Irving Institute-Supported Researchers Among 2026 Schaefer Scholar Award Recipients
The Schaefer Research Scholars Program provides funding to scientists pursuing novel research directions and projects that advance understanding of human physiology.
Eight investigators recently named 2026 Schaefer Research Scholars have previously received support through Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research programs, highlighting the Institute’s role in advancing innovative research across Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Among this year's awardees are former Irving Institute pilot award recipients Eunhee Choi, PhD (Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Pilot Research Award, 2020–2021), Oliver Clarke, PhD (Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Pilot Research Award, 2018), Manu Johny, PhD (Translational Therapeutics Accelerator Pilot Award, 2021–2022), and Chaolin Zhang, PhD (Precision Medicine Pilot Award, 2020).
Several current and former Irving Scholars were also recognized, including Hanrui Zhang, PhD (Irving Scholar, 2021–2024), Kazuki Sugahara, MD, PhD (Irving Scholar, 2022–2025), Kelley Yan, MD, PhD (Irving Scholar, 2023–present), and Alison Taylor, PhD (Irving Scholar, 2025). Taylor also previously received a Community-Based Participatory Research Pilot Award (2021) and participated in the TL1 Training Program.
The recognition of these investigators through the Schaefer Research Scholars Program underscores the impact of Irving Institute investments in supporting promising researchers and accelerating scientific discovery. We congratulate all of the awardees on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to following their continued contributions to biomedical research.
Read the full Schaefer Scholars announcement on the CUIMC website.