Ono Pharma Foundation Breakthrough Science 

The Ono Pharma Foundation’s goal is to accelerate high-risk and high-reward basic science research projects that have the potential to lead to scientific discoveries and solutions towards breakthrough treatments for patients.

Program Funding Priorities

The Ono Pharma Foundation will only consider proposals for new scientific research projects addressing Chemical Biology Research, defined as research at the interface between chemistry and biology. They are especially looking for unique chemistry tools that can be used to answer biological questions related to human health and disease. Chemical Biology includes all scientific disciplines that aim to understand and control cellular and human biology at the chemical level.

Award Information

A project duration may last up to three years with annual funding of $300,000/year, totaling $900,000 for the normal term of a research project (including up to 15% indirect costs for a total award amount of $1,035,000).  In 2026, three awards will be granted.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• The PI must have a MD and/or a PhD degree (but may not be an active healthcare professional).
• If a returning applicant, PI must have a different project from the previous submission.
• The PI must have 15 years of experience or fewer since starting independent academic position.
• The PI may not currently be engaged in other sponsored research with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and/or a 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 their prior findings.

Internal Application Process

UCI may submit only two applications for this award opportunity. Interested applicants are asked to submit a preliminary application to the Office of Research (via UCI Review) with the following information by Monday, January 5th:

• Research Statement: One-page, single-spaced, 12 pt font (references not included). Figures may be on an additional 2 pages. Proposals should include new, innovative basic or translational chemical biology research with the potential to lead to the development of breakthrough treatment solutions for patients. Include:
  • Goals and Objectives: State goals and objectives and describe how they align with science research and possible health-focused outcomes within Ono’s mission.
  • Need: Describe the need for this research including identification of, potential for, and perceived need of the research.
  • Innovation: Describe how this research project builds upon existing work and emphasize innovative tool development.
  • Technical Approach: Describe the planned approach including timeline, resources (staffing and technology), and facilities that will be used.
• NIH Style Biosketch

Following receipt of the internal applications, the proposals will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee. The two selected candidates will be notified in time to meet the February 13th LOI deadline. Full proposals will be invited by Ono Pharma Foundation in April 2026.

For an overview of the program, please refer to the guidelines and the program FAQ.

Questions about our internal campus review process may be directed to Michael Gallo at magallo@uci.edu or x4-0372. For information about Ono’s funding priorities, please contact Marianne Smith (mrsmith1@uci.edu) in Corporate & Foundation Relations.