Prestigious fellowship awarded to scientist

A postdoctoral researcher in the University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemistry department has been selected as a recipient of a prestigious new fellowship.

Matthew Allen was one of 58 young scientists nationwide selected for the “Pathways to Independence” Award, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In its inaugural year, the NIH award provides five years of financial support for promising researchers as they transition from mentored postdoctoral work, under the guidance of established scientists, to independent research efforts as leaders of their own labs.

“The program is designed to facilitate academic careers for outstanding young scientists by supporting them at the most critical stage of their careers,” says UW–Madison chemistry professor Laura Kiessling, one of Allen’s mentors.

Allen will use his grant to investigate chemical agents that may improve and expand the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of medical imaging techniques. He is working in collaboration with Kiessling and UW–Madison biochemistry professor Ron Raines.