APS Innovation Fund Grant

The APS Innovation Fund offers pilot or supplemental funding to support members in launching innovative projects that address challenges in the physics community while advancing the APS mission of fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community committed to science and societal impact.

2025 Application Theme: Capacity Building for Education and Careers in Climate Science

The 2025 Innovation Fund application theme aims to empower physics departments, educators, and industry leaders to create or expand programs that enhance access, deepen knowledge, and increase opportunities in physics-based climate science education and career pathways. It also strives to showcase physics's vital role in advancing climate science and addressing global challenges.

Scope

This cycle invites proposals aligned with the following objectives:

Enhance Education and Public Engagement:

* Develop and implement innovative programs or curricula to improve climate science literacy through a physics lens.
* Facilitate meaningful public dialogue on the significance of physics in climate science.

Broaden Participation:

* Create programs that address pathways into climate science careers for physicists.
* Design initiatives to increase physics representation in climate-related STEM fields.

Build Sustainable Capacity:

* Scale successful local initiatives to national or international levels within the scientific community.
* Develop tools, resources, or frameworks to strengthen physics-based climate science education and workforce readiness.
* Raise awareness of the intersection between physics and climate science, emphasizing its societal and environmental benefits.

Projects may:

* Scale existing programs to reach more audiences.
* Expand the dissemination of successful initiatives across the physics community.
* Implement innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness of climate science physics.

Proposals will be prioritized based on their:

* Effective use of innovation best practices to enhance education and career preparation in physics climate science.
* Potential to increase public understanding of the intersection between physics and climate science.
* Alignment with existing or desired APS community activities.
* Scalability and adaptability for broader dissemination and impact.

Funding details

* The APS Innovation Fund will award up to five grants, each valued at $50,000.
* Regarding indirect costs, overhead is allowed but limited to a maximum of 5% of the grant budget. The requested budget, including overhead, must not exceed $50,000.
* Award funds will be issued to the PI’s institution on a reimbursement basis.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* May be US-based or an international applicant at any career stage to apply as a principal investigator (PI) with a maximum of two, optional co-PIs
* Must provide a letter of support from an advisor or department, if you are applying as a graduate student, postdoc, or are in another training position

_You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. To submit a proposal, you: Must be an APS member._