WelchX Retreat and Pilot Grants
The WelchX program funds collaborative, innovative chemistry research in Texas through themed retreats and pilot grants, with the 2026 focus on 'Chemistry of Life' and biological processes.
Funder: The Welch Foundation
Due Dates: February 28, 2026 (Retreat application) | June 26, 2026 (Pilot Grant application)
Funding Amounts: $100,000 per pilot grant for one year; travel/lodging for retreat covered (excluding transportation).
Summary: Supports Texas chemistry researchers by fostering collaboration at themed retreats and funding innovative pilot projects developed during these meetings.
Key Information: Retreat participation is required to be eligible for the pilot grant; applications must align with the annual theme.
Description
The program is designed to stimulate collaboration and innovation among early- and mid-career tenured and tenure-track faculty in chemistry at Texas institutions. It consists of two main components:
- WelchX Retreat: An in-person, themed meeting where selected faculty collaborate intensively to generate new research ideas in the chemical sciences.
- Pilot Grants: Teams formed at the retreat are eligible to apply for pilot grants to develop their collaborative projects further, with each grant providing $100,000 for one year.
The 2026 retreat theme is "Chemistry of Life," focusing on creative approaches to pressing and unexplored issues in bioorganic, medicinal, analytical, and macromolecular chemistry related to biological processes. The program aims to increase research connectivity and advance basic chemical research across Texas.
