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

March 12, 2026 (Full Proposal)

Up to $60,000 per award (2 years; includes 10% indirects)

Supports Cottrell Scholars and Holland Awardees in launching innovative, high-impact research projects in the physical sciences.

Open only to Cottrell Scholars (2018 or earlier) and Holland Awardees in the US/Canada.

--- ## Description The Cottrell SEED (Singular Exceptional Endeavors of Discovery) Award provides targeted funding to members of the Cottrell Scholar community—including Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients—to catalyze bold, innovative research activities. The program is designed to foster creativity and support projects that have potential for significant scientific breakthroughs. Two tracks are available: - **New Research Directions:** For launching risky, interdisciplinary, and transformative new research projects (no preliminary data required). - **Exceptional Opportunities:** For advancing existing projects to higher levels of innovation and impact, with special emphasis on primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). --- ## Due Dates - **Full Proposal Deadline:** March 12, 2026 (11:59 p.m. MST) - Applications open in December 2025 via PRISM. - Institutional approval (AOR) required before submission; allow ample time for routing. Awards will be announced by August 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum Award:** Up to $60,000 per project (includes 10% indirect costs). - **Project Duration:** 2 years. - For collaborative proposals: total direct costs may not exceed $54,545, and all PIs must be eligible. --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants:** - Cottrell Scholars who received their award in 2018 or earlier and hold faculty appointments in the US or Canada (must be at least six years beyond their Cottrell Scholar Award year). - Holland Awardees (regardless of award year). - **Discipline Focus (2025–2026 cycle):** - New Research Directions: Physics and Astronomy only (Chemistry eligible in even-numbered years). - Exceptional Opportunities: Preference for Physics and Astronomy, but Chemistry proposals accepted. - **Other Restrictions:** - Only one SEED application per Cottrell Scholar per year. - No submissions from those with active SEED awards. - Proposals with multiple PIs are allowed if all are eligible. - **Institutional Endorsement:** Required via Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). --- ## Application Process - **Submission Portal:** [PRISM](https://prism.rescorp.org/) (opens December 2025). - **Proposal Requirements:** - Three-page research plan. - Institutional endorsement via AOR (entered in PRISM). - Adherence to all program guidelines. - **Allowable Expenses:** - Research personnel stipends/salaries and benefits. - Research supplies, computer time, shared facility access. - For Exceptional Opportunities: travel for collaboration (PUIs), post-baccalaureate fellow support, equipment purchases. - **Evaluation:** - External expert review focused on innovation and potential impact. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must convincingly demonstrate both the applicant’s research accomplishments and the project's high potential for innovation and impact. - No preliminary data required for New Research Directions; preliminary results expected for Exceptional Opportunities. - For collaborative or special submission questions, contact Silvia Ronco (see below). --- ## External Links - [Cottrell SEED Award – Program Details & Application](https://rescorp.org/cottrell-scholars/cottrell-plus/cottrell-seed-award) - [RCSA PRISM – Application Portal](https://prism.rescorp.org/) - [Cottrell Scholars Program Overview](https://rescorp.org/cottrell-scholars/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | rcsa@rescorp.org / +1 520-571-1111 | | Program Director | [Silvia Ronco](mailto:sronco@rescorp.org) | | PRISM System Support | [prism@rescorp.org](mailto:prism@rescorp.org) | | Mailing Address | 4703 E. Camp Lowell Dr., Suite 201, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA | ---

Cottrell SEED Award - Research Corporation for Science Advancement

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