Transformative Ideas Start with “What If...”

The “What If…” Awards for Creative Medical Research

The “What If…” Awards provide funding to creative scientists who dare to ask unconventional questions – those that challenge prevailing paradigms and have the potential to open new frontiers in health and medicine.

Our Approach

Powerful Questions

We look for visionary ideas across biomedical and health science – projects that could transform how we treat disease and improve health for all.
Breaking Silos

We believe that curiosity and creativity thrive at the intersections – between disciplines, sectors, and communities. That’s why we look for interdisciplinary, collaborative projects, community-engaged research, and approaches that span disease areas.
Meaningful Funding

Each “What If…” Award is $250,000 per year for two years. Awards are co-funded by an anonymous donor and other philanthropic and institutional sources. This highly competitive program is open to tenure-track faculty at all career levels from invited institutions.
Inspiration from History

Asking “What If…” is a timeless catalyst for progress. The name of our program was inspired by a visionary Hewlett-Packard ad campaign from the 1980s that invited the world to aspire to continuous innovation.