W. M. Keck Research Program
Limited submission
The W. M. Keck Research Program funds bold, high-impact basic science projects that challenge paradigms or create new research frontiers in physical, life, and biomedical sciences.
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Funder: W. M. Keck Foundation
Due Dates: December 7, 2026 (June grant cycle) | June 7, 2027 (December grant cycle)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $1M–$1.3M over 3 years; no indirect costs allowed.
Summary: Supports pioneering, high-risk basic science projects that challenge paradigms or open new research frontiers in physical, life, and biomedical sciences.
Key Information: Submission is through your institution's designated liaison; strict eligibility and budget rules apply.
Description
The W. M. Keck Research Program funds distinctive, innovative, and high-impact basic science research in the physical, life, and biomedical sciences. The program seeks proposals that challenge prevailing paradigms or open entirely new areas of inquiry, supporting work considered too early, speculative, or unconventional for traditional funders. Projects may involve the development of novel technologies, instrumentation, or methodologies, and should aim for fundamental scientific discoveries rather than incremental or applied advances. High-risk, high-reward ideas are encouraged, provided they are grounded in a clear scientific question and have the potential for transformative impact.
