Reimagining Science’s Social Compact: A Call for Letters of Interest
This grant supports innovative projects that explore and reimagine how science and society interact, aiming to strengthen science’s social compact through public engagement and new ideas.
Funder: David & Lucile Packard Foundation
Due Dates: July 22, 2026: Phase I Letters of Interest submission deadline | September 11, 2026: Phase II application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per project; typically short-term projects or planning grants.
Summary: Supports projects that explore and reimagine the relationship between science and society through innovative approaches and public engagement.
Key Information: Only Phase I applicants are eligible for Phase II; max two LOIs per lead PI.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the David & Lucile Packard Foundation (in collaboration with The Kavli Foundation), seeks projects that critically examine and expand the evolving relationship between science and society—often referred to as science’s “social compact.” The funders encourage innovative concepts, such as convenings, online forums, publications, or explorations of public perspectives, that generate new ideas about how science can be more resilient, integrated, and responsive to societal needs and values. The goal is to foster a research ecosystem that better reflects and serves the public.
Projects might include workshops, discussion panels, online fora, white papers, or planning grants for larger initiatives. The intention is not to address every aspect of the science-society relationship in a single proposal, but to contribute fresh perspectives and practical approaches.
