What is the HSOM STAR21 Awards Program?

The HSOM STAR21 Awards is a program designed to attract the top graduate student applicants to UAB. Up to 6 awards are given per year to recruit the top candidates to the UAB Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS).

What are the goals of the HSOM STAR21 Awards?

• Recruit students who have demonstrated exceptional scientific achievement and potential.
• Enhance their competitiveness for academic fellowships and positions.
• Provide funding and opportunities to advance their research careers.
• Serve as a networking platform to support and elevate their professional growth.

What does this Award mean to you?

• You will receive a $2,500 cash award upon matriculating into the UAB GBS program in the fall.
• You will receive $3,750 per year for two years ($7,500 total) in scientific discretionary funds. These funds, provided approximately 16–18 months after enrollment in the GBS program and mentor selection, will be available throughout your graduate career at UAB. They are intended to enhance your training and education, facilitate networking, and support your short- and long-term career goals. Under current UAB guidelines, these funds may be used to: 
  • Attend scientific meetings of your choice 
  • Enroll in educational courses 
  • Learn new techniques in other labs 
  • Travel to other institutions to give lectures 
  • Purchase computers or software for research 
• Your chosen mentor will receive two years of stipend support ($7,500/year), starting after the GBS stipend support concludes (approximately 16–18 months after program entry). This enhances your competitiveness for top labs and offers flexibility in choosing a lab with limited slots. 
• You have the option to select an HSOM STAR21 scientific mentoring committee. This committee will review and critique any fellowship applications you submit while at UAB, increasing your chances of success in obtaining competitive fellowships that can advance your career. Members will also be available for advice and to provide critical letters of support.
• Upon arriving at UAB, STAR21 Awardees will be invited to an annual reception with the Dean and meet faculty members from across the campus.
• This is a prestigious award to include on your CV, enhancing your competitiveness for fellowships and postdoctoral positions.
• New STAR21 Awardees will be announced in the UAB School of Medicine News at the time of enrollment.
• The STAR21 mentoring committee will also provide letters of recommendation for grant and postdoctoral fellowship applications.
• You will join an institution that is actively investing in graduate education, recruiting and retaining top scientists, and promoting research excellence.

Why should you take the HSOM STAR21 Award and select UAB for the next step in your career?

There are many reasons – but here are just a few:

Institutional Commitment: The HSOM STAR21 Awards Program was developed by the UAB Heersink School of Medicine (HSOM) to support its education and training mission. UAB is making significant investments in graduate education—it's a top priority, not an afterthought.
Exceptional Academic Environment: UAB offers an outstanding educational experience, freedom to pursue your scientific interests, and access to an extraordinary group of faculty mentors eager to welcome you into their labs.
Research Growth and Reputation: UAB is in a period of historic research growth. Over the past nine years, its research portfolio (including NIH, CDC, DoD, DOE, and industry sponsors) has expanded by 73%. UAB ranks in the top 1% of all NIH-funded organizations and is ranked #11 among public U.S. universities and #25 among all U.S. academic institutions. All six UAB health-related schools rank in the top 15 among NIH-ranked public research institutions. Graduate students are the engine of research at UAB, and the training environment is designed to help you reach your goals. As a STAR21 Awardee, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a lab that aligns with your interests and engage with both UAB and visiting scientists.
Vibrant Campus and Career Outcomes: UAB is an exciting, supportive environment and a strong launchpad for a variety of science careers. Our students receive excellent training and are highly competitive for top jobs and postdoctoral fellowships.

Expectations

The funding of the HSOM STAR21 Awards Program is contingent upon the awardees:

• Maintaining a good academic standing
• Identifying a lab for their dissertation project
• Successfully completing their qualifying exam
• Continuing to make progress toward their degree