The HHMI professors are accomplished research scientists who also are deeply committed to making science more engaging for undergraduates. Their innovative approaches to teaching are infusing undergraduate science with the excitement and rigor of scientific research, and are becoming models for fundamental reform of the way undergraduate science is taught at research universities. Through participation in the HHMI Professors Program, HHMI professors are encouraged to share ideas and collaborate to improve science education.
Each professor receives a five-year grant from HHMI and becomes a permanent member of the community of HHMI professors. Like all HHMI scientists, the HHMI professors have the freedom and support to follow their best ideas.
The 40 scientists who have been named HHMI professors since the program began in 2002 have introduced innovative approaches for teaching science in the classroom, expanded and enhanced student research opportunities, developed new educational resources, and implemented novel mentoring programs for student support. In the current competition, which opened in April 2013, HHMI is seeking scientists who think broadly and creatively about important challenges in science education. Natural science professors at the approximately 100 research universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as having “very high research activity” are invited to apply.