Kaufman Foundation: New Investigator Research Grants

Kaufman Foundation: New Investigator Research Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Charles E Kaufman Foundation
Amount: Up to US $150,000
Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Summary

The Kaufman Foundation's New Investigator Research Grants support innovative scientists in Pennsylvania transitioning to independent academic roles. Proposals should tackle fundamental questions in biology, physics, and chemistry, aiming for transformative advances. Up to six awards of $150,000 over two years are available. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a recent terminal degree, and have not received substantial NIH funding. Preference is given to those without major external research awards.

Overview

Note: The Foundation holds a virtual information session before submission deadlines featuring an overview of the history and structure of all Kaufman grants programs. Attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory. The goal of the New Investigator Research Grants program is to provide research support for innovative scientists in Pennsylvania as they transition into an academic position as a new independent investigator. Proposals are required to address basic (fundamental, pure) questions addressing core principles in biology, physics and chemistry or at the disciplinary boundaries between these fields. Competitive submissions are expected to be rich in innovative ideas and approaches with the potential for generating transformative intellectual advances. Up to six awards at a maximum of $150,000 over two years ($75,000 per year) are awarded.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Investigators whose primary appointment is at an institution of higher education in Pennsylvania. Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents by the time of the LOI deadline. Investigators must have one of the following: Full-time tenure. Tenure-track appointment.Independent research faculty appointment (with evidence of an independent research program).Applicants must:Have not yet competed successfully as a PI to receive substantial independent NIH funding.Have obtained a terminal research degree or terminal clinical degree within the past 10 years.Only one Letter of Intent from an investigator each year is permitted. A PI on a New Investigator LOI is ineligible to apply as a PI in the New Initiative category.An eligible institution may submit multiple LOIs from different researchers and distinct projects.

Ineligibility

Previous grant recipients in the New Investigator category of the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation are not eligible to apply to the New Investigator category for a second grant.