Research Program

About this funding opportunity

Research Program Overview The W. M. Keck Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting Basic Science Research projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach, question the prevailing paradigm, or have the potential to break open new territory in their field.

Past grants have been awarded to support pioneering biological and physical science research and engineering, including the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation or methodologies. Please see our grant abstracts for examples of funded projects. We seek to fund a diversity of science, and projects overlapping with recent grants are unlikely to succeed.

All communication with the Foundation, including submitting applications, proposals and reports must be via the institution’s designated liaison. Please see the liaison guidelines for more information on this role. New Application Process

The W. M. Keck Foundation Research program is introducing a new 6-month application cycle to enable more responsive grantmaking and create a streamlined process for applicants.

Important changes to be aware of: Concepts: We will no longer be hosting concept consultations Single-phase application: A single proposal submission replacing our current multi-stage process Deadlines: Submission deadlines in December and June Application limits: Up to three applications per institution, not limited to any area of science

Instructions for constructing and submitting proposals will be available in September Prospective Applicant Information Please download this info here

We are looking for projects that aim to deliver pioneering and fundamental scientific discoveries in important and emerging areas of research. We fund high-impact research in basic physical, life, and biomedical sciences, including instrumentation development and engineering approaches in service of answering basic scientific questions. Funding Priorities Eligibility High-impact research in basic physical, life, and biomedical sciences, including instrumentation and engineering in service of basic science Pioneering, fundamental discoveries in important and emerging research areas Novel approaches that are distinctive, innovative, field-expanding, and challenge existing paradigms High-risk, high-reward proposals are welcome What We Look For in Proposals Project overview: What are the unique aspects, positioning relative to field, preliminary data, if available Methodologies: What is validated, what is new Key personnel: Why is this the right team Knowledge gap: What is the basic scientific question to be answered Impact: What will ~$1M enable Innovation: How is this distinctive from existing work, especially any recent similar awards by Keck, in what ways does it challenge existing norms Risk: What features of this project are high-risk Funding Details Typical awards: $1m-$1.3m over 3 years Two limited submission funding cycles per year No indirect costs, institution provides in-kind support by waiving indirects Budget Guidelines Faculty salary + benefits: up to 10% annually Total PI/Co-PI salaries: up to 20% of total budget Tuition + fees: Up to 25k per student annually, not to exceed 10% of the total budget; institution matches any gaps PIs must be tenure-track faculty or equivalent (normally eligible to submit proposals without exceptional approvals) Past grantees may apply on significantly different projects No resubmission of declined proposals No follow-on funding for previous awards Institutional Best Practices Utilize an internal committee engaging administrators and senior faculty Select proposals focused on fundamental basic science, not applied or translational research Provide coaching and feedback to PIs on fit to Keck mission We Do Not Fund Medical devices or bench-to-bedside translational research Projects solely focused on engineering equipment, tools, or materials Engineering for efficiency, optimization or cost reduction Clinical trials, therapies, procedures Drug…

Topic areas: General and Cross-cutting R&D, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Health.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

Research Program is administered by W.M. Keck Foundation (WMKF), listed via W.M. Keck Foundation.