Scientific Research

Science, scientific research, and rational thinking
should always receive the Foundation’s attention and grantmaking support.

The University of Chicago Medicine ▲

We support cutting edge research in specific areas of interest that are underfunded or at a stage in which they are unlikely to receive government funding. These grants are typically made to top research institutions, which provide quality assurance oversight and accountability that may not be possible in a less structured environment. Support is often specific to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff scientists, or faculty who are at the early stages of their careers.

Scientific Research grants are made in the following focus areas:

  • Astrophysics/Cosmology – the study of the behavior, physical properties, and dynamic processes of celestial objects and related phenomena; and the study of the origin and evolution of the Universe and its largest structures.
  • Evolutionary Developmental Biology – a field of biology which synthesizes embryology, molecular and population genetics, comparative morphology, paleontology, and molecular evolution to understand the evolution of biodiversity at a mechanistic level.
  • Geophysics – the study of the physical processes and phenomena occurring in and on the Earth and in its vicinity.
  • Medical Research – promising studies conducted by early career scientists that have the potential to develop innovative clinical interventions for chronic conditions, as well as for highly treatable conditions which negatively impact the productivity of large segments of the population. In all cases, we focus our medical research funding in areas that improve the quality of life as distinct from solely extending life.

Consideration for funding in these areas is by invitation only. The Foundation does not accept grantseeker inquiries in scientific research.

Brinson Prize Fellowships

The Foundation’s Prize Fellowships are awarded to early career scientists who are committed to chasing bold ideas with creative, nimble, and innovative research.