Chem-Impex Launches ‘Next Big Thing in Science’ Fellowship for Early-Career Peptide Researchers
Chem-Impex is launching a new 6-week fellowship program for early-career scientists working on peptide-related research — offering mentorship, visibility, and a chance to advance their science.
For 40 years, Chem-Impex has supported scientists at every stage of their work — from the first experiment to breakthrough innovation. Now, they’re extending that commitment with a new fellowship designed to amplify the next generation of scientific leaders.
Introducing: The Next Big Thing in Science — a 6-week cohort program for early-career peptide researchers.
Why This Program Matters
“Every great discovery starts small,” reads the Chem-Impex philosophy. “You don’t become the next big thing alone.”
This fellowship represents a genuine investment in emerging scientists — not just with funding, but with the community, mentorship, and visibility that early-career researchers often lack.
Who Should Apply?
The program targets:
- Graduate students
- PhD candidates
- MDs
- Early-career scientists
Focus area: Peptide science — including:
- Improving peptide stability
- Designing peptides targeting protein-protein interactions
- Engineering antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)
- Other peptide research with translational potential
What Participants Get
1. Mentorship
A 6-week virtual accelerator with:
- Weekly 1-1.5 hour group classes
- 1:1 mentorship sessions with industry experts
- Topics: business-building, community, storytelling
2. Recognition
Selected scientists will be featured as Chem-Impex’s “Next Big Thing in Science” — including press features and visibility across Chem-Impex’s network of 30,000+ scientists.
3. Networking
Access to advisors and industry partners, plus connections to the UChicago Science Incubator.
4. Career Opportunity
Chance for an internship with Polypeptide Laboratories — a real foot in the door of the peptide industry.
Program Timeline
- Feb 16 – Mar 16: Applications Open
- Mar 16 – Apr 16: Applications Close
- Apr 17: Winners Announced
- Apr 27 – Jun 5: Cohort Program
- Jun 18: Celebration Event at Hyde Park Labs, Chicago
Meet the Mentors
The program brings together an impressive panel of science leaders:
- Paul A. Bertin, PhD — Co-founder, President & CTO, Grove Biopharma
- Jayant Kulkarni, PhD — CEO & Co-founder, Quartzy
- Jane Liu, PhD — Professor, Pomona College & CEO/Co-founder, BRT Biotechnologies
- Mark Kwatia, MBA — Director of Reagents & Biologics Procurement, Abbott
- Jamie Shah — President, Chem-Impex
- Nick Bayhi, PhD — CEO, AddGraft Therapeutics
The Bigger Picture
This program fills a genuine gap in the scientific ecosystem. Early-career researchers often have incredible ideas but lack:
- Business acumen to translate discoveries
- Networks beyond academia
- Visibility with industry
- Mentorship from those who’ve navigated the path
Chem-Impex’s fellowship addresses all four — and the timing is notable, as peptide therapeutics continue to emerge as one of the hottest areas in drug development.
From GLP-1 agonists (think Ozempic, Wegovy) to antimicrobial peptides fighting antibiotic resistance, peptide science is having a moment. Programs like this help ensure the next generation of peptide researchers has the support to turn promising science into real-world impact.
Applications are open through March 16, 2026. Apply now.
