Stanford Doerr Discovery Grants
Internal — Stanford University only
Stanford Doerr Discovery Grants support school researchers pursuing novel, fundamental research to deepen understanding of Earth, biological and societal life, and engineered systems.
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Funder: Stanford University
Due Dates: August 4, 2026 (Applications open) | October 12, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PT (Proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $150,000 over two years, split equally between years
Summary: Supports novel, fundamental research advancing understanding of Earth, biological and societal life, and engineered systems.
Key Information: Lead applicants must be Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability faculty with at least a 0% appointment or PI-eligible scientific staff.
Description
The Stanford Doerr Discovery Grants support fundamental, inquiry-based research across all topical areas within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS). The program funds novel and creative work aimed at advancing understanding of Earth, life in its biological and societal dimensions, and engineered systems. It welcomes cutting-edge endeavors considered too risky for conventional funding sources.
The program emphasizes blue sky research rather than solution-oriented work. Funding priority goes to proposals that do not easily fit within the school’s solutions-focused opportunities, including Woods EVP, Precourt Pioneers, the Solution Areas Program/Integrative Projects, and the Sustainability Accelerator’s Flagship Destinations. Its scope spans natural science, engineering, and societal questions, with fundamental discovery as the central purpose.
