[John Templeton Foundation](https://www.templeton.org)

August 2026 (Call for proposals deadline)

Varies by project; typically supports multi-year research grants in life sciences

Funds innovative research on the fundamental structures, mechanisms, and emergent properties of life, including purpose, complexity, and genetics.

--- ## Description The John Templeton Foundation's Life Sciences program supports research and engagement projects that investigate the fundamental structures and mechanisms of the biological world. The program welcomes experimental and theoretical work on topics such as the origins of life, synthetic biology, and the diversity of living systems across all biological kingdoms. A primary focus is on advancing the scientific understanding of purpose in living systems, with an emphasis on emergent properties like directionality, agency, memory, and adaptive navigation. Research addressing foundational questions in complexity, emergence, genetics, epigenetic inheritance, plant resilience, and ecological health is also encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated/projected call for proposals deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Funding levels vary by project scope and duration. - The Foundation typically supports multi-year research projects; past grants have ranged from smaller pilot studies to large-scale, multi-institutional collaborations. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers and institutions worldwide. - Eligible applicants may include universities, research institutes, and non-profit organizations. - Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission and the Life Sciences program’s focus areas. - Proposals should address fundamental questions in life sciences, particularly those related to purpose, complexity, and emergent biological phenomena. --- ## Application Process - The application process generally begins with a call for proposals, followed by submission of a letter of inquiry or preliminary proposal. - Selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals. - Review criteria include scientific merit, alignment with program priorities, and potential for advancing understanding of fundamental life sciences questions. - Final decisions are made by the Foundation’s review panels. --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to projects that are interdisciplinary and that propose novel approaches to longstanding questions in life sciences. - The Foundation encourages both experimental and theoretical research. --- ## External Links - [Life Sciences Program Page](https://www.templeton.org/funding-areas/science-big-questions/life-sciences) - [John Templeton Foundation Funding Areas](https://www.templeton.org/funding-areas) - [Full Grant Database](https://www.templeton.org/grants/grant-database/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Department | Email | Phone | Contact Page | |----------------------|------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | John Templeton Foundation | info@templeton.org | +1 610-941-2828 | [Contact Form](https://www.templeton.org/contact) |

Life Sciences

Sign in to see full grant listing