Awards are made to institutions. The institutions are responsible for disbursing the funds and for maintaining adequate supporting records and receipts of expenditures. BWF does not support indirect costs. Salaries of support personnel and materials appropriate to administering the program should be included as direct costs.

Institutions must provide BWF with an annual progress report detailing scientific or organizational progress and mentoring activities. Institutions must provide an annual financial report. Both reports must be submitted within 30 days of the end of each award year. Continued funding will depend on the favorable review of these reports by BWF and its program advisory committee.

During the award period, unused research funds may be carried over to the succeeding year. Any unused funds (greater than $500) held by institutions when awards expire or are terminated must be returned to BWF, unless the Fund has granted prior permission to retain the funds. Institutions may receive a no-cost extension of up to 24 months; requests explaining why an extension is needed must be submitted in writing at least three months prior to the end of the award.

Scientific publications or presentations that result from these awards must acknowledge the institution's receipt of a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Population and Laboratory Based Sciences Award. Copies of journal articles and other publications should be sent to BWF along with the annual progress report.

BWF will not retain any rights to published results or patents that result from the research. Awarded programs should follow their institutions’ patent, copyright, and intellectual property policies regarding discoveries that result from research conducted under these awards.

BWF expects the appropriate federal, state, and local guidelines with regard to scientific misconduct are in place and enforced at all institutions. Institutions are expected to adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the participation of human subjects, and the use of animals, radioactive or hazardous materials, and recombinant DNA in their research projects.

Scientific findings should be shared in a timely manner via the standard means of scientific communication, including publications and/or presentations in scientific forums.

Award recipients will be notified and announced in November 2012, and grants will begin in February 2013.