:

- An in-person SAB meeting in Colorado in January 2027. - A virtual SAB meeting in June 2027. - A second in-person SAB meeting in 2028.

Participation in these meetings is an important part of the fellowship commitment

What Leadership Training Is Included? The fellowship includes structured leadership training modules designed to help scientists develop skills that are important for long-term career advancement.

Training can support areas such as:

- Leadership. - Professional communication. - Career development. - Networking. - Collaboration. - Scientific programme development. The goal is to help participants become effective leaders both within research environments and across the broader scientific community. What Mentoring Opportunities Are Available? Fellows receive tailored mentoring with distinguished Scientific Advisory Board members. This provides an opportunity for fellows to discuss: - Career goals. - Leadership development. - Professional challenges. - Research careers. - Networking. - Long-term career planning. Fellows also participate in ongoing peer-to-peer mentoring through the Keystone Symposia Fellows Community. What Is the Fellows Community? The Keystone Symposia Fellows Community connects fellows with other emerging scientific leaders.

Peer mentoring can help participants:

- Exchange experiences. - Discuss career challenges. - Build professional relationships. - Learn from scientists at similar career stages. - Develop a long-term professional network. The community can continue to be valuable beyond individual fellowship activities. What Is the “Fellows Friday” Requirement? Fellows are expected to participate in at least seven of ten “Fellows Friday” career development sessions. These sessions form part of the fellowship’s structured professional development component. Applicants should therefore be prepared to make regular time for career-development activities throughout the fellowship year. Is Travel