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.