Science and Engineering / Medical Research 2017

The W.M. Keck Foundation's Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting high-risk/high-impact projects in two specific areas, (1) medical research, and (2) science and engineering, that are distinctive and novel in their approach, question the prevailing paradigm, or have the potential to break open new territory in their field. Past grants have been awarded to major universities, independent research institutions, and medical schools to support pioneering biological and physical science research and engineering. Keck-funded projects have included the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation or methodologies that lay the groundwork for new paradigms, breakthrough technologies, and discoveries that will save lives, provide innovative solutions, and add to our understanding of the world.

Attached is a document detailing guidance for developing a strong concept for the Keck Foundation, provided by UW Corporate and Foundation Relations.

Program Priorities:

• Focus on important and emerging areas of research
• Have the potential to develop breakthrough technologies, instrumentation or methodologies
• Are innovative, distinctive and involve interdisciplinary teams
• Demonstrate a high level of risk due to unconventional approaches, or by challenging the prevailing paradigm
• Have the potential for transformative impact, such as the founding of a new field of research, the enabling of observations not previously possible, or the altered perception of a previously intractable problem
• Do not focus on clinical or translational research, treatment trials or research for the sole purpose of drug development
• Fall outside the mission of public funding agencies
• Demonstrate that private philanthropy generally, and the W.M. Keck Foundation in particular, is essential to the project's success

Potential applicants are encouraged to look at summaries of past awards on the Keck Foundation website. Please note that once it has funded a new idea, the Keck Foundation looks for the next thing. It does not typically fund a given topic or area or new technology more than once.  

Application Instructions

Please submit the following to research@uw.edu by 5:00 PM Monday, December 28, 2015

1. A one-page concept paper with a description of proposed aims and approach (see below)
2. Biosketch or CV of the PIs

Please prepare your concept paper according to the Keck Foundation’s instructions:

A single page, in 12 point font with 1 inch margins to include:

• an overview of the proposed project, emphasizing any unique aspects and pilot studies, and indicating area of emphasis for the project – medical research or science and engineering research;
• a description of the methodologies and key personnel with disciplinary affiliation or expertise;
• a brief justification of the need for Keck support, and
  • an estimated budget broken down, if possible, by major areas, e.g., personnel, equipment, consumable supplies, etc. (budgets can be rough approximations at this stage)

If there’s room, the authors are free to add other details (e.g., background to put the research into perspective, description of the institution’s prominence in the field, etc.). Avoid illustrations in these single-pagers – the researchers will need all the room for text. If a reference is necessary, abbreviate it as (Science, 323, 45, ‘11). DO NOT USE (Jones et al., 2011).

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If your project has been denied funding by a public funding agency, it is beneficial to note that in your justification for Keck funding.

Selected Phase I proposals are due to the sponsor on 5/1/16, if given the go ahead by the Proposal Review Committee.