Scholars
The Termeer Scholars Program is an immersive, cohort-based initiative designed to empower early-stage academic innovators looking to transform their research into ideas that directly impact patients.
PROGRAM DETAILS
The Termeer Scholars program is a two-day, highly interactive workshop, participants will explore values-driven leadership, learn from life science industry experts, and discover pathways to bring their ideas from the bench to the bedside.
The Termeer Institute is committed to championing emerging biotechnology leaders and finding people who want to solve the biggest problems in human health. By supporting researchers, we plant the seeds for future success in individuals who are preparing to make significant contributions in academia and industry.
BELINDA TERMEER
President of The Termeer Institute
MEET OUR 2024 SCHOLARs
Charlene Son Rigby
CEO, Global Genes
Chidiebere Ibe
Lead Medical Illustrator, MIDAP HMS International Center for Genetic Diseases
Founder, ProjectKreate
PAST SCHOLARS
Keep up with the work of the Termeer Scholar Award recipients by following the links below to their LinkedIn profiles.
2023 SCHOLAR AWARD HONOREE
(2023 ROLE)
Winston Yan (President, N=1 Collaborative (N1C)
2022 SCHOLAR AWARD HONOREES
(2022 ROLE)
Omar Abudayyeh (McGovern Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Jonathan Gootenberg (McGovern Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible for the Termeer Scholars program?
- The selection criteria for the program are as follows
Academics currently affiliated with a U.S. university (postdocs, assistant professors, professors, physician scientists).
Individuals in the early stages or interested in commercializing a scientific or technological advancement and are still operating within their university system (i.e., tech transfer or innovation office).
Have filed an invention disclosure with their university tech transfer or innovation office.
The idea should address an unmet healthcare need, with potential for real-world impact.
Academics with a passion for patient impact—and embody Termeer’s core values of Responsibility, Passion, Innovation, Humility, and Connectivity.
What does the application process include?
The application for the 2025 Termeer Scholars program opens on Monday, July 14th and closes on Friday, August 29th.
The application includes but is not limited to questions about the applicant’s research, desire to create real-world impact, and their core values. Applicants are also required to submit a short (2-3 minute) video responding to a prompt question.
Selected finalists will be asked to participate in a 30-minute Zoom interview. All applicants will be notified of final decisions in November.
What is the timeline for the application?
- October: Applicants will be notified of their selection as a finalist or not.
- Mid-October: Finalist interview will be completed
- Early November: Finalists will be notified of final decisions
- Program Dates: December 3rd-4th, 2025
What does the Termeer Scholars program consist of?
In this two-day, highly interactive workshop, participants will explore values-driven leadership, learn from life science industry experts, and discover pathways to bring their ideas from the bench to the bedside.
What are the program dates/time commitments for the 2025 Scholars program?
The two-day workshop will be held in Boston on December 3rd-4th, 2025
What costs does the Termeer Institute cover during the program?
The Termeer institute covers the costs of activities, content sessions, guest speakers, meals and events during sessions. It is the Fellow’s responsibility to cover costs of travel and stay for in-person programming days.
If I am not selected, can I re-apply?
Applicants can re-apply but we recommend that candidates apply no more than three times.
Charlene Son Rigby
CEO, Global Genes
Charlene Son Rigby is the Chief Executive Officer of Global Genes. She has spent her career building organizations at the intersection of data, technology, and life sciences. Charlene was previously Chief Business Officer at Fabric Genomics and held executive roles at enterprise software and genomics companies, including Oracle and Doubletwist. She started her career in neuroscience research at Roche. When Charlene’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease, she co-founded the STXBP1 Foundation. She is committed to finding a cure for her daughter’s disorder. Charlene’s unplanned connection between her personal life and profession has helped push forward the search for a cure for her daughter and kids like her, and given her work deeper meaning. She holds a B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley.
Chidiebere Ibe
Lead Medical Illustrator at MIDAP HMS International Center for Genetic Diseases; Founder of ProjectKreate
Chidiebere Ibe, BSc, is a Forbes-Featured medical illustrator, TEDx speaker, a medical student, and a professional among the few in Africa, as he the Founder of ProjectKreate and Championing Change Africa. His journey has been defined by authenticity, relentless hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Currently, he holds the position of Creative Director at the Young Continental Association of African Neurosurgical Societies (YCAANS). He serves as the Creative Director and Chief Medical Illustrator for the Journal of Global Neurosurgery. He proudly also serves as a Junior Committee Member for the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.
Further enriching his portfolio, he is the lead medical illustrator at International Centre for Genetic Diseases-Harvard Medical School. His passion lies in the creation of contemporary illustrations, with a particular focus on portraying the diversity of black patients and advocating for improved healthcare outcome through medical illustrations. His work, the black fetus illustration went viral in 2021 and have since received global recognition.
In every aspect of his journey, he brings commitment to his craft, paired with an unyielding work ethic that is characterised by a relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to his mission.