Life sciences bill honors Judah Folkman with grants for young researchers

Dr. Judah Folkman (left) labored for decades before his theories about fighting cancer won support. Now a provision of the state's $1 billion life sciences bill signed today by Governor Deval Patrick will make the way smoother for young researchers faced with shrinking research dollars.

The Dr. Judah Folkman Higher Education Grant Fund, named for the beloved Children's Hospital Boston doctor and researcher who died suddenly in January, will help graduate-level students, doctoral students, and post-doctoral fellows with living expenses while they study or work in the life sciences. Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will go to Massachusetts residents with a total household income below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $30,000 for a single person.

“One of Judah’s greatest gifts and passions was identifying brilliant young scientists and supporting and investing in them during the early part of their careers," Dr. James Mandell, president and CEO of Children’s, said in a statement. "He was deeply troubled by the recent decline in NIH funding, which has discouraged many young talented people from choosing careers in science. This fund is a great way to honor Judah’s legacy and at the same time help new investigators commit to a career in the life sciences.”