Discovering the Future   

It has been argued that the nation is missing opportunities for discoveries that would change the world. The Discovering the Future Grant aims to fill this gap in funding opportunities by supporting Penn faculty in blue sky, high risk/high reward research. The deadline is May 8th, 2023.

For guidelines or to apply -  Learn more here.   

Eligibility:

Discovering the Future grants can be awarded to Penn faculty working on blue sky, high risk/high reward research

Grant Size:

Grants will range from $100,000 to $400,000. Grants will be targeted to creative, out-of-the-box ideas with the potential to alter the trajectory of the given field. The process will be highly selective.

Grant Term:

• 1-2 years
• Unexpended funds must be returned.
• A no cost extension must be approved by the Vice Provost for Research.  Requests for a no cost extension should be made prior to the expiration of an award. No cost extensions will only be granted for extenuating circumstances. Extensions will not be made for longer than six months.
• A progress-to-date report including a revised budget will be required.

Funding Criteria:

The goal of the program is to transition exciting new ideas to the point at which they can be sustained by other modes of support. Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Scholarly merit, creativity, impact, and innovation
• Feasibility
• Significance of the research
• Prospects for future extramural funding

Please note: Proposals will also demonstrate one of the following characteristics:

(the proposal MUST specify which one of these three (3) points is relevant)

• Recent research results that are unanticipated or surprising and, if validated or extended, would alter the current understanding, change the trajectory of a field of study, or establish a new topic of research
• A new concept that is original and exciting but lacks enough evidence to move toward acceptance in the field
• A new combination of trans-disciplinary concepts that has the potential to open new avenues of inquiry