Investment supports 500 additional undergraduate students and broader philanthropic goal of advancing science education for tomorrow’s leaders
Science moves the world forward – but only when tomorrow’s innovators have the chance to lead it. The Amgen Foundation’s renewed commitment to the Amgen Scholars Program ensures that the future remains bright, bold, and boundless.
“This two-year funding commitment will provide opportunities for 500 more undergraduate students, bringing our total number of participants to more than 6,000 Scholars by 2027,” said Scott Heimlich, President of the Amgen Foundation.
Boasting over 5,800 alumni across 19 programmatic years, the Amgen Scholars Program – which offers undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research in leading educational institutions around the world – will now extend through 2027. This phase of the program will feature 26 host institutions across the United States and worldwide.
Alumni Impact
Alumni testimonials consistently highlight the program’s substantial impact on academic and professional growth, many citing it as a pivotal experience in their scientific journey. Bárbara Ayala Polanía, a 2025 Scholar at Caltech recently reflected on the annual symposium, a highlight of the program which takes place in each region. "Within the world of wonders I discovered at the Amgen Scholars Symposium, what struck me most—beyond the metrics and scientific rigor—was the unwavering creativity and pure passion that radiated from everyone present; a deep commitment to the advancement of society. Moments this blissful, pure, and electrifying are rare; it was the kind of experience you carry with you forever," she said.
Support for the Scholars
Amgen Scholars stay at their host schools and participate in intensive summer research experiences under top faculty members, engage in seminars, networking events, and regional symposia. “Financial support is a critical component of the Amgen Scholars Program,” notes Heimlich, who encourages eligible students to apply regardless of financial status.
History of Amgen Scholars Program
Announced in 2006, the Amgen Scholars Program has provided summer research opportunities to over 5,800 undergraduate students from more than 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide. Thousands of program alumni have completed their undergraduate studies and are currently pursuing, or have completed, an advanced graduate degree in a scientific field. Program alumni are also employed in scientific fields across more than 40 countries. Heimlich sees a bright future for the program. “After nearly two decades, we have many notable alumni actively contributing to industry, academia, and government – and our aim is to continue to empower the next generation of innovators seeking to make significant contributions to the world of science,” he says.
Learn More
For more information about the Amgen Scholars Program and other Amgen Foundation science education initiatives, please visit AmgenFoundation. The application period for the Amgen Scholars 2026 Program in the US, Europe, Asia and Canada opens November 1st and runs through February 1st at most institutions. The application period for the program in Australia runs August 1st through August 31st. Further details are available at AmgenScholars.
