[Research Corporation for Science Advancement](https://rescorp.org)

July 1, 2026 (Full proposal deadline, 11:59 PM PDT)

$120,000 over 3 years; supports both research and educational activities

Recognizes and funds early-career faculty in chemistry, physics, or astronomy for innovative research, transformative education, and academic citizenship.

Applicants may only apply once; institutional AOR approval required before submission.

--- ## Description This program supports early-career tenure-track faculty in the U.S. and Canada who demonstrate exceptional promise as teacher-scholars in the fields of chemistry, physics, or astronomy. The award fosters the integration of high-impact research with transformative educational initiatives, and emphasizes academic citizenship, leadership, and the creation of inclusive, safe research environments. Awardees join a vibrant community of Cottrell Scholars, gaining access to professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2026: Full proposal deadline (proposal due by 11:59 PM PDT) The online submission portal opens March 2, 2026. Institutional approval by the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) is required before submission. --- ## Funding Amount - Each award provides $120,000 total funding over three years. - Funds may be used for most direct costs, including equipment, supplies, undergraduate and graduate salaries/stipends, graduate tuition and fees, postdoctoral salaries, and travel to conferences (including the annual Cottrell Scholar Conference). - Summer salary is allowed for faculty in non-doctoral departments. - **Restrictions:** No indirect costs, academic-year faculty salaries, routine administrative expenses, books/journals, visa costs, or construction/renovation. --- ## Eligibility - Open to early-career, tenure-track faculty at U.S. or Canadian research universities or primarily undergraduate institutions. - Applicants must hold primary or courtesy appointments in chemistry, physics, or astronomy departments that offer bachelor’s or graduate degrees in the relevant discipline. - For the 2026 cycle, applicants must have started their first tenure-track position anytime during calendar year 2023. - **Extensions:** Eligibility extensions may be granted for parental leave, medical circumstances, or other approved tenure clock delays. [Request an extension here](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/789c3fb4270e4e808c1cf5332b315746). - **Important:** Applicants may only apply once for the Cottrell Scholar Award. - No institutional limits; multiple eligible faculty from the same institution may apply. --- ## Application Process - The online submission portal opens March 2, 2026. - Proposals require institutional approval by the AOR before submission. - Required materials: - Research plan (max 4 pages) - Educational plan (max 3 pages) - Assessment plan (max 1 page) - Courses taught (max 1 page) - Academic citizenship statement (max 1 page) - Letter of support from department head, dean, or provost - List of 10 suggested reviewers (at least 8 "outsiders") - Publications from the last five years - No budget justification or budget pages required. - Proposals must address both fundamental research and educational innovation. - Proposals are reviewed for research excellence, educational impact, and academic citizenship. - Awardees are required to attend at least two Cottrell Scholar Conferences during the award period. --- ## Additional Information - The program fosters a community of scholar-educators and supports professional growth and leadership. - Awardees are expected to maintain a safe, harassment-free research environment and comply with institutional safety and training requirements. - The application process and grant management system will be updated in February 2026; check the program page for details. - Late proposals are not accepted; the deadline is firm. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Cottrell Scholar Award](https://rescorp.org/cottrell-scholars/cottrell-scholar-award) - [Eligibility Extension Request Form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/789c3fb4270e4e808c1cf5332b315746) - [Cottrell Scholar Selection Committee](https://rescorp.org/rcsa/advisory-and-review-groups/science-advisory-committee) - [Cottrell Scholar Conference](https://rescorp.org/cottrell-scholars/cottrell-scholar-conference/) - [Start an Application (when open)](https://prism.rescorp.org/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [prism@rescorp.org](mailto:prism@rescorp.org) | | Eligibility questions | [sronco@rescorp.org](mailto:sronco@rescorp.org) (Senior Program Director) | | Funder main contact | [rcsa@rescorp.org](mailto:rcsa@rescorp.org) | | Phone | +1 520-571-1111 | | Contact form | [Contact RCSA](https://rescorp.org/contact) |

Cottrell Scholar Award

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