W.M. Keck Research Program

Pitt Nomination Limit: 2
Website: https://www.wmkeck.org/research-overview/
Sponsor: W. M. Keck Foundation
Pitt Internal Deadline: TBD
Sponsor Deadline: TBA
Award Amount: Typical awards are $1M–$1.3M over 3 years
Pitt Select Funder: Yes. Interested groups should contact PAE-CFR for more information.

About the Program

The W. M. Keck Foundation Research Program supports pioneering work in medical research and science and engineering that is distinctive, novel, and has the potential to break open new territory in its field. Grants are made to major research universities and independent institutions nationwide, with a strong preference for high-risk, high-impact projects that fall outside the typical mission of federal funding agencies.

Funding Information

Typical awards range from $1M to $1.3M over three years, though larger grants are possible with strong justification. Up to 10% of the award may support collaborators outside the United States. Tuition and fees are allowable up to $25,000 per student annually, not to exceed 10% of the total budget.

Eligibility

• Research universities, medical colleges, and major independent scientific and medical research institutions are eligible
• PIs must hold a tenure-track appointment or equivalent
• Past Keck grantees may apply for significantly different projects
• All applications must be submitted through Pitt's designated institutional liaison

What the Sponsor Will Not Fund

• Clinical research (projects must focus on basic mechanisms and questions)
• Projects overlapping significantly with recent Keck awards
• General operating expenses, endowments, or deficit reduction
• Undergraduate education programs
• Organizations located outside the United States as the applicant institution

Internal Selection Process

Pitt must nominate faculty for this opportunity. If you are interested in being considered as a nominee, please see the limited submission guidelines before submitting a pre-application to InfoReady. 

1. Interested investigators should submit the following materials via InfoReady by: TBA
   • An abbreviated NIH Biosketch (five pages max)
   • TBA
2. Internal applicants will be peer-reviewed on the following criteria:
   • Alignment with the solicitation
   • Approach and design
   • Significance and potential impact
   • Clarity of the pre-application
   • PI qualifications

Key Dates