FUNDING MEMO
Title: McKnight Scholar Awards
Funding Agency: The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience
External Deadline(s):
01/01/2023 02:00 PM PST (Full Proposal)
Cognizant Office: Office of Foundation Relations
Description:
The McKnight Scholar Awards are given to exceptional young scientists who are in the early stages of establishing an independent laboratory and research career. The intent of the program is to foster the commitment by these scientists to research careers that will have an important impact on the study of the brain. The program seeks to support scientists committed to mentoring neuroscientists from underrepresented groups at all levels of training. Applicants for the McKnight Scholar Award must demonstrate their ability to solve significant problems in neuroscience, which may include the translation of basic research to clinical practice. They should demonstrate a commitment to an equitable and inclusive lab environment.
Total Award: $225,000
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Each McKnight Scholar will receive $75,000 annually in 2023, 2024, and 2025 ($225,000 total).
- Funds may be used in any way that will facilitate development of the Scholar’s research program, but not for indirect costs.
- Allowable budget items include salaries and fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, animal costs, tuition, costs for technical services, etc.
- The application should include itemized budgets for each year, in a tabulated column/dollar amount format; narrative budgets are not acceptable.
- The McKnight Scholar Awards Selection Committee will review the applications and select a limited number of applicants to be interviewed. Applicants selected will be notified by late March 2023. The interviews are scheduled for April 21-22, 2023 via Zoom.
Indirect Costs: Not Allowed
- Caltech’s minimum overhead rate is based on the award’s annual gross funding. Please refer to the FY23 Annual Rate Memo for applicable minimum overhead requirements. Applicants must work within their division to account for the required overhead via an approved MORA form.
Duration: 3 years
- Award begins July 1, 2023.
Discipline(s): Biology and Biological Engineering; Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Engineering and Applied Science; Humanities and Social Sciences
Eligibility: Tenure-Track Faculty
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A candidate for a McKnight Scholar Award must work as an independent investigator at a not-for-profit research institution in the United States, and must hold a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, and must have served at that rank for less than four years at the application deadline (exceptions may be made for parental leave).
- Those holding other titles such as Research Assistant Professor, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Professor Research Track, Visiting Professor or Instructor are not eligible, and time spent in service in those ranks does not count against the four years of service for determining eligibility.
- A candidate may not hold another award from the McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience that would overlap in time with the Scholar award.
- A candidate cannot apply in more than two rounds of competition for a Scholar Award.
- McKnight seeks to enhance geographic, gender, and racial diversity in neuroscience, and they encourage women and members of communities of color to apply.
Research Areas of Interest:
- Neuroscience
- Annual reporting is required.
Recent Caltech Recipients:
- Yuki Oka (2016)
- Thanos Siapas (2005)
Guidelines & Other Information:
Application Instructions: https://www.mcknight.org/programs/the-mcknight-endowment-fund-for-neuroscience/scholar-awards/
How to Apply: https://www.mcknight.org/programs/the-mcknight-endowment-fund-for-neuroscience/scholar-awards/how-to-apply/
Guidelines: https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-SCHOLAR-Application-and-Guidelines.docx
Past Recipients: https://www.mcknight.org/programs/the-mcknight-endowment-fund-for-neuroscience/scholar-awards/awardees/
Selection Committee: https://www.mcknight.org/programs/the-mcknight-endowment-fund-for-neuroscience/leadership/
Application Process Video: https://vimeo.com/751828190
Please note that the application requires signature by an authorized Institute Financial Officer. Please allow adequate time for routing through the Office of Foundation Relations prior to the submission deadline.
Please notify the Foundation Relations team if you anticipate making a submission or if you have any questions regarding this opportunity. We are here to help ensure that Caltech’s proposals are competitive. We can assist with proposal development and advise you on the routing of your paperwork. Interested researchers should work with their division grant manager to prepare the budget, the MORA form, and the Division Approval Form (DAF). Submissions and awards for this grant program will be processed through the Office of Foundation Relations.
Opportunity ID: 1316