The Program is open to individuals with a doctorate in medicine or biomedical sciences. As of November 1, 2009, candidates must hold full-time appointments at the rank of assistant professor or equivalent at one of the invited sponsoring institutions. On July 1, 2010, they must not have been in such an appointment for more than three years, whether or not such appointments were on a tenure track. This time may have been spent at more than one institution. Time spent in clinical internships, residencies, or in work toward board certification does not count as part of this three-year limit.

Candidates should, on basis of performance during education and training, have outstanding promise as contributors in science relevant to human health. Strong proposals will demonstrate particularly creative and innovative approaches. Risk-taking is encouraged. The major elements upon which selection of the successful candidates will be based are a detailed description of the work the applicant proposes to undertake, evaluations of earlier performance from previous mentors, and notable past accomplishments, including honors, awards and publications. In evaluating the candidates, the National Advisory Committee gives considerable weight to evidence that the candidate is an independent investigator and to significant published work.

Candidates to the Pew Scholars Program in previous years, who were not selected to receive an award, may be among those nominated by their institutions for the 2010 award, if they meet the current criteria. ALL applicants must be nominated by their institution and complete the 2010 online application.

Pew Scholars may not simultaneously be supported by similar private foundation awards during the first two years of the grant.  These awards include but are not limited to those of Searle, Ellison Medical Foundation, Beckman and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.