Epigenetics Research Grant

Deepening our understanding of human disease through epigenetics research

Unlock the power of the epigenome with the latest Infinium technology​

Understanding genetics and the environment

Illumina is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of epigenetics and its role in cellular health, development, regulation, disease, and more. We are proud to be a part of this emerging and exciting field by offering tools to make discoveries that impact health and disease.

Illumina Epigenetics Research Grant Contest

Eligible applicants are invited to submit an abstract (maximum of 400 words) for a new project describing the use of the Infinium Methylation Screening Array-48 Kit, an award valued at over $100,000 USD.

Picture of a hand using gloves holding a microarray chip
 

The Award

Applications for the 2025 Illumina Epigenetics Research Grant Contest are being accepted. The deadline for all submissions is 11:59 PM PT on August 24, 2025.

One winner will be selected from all qualified applications by a panel of experts, who will choose the applications based on the following criteria:

  1. Potential impact to human health: How will scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice be improved?
  2. Feasibility: Is the project achievable with 1008 array samples?
  3. Applicant quality: Is there a research track record of the applicant and their supporting institution?
  4. Scientific merit: Is the experimental design and methodology valid?
  5. Novelty: Will the scientific proposal lead to new knowledge?

The winner will receive 1008 samples of the Infinium Methylation Screening Array-48 Kit (Prize).

Apply Here

Eligibility and requirements

The grant program is open to basic scientists focused on genomics at academic, for profit, or nonprofit institutions.

In 400 words or less, provide an overview, a statement of work, and a description of the impact of your research. You may also include up to three figures, with legends, and a list of citations (200 word count limit).

In these sections, applicants should include:

  • Scientific impact
  • Social impact
  • Collaborators
  • Nations represented
  • Technologies used
  • Other sources of funding

To be considered, all entries must:

  • Be in English
  • Be complete
  • Be an original work

Additional resources

Infinium methylation microarrays: solutions for epigenetic researchers

Download this guide on Infinium methylation microarrays and epigenetic research for insights on the design and execution of studies to gain a deeper understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in human health and disease.

Understanding epigenetic modifications and their impact on gene regulation

Learn about epigenomics and epigenetics as well as research solutions to understand DNA methylation, DNA-protein interactions, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and more.

Role of methylation in gene expression regulation

Learn more about DNA methylation analysis using high-throughput technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Past recipient of the Illumina Epigenetics Research Grant Contest

2024 Illumina Epigenetics Research Grant Winner Isabel Christina Céspedes will track epigenetic changes in patients following heart surgery.

Studying epigenetics to avoid unwanted effects of blood transfusions

YouTube video of research grant winner