Office of Research

The Benjamin Franklin NextGen Award

Limited Submissions

Note: This is not a limited submission and is being announced as a courtesy only.

 

The Franklin Institute invites you to nominate candidates for the Benjamin Franklin NextGen Award, presented to an early-career investigator for a transformative discovery, development, innovation, or invention in science or engineering. The focus annually rotates through seven disciplines: chemistry, civil and mechanical engineering, computer and cognitive science, earth and environmental science, electrical engineering, life science, and physics. Interdisciplinary awards will also be considered.

The 2028 Benjamin Franklin NextGen Award will be presented in Physics and Astronomy.

Eligibility Requirements

  • This is an international competition for early-career investigators who have made a transformative discovery, development, innovation, or invention in science or engineering. Nominees should be in the early stages of their career as an independent investigator as defined by their field.
  • Award recipients are expected to participate in the Awards Ceremony at which their award is presented as well as educational and social events during Awards Week. Events take place each spring locally to The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
  • Nominations will be accepted from any individual, organization, or institution, including self-nominations.
  • Nominations of candidates traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering are particularly encouraged.
  • A single awardee is preferred, but the award may be presented jointly to up to two people.
  • Sufficient submitted documentation to support further investigation must be provided by the nominator in order for the nomination to be considered.
  • Questions about nominee eligibility or award or nomination timing should be directed to the Awards Office at The Franklin Institute: awards@fi.edu 

Application Instructions

Nominations must be submitted in English and must include the following:

  • Award name for which nomination is being submitted
  • Name and contact information of the nominee
  • Name and contact information of nominator
  • Nominee’s curriculum vitae and bibliography of significant publications
  • Proposed citation of 50 words or fewer, highlighting the achievement(s) for which the candidate is nominated
  • A comprehensive narrative statement describing the nominee's qualifications for the award and potential for future contributions. If applicable, statements may also include the nominee’s activities in education, outreach and/or public communication.
  • Names and contact information for a minimum of five references for the nominee. References should not include those in roles of direct advisement such as Ph.D. or postdoc advisors. These references may be contacted by The Franklin Institute during the case investigation process.

Nominations should be emailed to:

Beth Scheraga
Director, The Franklin Institute Awards
awards@fi.edu | 215.448.1329

Opportunity Details

Program web page

Program Announcement No.

2028

Deadlines
09/15/2026 UW Internal Deadline Open
09/15/2026 Sponsor Deadline
Sponsor

Franklin Institute

Funding amount

$10,000

Eligible groups
  • All campus

Inquiries and Contact Information

Investigators who identify a grant, award or fellowship program that restricts the number of applications that can be submitted from an Institution should immediately contact their Chairperson, Associate Dean for Research (or Dean, if no ADR) and the Office of Research (see below) if they intend to prepare a response. Failure to do so, or to meet the deadlines for submission of pre-proposal, will preclude submission of the application through the Office of Sponsored Programs.

For general inquiries, or to request a listing of a limited submission opportunity that should be but is not already listed, please email us at limitedsubs@uw.edu.