WelchX Retreat and Pilot Grants
The WelchX program funds collaborative pilot research in innovative areas of chemistry, supporting Texas faculty who form teams at themed retreats to advance projects in chemical sciences.
Funder: The Welch Foundation
Due Dates: June 26, 2026 (Pilot Grant full application) | February 28, 2027 (Retreat application)
Funding Amounts: $100,000 per pilot grant; 1-year project duration; no PI/Co-PI salary or fringe allowed.
Summary: Connects Texas chemistry faculty at themed retreats to catalyze collaborative, innovative research proposals in the chemical sciences.
Key Information: Only teams formed at the WelchX Retreat are eligible for pilot grant applications.
Description
The WelchX Retreat and Pilot Grants program, supported by The Welch Foundation, is designed to foster innovative, collaborative research in the chemical sciences across Texas. The program brings together early- to mid-career tenured and tenure-track faculty from Texas institutions for in-person summer retreats focused on pressing and unexplored themes in chemistry (e.g., “Chemistry of Life,” “Chemical Research for Grand Challenges”). During these retreats, participants form collaborative teams that subsequently develop and submit proposals for pilot grants. The pilot grants support projects in bioorganic, medicinal, analytical, and macromolecular chemistry as they relate to biological processes or other annual themes.
