The Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has announced its 2021 cohort of Gilliam Fellows.

Through the annual fellowship program, fifty graduate students and their advisors will receive $50,000 per year for up to three years to create an inclusive academic environment and increase the diversity of scientists at the faculty level. This year's fellows hail from thirty-eight schools across the country with research spanning the life sciences, including investigations into how malaria parasite broods destroy red blood cells and the source of pollution behind harmful algal blooms in a river used by the Seneca Nation and other communities. Advisors participate in a year of mentor development activities that emphasize cultural awareness. To date, the Gilliam Program has selected more than three hundred and fifty fellows.

"I was struck by the scientific maturity of these students," said HHMI senior director for science education David Asai. "They're all doing great science, and they can talk about it in a way that people understand."

For a complete list of 2021 Gilliam Fellows and Advisors, see the Howard Hughes Medical Institute website.

(Photo credit: Hadar Goren)