Drafting Future Research Stars

On March 30, watch the Uplifting Athletes Young Investigator Draft to show support for scientists working to unravel rare diseases.

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Research and Development Rare Disease
Seven NFL players, including Baltimore Ravens' Trace McSorely
At the Uplifting Athletes Young Investigator Draft, seven current NFL players, including Baltimore Raven Trace McSorely, will announce the grant winners.

The NFL draft gets football fans dreaming of future wins. The same can be said for the Uplifting Athletes Young Investigator Draft, except the players are scientists and the victories will come in laboratories, and one hopes, in the lives of rare disease patients.

Now in its fourth year, the draft, presented by CSL Behring, spotlights scientists and helps boost their research projects by awarding $20,000 grants. CSL Behring has been supporting the event since it launched in 2018.

Normally held with much fanfare at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Young Investigator Draft will be virtual this year. Find out how to watch the March 30 event on Facebook at 8 p.m. Eastern. 

“We're proud to have already awarded $300,000 in grants in the past two years alone and look forward to continued success. With every new year, we discover brilliant young researchers who bring us ever closer to finding exciting new treatments and potential cures for many of the world’s rarest diseases,” said Rob Long, Executive Director of Uplifting Athletes.

Founded in 2007, Uplifting Athletes brings hope and inspiration through the power of sport with a powerful network of over 20 college football student-athlete led chapters, Uplifting Ambassadors and Team UA participants. Long has a deep connection to the cause. The former Syracuse University punter had NFL dreams of his own, but in his senior year he was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. He’s been cancer-free since 2011.