Established Investigator Awards
Supports experienced research teams conducting high-impact, hypothesis-driven studies to improve the health and welfare of companion animals and wildlife.
Funder: Morris Animal Foundation (https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org)
Due Dates: October 8, 2025 (Feline Health Established Investigator full application) | February 11, 2026 (Wildlife Health Established Investigator pre-proposal) | May 27, 2026 (Wildlife Health Established Investigator full proposal, invited only)
Funding Amounts: No maximum; typical awards average $100,000 total (approx. $50,000/year), max duration 36 months.
Summary: Supports experienced research teams conducting high-impact animal health and welfare research, with distinct cycles for wildlife and feline health.
Key Information: Pre-proposals required for Wildlife Health; only one application per PI per RFP; strong track record of peer-reviewed publication required.
Description
The Morris Animal Foundation's Established Investigator Awards fund hypothesis-driven, humane research projects led by teams with a proven record of impactful research and publication. These awards are designed to advance the health and well-being of companion animals and/or wildlife, with separate calls for Wildlife Health and Feline Health research. Projects are evaluated for scientific merit, methodological rigor, and potential for significant impact, using a standardized scoring rubric. The program is donor-supported and emphasizes both scientific and broader stakeholder impacts.
