J. Jacob Kaplan Award

Six J. Jacob Kaplan awards are presented for the most meritorious student papers on either clinical or basic medical research and includes a $5,000 award*. An award is available for research in three fields of medicine: immunology in diagnosis and treatment of cancer; gastroenterology; and, cardiology. The awards are intended to encourage and recognize scholarly achievement in medical research by young investigators at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

In recognition of their achievements, award recipients will be invited to attend the Dean's Tribute to Excellence in Education on April 29, 2026.

*Award increased for 2026 and will be awarded to six recipients. 

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled or those who have been enrolled during the previous academic year as undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Twin Cities or Duluth campuses.
• Individuals who have conducted medical research under supervision in any Medical School department.

Nomination Process

The nomination form and all application materials should be submitted electronically as a single PDF.

• A cover letter outlining the nature of the research
• The research paper
• A letter from the faculty sponsor outlining the role the student played in the research and the significance to the field of research
• Student CV