W.M. Keck Foundation: Science & Engineering AND Medical Research Programs - Spring 2025
U of A may submit eight (8) concept papers: four (4) in medical sciences and four (4) in science & engineering.
Required U or A pre-proposal elements
The UA pre-proposal contains the following required sections:
- Overview
- Methodology
- Justification for Keck Funding
- Key Personnel
- Estimated Budget
A template is provided in the documents section of this limited submission. Use this template, complete it, and upload it as a PDF as part of this limited submission opportunity.
Uploaded as a PDF:
- One-page Concept Paper based on attached template.
- PI BioSketch or CV
Agency-specific BioSketch preferred. There is a 5-page limit on CVs
Program Description
Full sponsor guidelines https://www.wmkeck.org/research-overview/
Post selection as one of the pre-proposals, a concept review Zoom will be held with the W.M. Keck Foundation, RDS, and the UA Foundation in January will determine which one medical research and one science and engineering concept paper will be moved to a Phase 1 Submission.
The W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program uses a three-step process for this opportunity. The first step is a Concept paper. The next steps are by the foundation’s invitation. U of A review criteria reflect previous interactions with the W.M. Keck Foundation. Proposals should focus on basic, fundamental science with broad applications. Grants range from $1 million to $5 million and are typically $2 million or less, and more specifically in the $1.2 to $1.3 million range.
The proposed work should show a significant leap forward rather than an extension of existing work.
To be considered by Keck, applicants must have a statement expressing that the project is not a good fit due to risk (rather than technical or theoretical fit) or a decline from a federal program where the summary statement or individual reviews highlight the incredible novelty, but the high-risk nature that makes it difficult to fund at the federal level.
The Science and Engineering Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting high-risk/high-impact projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach to intractable problems, push the edge of their field, or question the prevailing paradigm. Past grants have been awarded to support pioneering science and engineering research and the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation, or methodologies.
The Medical Research Program seeks to advance the frontiers of medicine to benefit humanity by supporting high-risk/high-impact projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach to intractable problems, push the edge of their field, or question the prevailing paradigm. Past grants have supported pioneering biological research, basic research, and the development of promising new technologies. The Keck Foundation does NOT fund work that is clinical, applied, or translational; treatment trials; or research for the sole purpose of drug development.
Both senior and early career investigators are encouraged to apply. Team approaches, including interdisciplinary teams, are encouraged.