The Kavli Foundation invites letters of interest for proposals to conduct 1- to 3-year research projects to advance fundamental understanding of the synthesis, characterization, or properties of macro-scale nano-network materials (NNMs). Projects should aim to answer basic science questions around NNMs as a new materials class, including science to unlock unique properties unmet by other materials or enable the use of NNMs as a sustainable substitute for other materials.
The best proposals will describe projects that:
- address fundamental scientific questions
- have the potential to reshape understanding in the field
- may involve significant scientific risk, but offer high potential insight
Projects that are primarily incremental, optimization-focused, or application-driven without a strong underlying scientific question are less competitive.
The application is a two-stage process. In the first stage, institutions will submit a letter of interest (LOI) indicating the basic science question(s) that will be addressed and sketching a scope of work and expected outcomes. At the LOI stage, institutions are encouraged to provide an array of scopes and outcomes that could be achieved with different levels of support.
Letters of interest will be reviewed by The Kavli Foundation, and feedback on project eligibility will be provided.
Funding Details
- Up to $540k per year from The Kavli Foundation
- Based on submitted proposals, potential partnerships may increase available funds
- Project duration: 1-3 years with options for no-cost extensions
- Expected funding start time: Q4 2026
- Indirect rate: up to 15% of allowable direct costs
Application specifics
- It is expected that projects will be led by a single principal investigator (PI), nominated by the applying organization.
- Collaborative projects are encouraged. Organizations may nominate or suggest additional individual investigators as part of the LOI to demonstrate capability and feasibility of conducting the project
- Proposals are encouraged, but not required, to include commitments of assets from other sources, such as matching funds or in-kind contributions. Letters of commitment or other evidence of participation from other sources will be required as part of the full application (second application phase).
- Proposals must be for basic science investigations that will advance fundamental understanding of the synthesis, characterization, or properties of macro-scale nano-network materials (NNMs).
- A detailed budget is not required for the LOI
- Each LOI is encouraged to explore a range of scope-options; for example, outline the minimal cost for a meaningful contribution, as well as the scope, cost, and contribution in a more expansive picture.
- A LOI must be submitted by the Office of Sponsored Research or by a similarly authorized officer of a U.S. or international institution of higher education or non-profit resarch organization by 5pm PST May 21st, 2026 through online application form.
Eligibility
- LOI and applications for project funding must be from US or international institutions of higher education, or non-profit research organizations (the “Applicant Institution”). For international awards, status equivalent to a US public charity or nonprofit educational institution is required. The Kavli Foundation is unable to accept applications from Institutions located in certain sanctioned territories.
- Only fully completed applications submitted through the application portal will be considered.
Review
- LOI and Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of experts; applicants may be contacted for suggestions for reviewers to include or avoid.
- LOI will be evaluated to ensure alignment with the goals described in the “application specifics” and “Eligibility” sections. Following review, feedback may be provided to the applicant regarding the alignment and scope described in the LOI, which may be used to guide or shape a full proposal.
- Applications will be kept confidential to the extent possible, except as necessary for processing and evaluation. Full anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
The LOI application is an online form.
All the information required to complete the form is specified in this document.
To apply, click on the green Apply button in the upper right
Letters of Interest are due May 21st, 2026 by 5pm Pacific Time.
Please contact science@kavlifoundation.org with any questions.
Kavli Exploration Award for Nano-Network Materials – Letter of Interest
The Kavli Foundation invites letters of interest for proposals to conduct 1- to 3-year research projects to advance fundamental understanding of the synthesis, characterization, or properties of macro-scale nano-network materials (NNMs). Projects should aim to answer basic science questions around NNMs as a new materials class, including science to unlock unique properties unmet by other materials or enable the use of NNMs as a sustainable substitute for other materials.
The best proposals will describe projects that:
- address fundamental scientific questions
- have the potential to reshape understanding in the field
- may involve significant scientific risk, but offer high potential insight
Projects that are primarily incremental, optimization-focused, or application-driven without a strong underlying scientific question are less competitive.
The application is a two-stage process. In the first stage, institutions will submit a letter of interest (LOI) indicating the basic science question(s) that will be addressed and sketching a scope of work and expected outcomes. At the LOI stage, institutions are encouraged to provide an array of scopes and outcomes that could be achieved with different levels of support.
Letters of interest will be reviewed by The Kavli Foundation, and feedback on project eligibility will be provided.
Funding Details
- Up to $540k per year from The Kavli Foundation
- Based on submitted proposals, potential partnerships may increase available funds
- Project duration: 1-3 years with options for no-cost extensions
- Expected funding start time: Q4 2026
- Indirect rate: up to 15% of allowable direct costs
Application specifics
- It is expected that projects will be led by a single principal investigator (PI), nominated by the applying organization.
- Collaborative projects are encouraged. Organizations may nominate or suggest additional individual investigators as part of the LOI to demonstrate capability and feasibility of conducting the project
- Proposals are encouraged, but not required, to include commitments of assets from other sources, such as matching funds or in-kind contributions. Letters of commitment or other evidence of participation from other sources will be required as part of the full application (second application phase).
- Proposals must be for basic science investigations that will advance fundamental understanding of the synthesis, characterization, or properties of macro-scale nano-network materials (NNMs).
- A detailed budget is not required for the LOI
- Each LOI is encouraged to explore a range of scope-options; for example, outline the minimal cost for a meaningful contribution, as well as the scope, cost, and contribution in a more expansive picture.
- A LOI must be submitted by the Office of Sponsored Research or by a similarly authorized officer of a U.S. or international institution of higher education or non-profit resarch organization by 5pm PST May 21st, 2026 through online application form.
Eligibility
- LOI and applications for project funding must be from US or international institutions of higher education, or non-profit research organizations (the “Applicant Institution”). For international awards, status equivalent to a US public charity or nonprofit educational institution is required. The Kavli Foundation is unable to accept applications from Institutions located in certain sanctioned territories.
- Only fully completed applications submitted through the application portal will be considered.
Review
- LOI and Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of experts; applicants may be contacted for suggestions for reviewers to include or avoid.
- LOI will be evaluated to ensure alignment with the goals described in the “application specifics” and “Eligibility” sections. Following review, feedback may be provided to the applicant regarding the alignment and scope described in the LOI, which may be used to guide or shape a full proposal.
- Applications will be kept confidential to the extent possible, except as necessary for processing and evaluation. Full anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
The LOI application is an online form.
All the information required to complete the form is specified in this document.
To apply, click on the green Apply button in the upper right
Letters of Interest are due May 21st, 2026 by 5pm Pacific Time.
Please contact science@kavlifoundation.org with any questions.