Berns-SPIE SPARK Grants
The Berns-SPIE SPARK Grants fund early-career researchers using lasers or optical systems to advance biophotonics for understanding cell processes or developing new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
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Funder: International Society for Optical Engineering
Due Dates: Fall 2024 (previous)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$100,000 per award; duration 1–2 years; recent awards at $100,000
Summary: Supports early-career researchers advancing innovative biophotonics technologies for studying cell processes or improving disease diagnosis and treatment.
Key Information: Applicants must be postdocs or within first two years as faculty.
Description
The Berns-SPIE SPARK Grants, established in partnership between SPIE and the Beckman Laser Institute, honor the legacy of Michael W. Berns—a pioneer in laser technology and biomedical research. These grants are designed to support early-career researchers (postdoctoral scientists or new faculty) who are using lasers and other optical systems to advance basic understanding of cell processes or to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in biophotonics. The program encourages interdisciplinary research that could significantly impact healthcare, with past projects targeting areas such as lung injury, pelvic organ prolapse, in vitro fertilization, and Alzheimer’s disease.
