A program built around impact, held to a consistent standard.
The Residency exists to help each Resident maximize the impact of their research. To do this, every project is held to the same rigorous standards of evidence and review. Projects are continually assessed on their progress to determine the type of support needed, whether it be continued research management, new collaborations, or longer-term opportunities. Because Residents progress at different rates, our consistent evaluation standard ensures that each Resident receives targeted, personalized support that enables them to do their best work.
The Resident lifecycle
Each Residency is individually structured, with clear milestones, regular review, and support for what comes next.
Selection, track, and office
The MATS Residency team reviews each applicant based on their prior work, references, and the brief track-specific plan, with input from the program’s advisors where relevant. Applicants indicate their top choice and alternative preferences for track and office location when they apply. Based on the review, the team may recommend an alternative track that is a better fit, but the applicant makes the ultimate decision.
Individual Onboarding Plan
Within two weeks of starting, each Resident receives an Individual Onboarding Plan developed with the MATS Residency team. The plan outlines the Resident’s research block schedule, track-specific requirements, peer accountability partner where applicable, support needs, office arrangements, and IRB status where relevant. Each Resident follows an individual timeline rather than a shared program calendar.
Research blocks and milestone progress reviews
Residents complete their research through a series of research blocks. At the end of each block, they submit a Milestone Package summarizing the work completed, evidence produced, and objectives for the next block. The Research Evaluation Panel, which consists of the MATS Residency team and the program’s advisors, reviews each package. To keep our decisions fair and transparent, we look at reviewable evidence and demonstrated progress, not written updates alone.
External placement and continuation
Bridge Residents work with the Placement Desk to connect with relevant employers, collaborators, and research opportunities.
Anchor Residents making strong progress at the 12-month milestone enter the Independence Pathway Review, which provides substantive feedback to guide the next 12 months of research.
Incubation Residents receive support for fundraising, governance, launch, or an orderly wind-down.
After completing the Residency, all Residents receive an additional 4 to 8 weeks of light-touch research management support to complete outstanding work and prepare for their next steps.
Scientific leadership and advisor input
MATS leads the Residency both operationally and scientifically.
MATS runs the research program, convenes milestone progress reviews, and uses an evidence-based approach to provide continued support and funding for select research projects. Advisors provide input at the decision points where their judgment is most useful.
Advisor involvement is designed to support Residents' independence while ensuring research quality. Rather than providing day-to-day supervision, advisors contribute primarily at key program milestones, including admission, milestone progress reviews, and the Funding Evaluation Workshop.
Advisor input may include:
- Milestone progress review and recommendation on continued support
- Technical feedback on research outputs
- Portfolio assessment for Bridge Residents
- Research agenda feedback for Anchor Residents
- Founding or funder recommendations for Incubation Residents
- Safety, governance, or publication support for sensitive work