Press Release
2026 GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
March 27, 2026 -- In 2026, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation proudly celebrates 40 years working to support talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become this nation’s next generation of researchers in science, engineering, and mathematics. Thanks to an ongoing partnership with UWorld and the Department of Defense's National Defense Education Program (NDEP), Dr. John Yopp, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, announced that the Goldwater Board will award 454 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. This, combined with continued support for 59 sophomores from the 2026 competition, marks the highest total number of Scholars the Foundation has ever supported in a single year. With the 2026 awards, the Goldwater Foundation will have awarded a total of 11,616 scholarships.
“The Department of War’s continued partnership with the Goldwater Foundation ensures we are supporting the development of scientific talent essential to maintaining our Nation’s competitive advantage,” said Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, Principal Director for Science and Technology Foundations, who oversees the NDEP program.
“The Goldwater Scholarship recognizes students who have the curiosity, discipline, and vision to become the next generation of research leaders,” said Dr. Chandra S. Pemmasani, founder and CEO of UWorld. “UWorld is proud to support these scholars as they pursue discoveries that will advance science, strengthen healthcare, and benefit society.”
From an estimated pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, 1,485 students majoring in science, engineering, and mathematics were nominated by 482 academic institutions to compete for the 2026 Goldwater Scholarships. Among the students who reported, 226 are men, 217 are women, and nearly all intend to pursue a PhD as their highest degree. Of the awardees, 54 Scholars plan to pursue research careers in mathematics and computer science, 237 in the sciences, 98 in medicine, and 65 in engineering and materials research.
Among the impressive array of subsequent prestigious awards won by Goldwater Scholars are National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships, NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, Hertz Fellowships, Department of Energy Computational Sciences Graduate Fellowships, Churchill Scholarships, and Marshall Scholarships.
The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed, independent agency established by Public Law 99-661 on November 14, 1986. The scholarship program honoring Senator Barry Goldwater was designed to identify, encourage, and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.
For further information, contact the Goldwater office at (703) 756-6012 or by email at goldwaterao@goldwaterscholarship.gov.
UWorld Invests $85,000+ to Support 93 Future Medical Researchers in Partnership with Goldwater Foundation
Seven UWorld-supported Goldwater Scholars will receive financial support and product scholarships
(DALLAS) April 17, 2026 – UWorld, a global leader in comprehensive academic and professional education, has awarded more than $85,000 in financial and product scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year to 93 recipients pursuing medical research careers in fields ranging from pain pharmacology to neurodegenerative disorders.
Through its philanthropic arm, UWorld Cares, UWorld has partnered with The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for the third consecutive year to help students pursuing medical research careers excel in the classroom and in their careers. UWorld’s donation builds on prior support for one of the nation’s most established undergraduate scholarships and continues its investment in students pursuing research careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Read more
All Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Ph.D. and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)/Ph.D. scholarship recipients will receive complimentary access to UWorld Grad School’s MCAT® premier question bank. Seven UWorld-supported Goldwater Scholars will also receive a complimentary upgrade to the MCAT Comprehensive Prep Course, 90-day access to UWorld Medical’s USMLE® Step 1 question bank and up to $7,500 in financial support. Goldwater Scholars are selected for their demonstrated research potential and commitment to careers in science and medicine.
The UWorld-supported scholars, who all plan to pursue an M.D./Ph.D., are:
- Phoenix Bryant, a junior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), in Baltimore, Maryland, who plans to study epigenetic mechanisms of mental disorders. Her research focuses on protein function in chromatin and on serotonin’s role in brain development. She has conducted research at UMBC and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She serves in the student government and is a STEM editor for the UMBC Review.
- Amir Etemadi, a junior at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, who plans to study hearing loss. His research includes developing a mouse model for a genetic disorder and studying mitochondrial function in auditory cells. He has performed laboratory techniques, including RNA analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. He is a varsity cross-country athlete and participates in multiple student organizations.
- Hannah Henson, a junior at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, who plans to study women’s health conditions. Her research examines immune responses in cancer treatment, including T-cell dynamics following immunotherapy and radiation. She designed and conducted the study and analyzed the results. She is a pre-health ambassador and works as a teaching assistant and instruction leader.
- Victoria Ho, a junior chemistry major at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio, who plans to study pain pharmacology. Her research examines alternatives to opioids through compound synthesis in green chemistry. She has worked on multiple stages of the project, including substrate development and optimization. She is the vice president of the university’s Humanity First student chapter and helps develop a career-readiness curriculum.
- Trent Lewis, a sophomore at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, who plans to study bioengineering. His research focuses on plant stress response pathways and enzyme regulation. He has presented his work at the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition in Paris. He is active in debate, student leadership and a campus scientific society.
- Cole Meador, a junior at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, who plans to study neurology. His research examines spinal cord regeneration using computational analysis of gene expression. He is interested in improving the diagnosis and treatment of atypical Parkinsonian disorders. He works at a crisis hotline and participates in community service efforts.
- Brandon Than, a junior at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas, who plans to study cancer immunology. His research at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center examines methods to enhance T-cell responses against tumors. He has contributed to a study on expanding tumor-specific immune cells. He founded a summer internship program and leads a social-emotional learning initiative for children from asylum-seeking families.
“Supporting Goldwater Scholars reflects our commitment to strengthening the pipeline of future physician-scientists and researchers,” said Chandra S. Pemmasani, M.D., founder and CEO of UWorld. “These students are already contributing to critical areas of medical research, and by investing in their training early, we can help accelerate the discoveries that will shape the future of healthcare.”
UWorld’s MCAT question bank features 3,000+ questions with detailed answer explanations plus an adaptive study planner and digital flashcards. The MCAT Comprehensive Prep Course features eight interactive print and digital MCAT prep books, 3,000+ questions with detailed answer explanations, 450 concept check questions across lessons, 1,100+ high-yield video lessons, seven Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC®) practice exams, and a full-length practice exam. The USMLE Step 1 question bank offers 3,600+ exam-like questions based on real-life clinical scenarios, one self-assessment, and access to the medical library with 1,200+ expert-curated articles.
“Investments from UWorld help ensure that talented students have the resources they need to continue their work and contribute to the nation’s research enterprise,” said John Yopp, chair of the Goldwater Board of Trustees. “These scholars are well-positioned to drive the next generation of breakthroughs in science and medicine.”
About UWorld
UWorld is a global leader in comprehensive academic and professional education. Since 2003, the company has helped millions of high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional students prepare for high-stakes accounting, college admissions, finance, legal, medical, nursing and pharmacy exams and achieve their academic and career goals. UWorld supports students and educators with comprehensive courses, high-quality practice questions, and detailed answer explanations designed to improve outcomes. Aspen Publishing, Efficient Learning, JD-Next®, Roger CPA Review®, RxPrep® and Themis Bar Review® are UWorld companies. Learn more at UWorld.com.
History of the Foundation
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate. Since its creation in 1986, the Goldwater Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 11,000 college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue Barry Goldwater research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
A note from the Chair of the Goldwater Board of Trustees
The Goldwater Foundation's Scholarship Program is one of the oldest and most prestigious national scholarships available for students in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering in the United States and its territories. Read more
Created by Congress to honor the distinguished service of Barry Goldwater, the Foundation is bipartisan, national in scope, and deeply academic. A 13-member Board of Trustees consists of eight members appointed by the President of the United States with the consent of the Senate; four members of Congress, two from the Senate and two from the House of Representatives; and the Secretary of Education. The Board appoints an Executive Secretary of the Foundation, who serves as President and is responsible for the administration of the program.
The active participation of over 1,500 colleges and universities has been vital to the program's success. Each institution can nominate up to four students annually, with an extra nomination if at least one is a transfer student or veteran.
To be considered, students must display strong academic performance in an eligible field, have research experience, and submit an engaging essay about their career aspirations along with three letters of recommendation. Each year, a national team of reviewers from academia, industry, and national laboratories evaluates the nominees. It puts forward a slate of students, which is then reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees.
As seen in the testimonies of our Scholars below, the research-based careers of the Goldwater Scholars are the ultimate evidence of the scholarship’s success.
John H Yopp, PhD, Chair, Board of Trustees, Goldwater Scholarship Foundation
A note from the Goldwater President
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the third president of the Foundation. In each cohort of awardees, I see students selected for the Scholarship who are on trajectories leading toward research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Students often return to tell us that they have aimed even higher and tackled more challenging problems because of their Goldwater experience.
There are responses like the one from Alexis in 2023, included in the testimonials below: “While I enjoyed participating in my undergraduate research projects, I hadn’t really considered a career in research or even pursuing a graduate education.” Hearing a comment like this is particularly gratifying, as it highlights the profound impact the Goldwater Scholarship has on students' lives, helping them realize their true potential. By nurturing these bright minds, we not only enhance an individual’s future but also strengthen our nation’s economic competitiveness and security. We must continue to inspire U.S. innovators and leaders.
John Mateja, PhD, President, Goldwater Scholarship Foundation
A note from the Goldwater Family
My father, Senator Barry Goldwater, was deeply honored when Congress established a foundation and a scholarship in his name to recognize his 56 years of public service to our nation. He understood how vital the Barry Goldwater Scholarships would be in encouraging college sophomores and juniors to pursue research careers in science, engineering, and mathematics—fields critical to our nation's defense and economic competitiveness. Our family has taken pride in serving on the Goldwater Board of Trustees for the past 40 years, and I am honored to serve on the Board currently.
Peggy Goldwater-Clay, Member and former Chair, Goldwater Board of Trustees
Statistics
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- 11,158 Scholars
- 3 Presidents
- 53 Board Members
- $2.5 Million in annual scholarships awarded (on average, year over year)
- 75% of today’s Scholars are currently working on a PhD
- 18% of Scholars are completing other graduate degree programs
- 88% of Scholars are actively conducting research
- 64% of Scholars have publications or presentations in the last year
- 227 media listings per year on average
- 54% of those reporting in the last 5 years have received prestigious National scholarships
- Another 13% in the last 5 years have received other scholarships and awards
Goldwater Scholar Community (GSC)
The Goldwater Scholar Community (GSC) is a network of Scholars helping Scholars. In 2018, the GSC grew organically around the President of the Foundation and a group of Scholars who envisioned the potential of such a community as a platform for mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. Today, the GSC has over 3000 members. GSC’s mission is (1) to foster connections among Scholars at all stages, (2) to grow the sense of community among Scholars, and (3) to promote diversity and inclusion in the scholarship applicant pool. The GSC Council runs multiple initiatives to fulfill this mission. See more of their work at https://goldwatercommunity.org
Vision for the Future
The Goldwater Foundation plans to continue awarding approximately 500 Scholarships annually and hopes to continue growing the pool of candidates each year.
Goldwater Scholar Testimonials
The Goldwater Scholarship had a significant impact on my career path by furthering my training as an undergraduate researcher and preparing me to become a competitive applicant for graduate school. The application process taught me how to clearly articulate scientific questions, design feasible research plans, and communicate the broader significance of my work—skills that are essential for a successful research career. Receiving the award not only affirmed my commitment to pursuing a Ph.D. in the biological sciences but also gave me the confidence and experience to write and propose independent research projects, laying the foundation for future academic and professional opportunities. - Mariah, 2021
Applying for and receiving the Goldwater is a defining moment in my academic and research career. While I had enjoyed participating in my undergraduate research projects, I hadn’t really considered a career in research or even pursuing a graduate education. When my mentor suggested I apply for the scholarship, I had an epiphany as to what I really wanted to do in the future. Going through the process was a journey of self-reflection and really helped define my future goals. Receiving the Goldwater fortified my newfound interest and goals in research. - Alexis, 2023
The Goldwater Scholarship both encouraged me on my path as a STEM researcher and opened doors to future opportunities, namely pursuing a PhD at Harvard, winning an NSF-GRFP, and ultimately being offered a faculty job straight out of my PhD. - Ellen, 2019
The Goldwater Scholarship helped me figure out that I wanted to do in research. Also, coming from a school with less research opportunities and less research experience, having the Goldwater Scholarship on my resume made me a stronger candidate for the PhDs I applied to. - Olivia, 2022
The Goldwater Scholarship was the affirmation I needed to continue with research and aim for a graduate degree, even during the stress and loss of the pandemic. It also gave me the financial independence to focus on research and applying for grad school during the last year of my undergraduate studies. - Elizabeth, 2020
The Goldwater Scholarship has accelerated my career and given me so many opportunities in a short amount of time. I would not be where I am today, newly graduated, without the Goldwater Foundation's support. - Ivey, 2022
The Goldwater Scholarship has been a great help in being able to use educational opportunities. Goldwater allowed me to take additional classes in biology and get a minor focused on evolutionary biology. These classes and the expertise and guidance of the Goldwater community both shaped my undergraduate research and helped me get into graduate school. The recognition of Goldwater was helpful, but more importantly, it taught me skills in scientific writing and broadened my academic horizons. - Haley, 2023
The Goldwater Scholarship has opened the door for many opportunities in my academic career. When interviewing for graduate schools, this scholarship was often mentioned by interview teams, and I was able to discuss the undergraduate research projects that I conducted and discussed in my Goldwater application. I received multiple offers from various PhD programs and believe this scholarship played a role in these successes. I am honored to be a Goldwater Scholar and represent this community in the marine sciences. - Bethany, 2021
Being selected as a Goldwater Scholar had a profound impact on my confidence and career path. It made me feel supported as a researcher and encouraged me to keep pursuing a career I genuinely enjoy. I believe being a Goldwater Scholar made my applications to Fulbright, Marshall Scholarship, and NSF stand out, as I became a finalist for all three and was awarded the NSF GRFP. The scholarship also allowed me to focus on research instead of worrying about how to afford my last year of college. - Ana, 2023
The Goldwater Scholarship unlocked my research potential and I wouldn't be where I am today without the Goldwater Scholarship. I gained the confidence to apply to top PhD programs, and the rubber-stamp the Goldwater gave me helped my admission. I will always be grateful that I was selected for the Goldwater Scholarship! - Lucas, 2020
The Goldwater Scholarship had a profound impact on my career path by affirming my commitment to a research-driven career in science and medicine. It gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious, interdisciplinary projects that integrate mathematical modeling, AI, and clinical application. The award opened doors to global research opportunities—most notably my Fulbright at the Indian Institute of Science, where I developed new vaccine design strategies by modeling B cell affinity maturation. It also positioned me to take on leadership roles early, such as serving as Clinical Research Lead at Raxa Health Services, where I led nationwide studies and developed AI tools now used in clinics across India. The scholarship did not just recognize my potential—it accelerated it, helping me build the foundation for a career that bridges innovation and impact in healthcare. - Anish, 2022
The Goldwater Scholarship was an enormous asset when applying to graduate school, both as the standard aspect of my resume, but also because of the extensive revising process I went through when applying for the Goldwater. The writing skills I learned while writing my Goldwater essays easily transferred to graduate school essays. - Claire, 2022
The Goldwater Scholarship has connected me with fantastic mentors and opened countless doors for myself. I could never have envisioned myself where I am today without the support of this scholarship. Moreover, this scholarship was a major reason as to why I was able to afford college. - Alexander, 2023
The Goldwater Scholarship provided early recognition of my potential as a researcher, which greatly enhanced my confidence and visibility within the scientific community. This recognition played a CUNY critical role in obtaining subsequent prestigious fellowships, notably the NSF GRFP and an MIT Presidential Fellowship, and has significantly shaped my current trajectory toward continued research in advanced manufacturing and materials science. - Nicholas, 2020
Goldwater gave me a community of like-minded individuals. - Michelle, 2021
The Goldwater Scholarship provided me with the resources to graduate top of my class at a prestigious college, gave me the confidence to continue pursuing a research career, and no doubt was a defining factor on my resume. This scholarship has led me to my current position at MIT, in which I am leading a research project. - Lillie, 2023
Goldwater Scholarship assisted me in attaining my undergraduate degree and allowed me to be more financially stable in order to acquire an excellent post-graduation SRA position. This position allowed me to successfully apply to grad school. The skills I gained from writing a Goldwater application helped me write a strong application to achieve an NSF GRFP the following year. The recognition of the Goldwater Scholarship has assisted my career greatly and placed me on a strong path towards achieving a PhD. - Hannah, 2023
The Goldwater Scholarship has greatly impacted my educational opportunities, especially when applying to graduate school. Once I said that I was a Goldwater Scholar, university representatives were instantly more interested in me as an applicant/researcher. The scholarship serves as a strong testament of both my research abilities and prospects. - Teagan, 2022
The Goldwater Scholarship has had a significant impact on my career path by reinforcing my commitment to a research-focused career in neuroscience. Receiving the award not only validated the potential of my scientific contributions but also connected me to a national community of aspiring researchers, which has been both inspiring and motivating. It opened doors to competitive research opportunities and strengthened my applications for graduate programs by demonstrating a clear track record of academic excellence and research promise. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious questions and continues to shape my trajectory toward a Ph.D. and a long-term career in translational neuroscience research. - Marlene, 2019
The Goldwater Scholarship's biggest impact has been self-confidence and the realization that even as an older student, I have a place in research and academia. It absolutely played a role in my applications to graduate school, strengthening my writing skills for applications and providing a large boost to my c.v. - Julian, 2023
The Goldwater Scholarship inspired me to continue my research and expand it into new topics, leading me to apply for and receive the NSF GRFP, complete my master's degree, continue pursuing the Ph.D., and mentor many students on my project who also went on to pursue graduate degrees. It has also opened up many career opportunities where I can use my skills to help people which is what I love. - Rachel, 2022
The Goldwater Scholarship gave me the confidence and support to pursue a career in STEM. It enabled me to apply for the most competitive opportunities such as Harvard and the GRFP fellowship. I aspire to continue maintaining the US as a world leader in STEM research and innovation. - Jose, 2020
Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship was a meaningful acknowledgment of the effort and commitment I dedicated to my research and professional development. The application process motivated me to complete my first manuscript for publication, an achievement I once thought beyond reach. This experience sharpened my ability to communicate my research effectively and strengthened my confidence to pursue further research with increased institutional support. I remain committed to integrating research into my practice, particularly in developing patient data-driven treatment strategies and diagnostic tools to improve human health. - Tyrone, 2021
The Goldwater scholarship has connected me with a variety of scholars across disciplines and the country, and it has also helped me with my graduate school applications. Being a Goldwater Scholar greatly enhanced my graduate and fellowship applications. - Julia, 2023
The scholarship undoubtedly enabled me to freely conduct research throughout my undergraduate studies (ie, without expectation of resulting publications), undertake a Fulbright, and subsequently matriculate to an MD/PhD program. - Rishi, 2019
It has shown me that research fulfills my life and has opened up opportunities that I did not know were possible during my undergraduate studies. I have a vast professional network and a community of scientists supporting my endeavors, which will help in finding a job after the PhD is completed. - Emily, 2022
Current Members of the Goldwater Board of Trustees
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- Dr. John Yopp, Chair, Board of Trustees
- Hon. Mark Kelly
- Hon. John B. Larson
- Hon. Glenn Grothman
- Dr. Stewart DeSoto
- Mrs. Peggy Goldwater Clay
- Dr. Joseph Green
- Charles R. Korsmo, Esq.
- Ms. Maria E Rengifo-Ruess
Current Foundation Staff
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- John Mateja, PhD, President
- Shellby Padgett, Administrative Officer
Other Members of the Team
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- Arnold and Porter
- Scholarship America
- GSA OCFO
- DOI IBC
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.
By providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields. Over its 30-year history, Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded to thousands of undergraduates, many of whom have gone on to win other prestigious awards like the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship that support our Scholars’ graduate school work. Today, Goldwater alumni can be found conducting research that is helping defend the Nation, finding cures for catastrophic diseases and teaching future generations of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
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Important Dates
FIRST TUESDAY IN SEPTEMBER: Online Application Opens
EARLY SEPTEMBER TO LATE JANUARY: Individual internal campus deadlines
LAST FRIDAY IN JANUARY: Nomination deadline (5:00 PM CT)
LATE FEBRUARY: Nomination packets reviewed
MID-MARCH: Board of Trustees vote on Scholars
LAST FRIDAY IN MARCH: Scholars/Honorable Mentions Announced (11:00 AM Central Time)
Announcements
College Matters. Alma Matters. June 3rd Podcast
Episode summary introduction: Set up in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater’s distinguished public service, the Scholarship promotes undergraduate research by awarding scholarships to students. In this podcast, John gives us an overview of The Barry Goldwater Scholarship, How Students can Apply, What they look for in their Scholars, and Advice for High Schoolers.
Linking Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Applications
For more videos on helpful topics ranging from applying for fellowships to life in graduate school, visit the Webinar Archives.
Welcome to the The Goldwater Community!
