The Kavli Scholars grant program provides short-term bridge funding to scientists whose research has been unexpectedly disrupted. The program is designed to address unanticipated challenges, such as sudden loss of funding, institutional transition, or other unforeseen circumstances, by enabling researchers to maintain research continuity and momentum. The program supports scientists across career stages, especially postdoctoral researchers, junior faculty, and early-career investigators, for whom short-term disruptions can have outsized and lasting impact.
Eligibility is open to scientists conducting basic research in Astrophysics, Nanoscience, Neuroscience, or Theoretical Physics. By offering temporary, targeted funding, the Foundation seeks to help scholars stabilize their research and reestablish a sustainable path forward.
A Kavli Scholar grant will provide up to $100,000 per year for a period ranging from six months to a maximum of two years. Grants are issued directly to the host institution, which will administer funds in accordance with its policies.
- Funding may be used for research-related expenses, as defined by the host organization
- Up to 15% indirect costs are allowable on qualified expenses
- No-cost extensions may be granted; however, the Kavli Scholar title cannot extend beyond two years
- The Kavli Foundation does not provide visa support
Nominations may be submitted by Kavli Institute members or directors, Kavli Prize Laureates, Kavli Professors, current Kavli-supported investigators, or certain other Kavli-affiliated individuals, with approval from The Kavli Foundation. The nominator may, but is not required to, serve as the scholar’s host.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Be actively engaged in basic research in one of the Foundation’s four scientific domains
- Have experienced a significant disruption that limits or eliminates their ability to conduct research at their home institution
- Demonstrate strong qualifications and clear potential to resume impactful research with short-term program support
Host Organization Requirements
The host organization must be a Kavli Institute or a Kavli-affiliated university, or any institute, university or laboratory willing and able to administer the award. A Letter of Support from the Kavli Institute Director or designated administrative authority is required and must:
- Acknowledge the proposed research
- Confirm the institution’s ability to host and administer the award
If the proposed research is conducted at an organization that does not host a Kavli Institute, the relevant administrative authority must provide the required Letter of Support.
Application and Review Process
Applications are nomination-based and must be submitted through The Kavli Foundation’s online grant application portal. Only submissions received through the portal will be considered. Prospective nominators are encouraged to contact the Foundation in advance to confirm eligibility.
Required application materials include:
- Nominator and nominee information
- Kavli-affiliated sponsor information
- Letters of Support
- Requested duration needed for support
- A description of the nominee’s situation, qualifications, and research area
- CV and biographical information of the nominee
- A brief budget request and justification, including explanation of all other funding sources
- Identification of the specific circumstance that constitutes disruption of work
Nominations are reviewed twice annually, on June 15 and December 15. Funding decisions are typically communicated within 3 to 4 weeks of the review process. Contact science@kavlifoundation.org with questions.
Kavli Scholars
The Kavli Scholars grant program provides short-term bridge funding to scientists whose research has been unexpectedly disrupted. The program is designed to address unanticipated challenges, such as sudden loss of funding, institutional transition, or other unforeseen circumstances, by enabling researchers to maintain research continuity and momentum. The program supports scientists across career stages, especially postdoctoral researchers, junior faculty, and early-career investigators, for whom short-term disruptions can have outsized and lasting impact.
Eligibility is open to scientists conducting basic research in Astrophysics, Nanoscience, Neuroscience, or Theoretical Physics. By offering temporary, targeted funding, the Foundation seeks to help scholars stabilize their research and reestablish a sustainable path forward.
A Kavli Scholar grant will provide up to $100,000 per year for a period ranging from six months to a maximum of two years. Grants are issued directly to the host institution, which will administer funds in accordance with its policies.
- Funding may be used for research-related expenses, as defined by the host organization
- Up to 15% indirect costs are allowable on qualified expenses
- No-cost extensions may be granted; however, the Kavli Scholar title cannot extend beyond two years
- The Kavli Foundation does not provide visa support
Nominations may be submitted by Kavli Institute members or directors, Kavli Prize Laureates, Kavli Professors, current Kavli-supported investigators, or certain other Kavli-affiliated individuals, with approval from The Kavli Foundation. The nominator may, but is not required to, serve as the scholar’s host.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Be actively engaged in basic research in one of the Foundation’s four scientific domains
- Have experienced a significant disruption that limits or eliminates their ability to conduct research at their home institution
- Demonstrate strong qualifications and clear potential to resume impactful research with short-term program support
Host Organization Requirements
The host organization must be a Kavli Institute or a Kavli-affiliated university, or any institute, university or laboratory willing and able to administer the award. A Letter of Support from the Kavli Institute Director or designated administrative authority is required and must:
- Acknowledge the proposed research
- Confirm the institution’s ability to host and administer the award
If the proposed research is conducted at an organization that does not host a Kavli Institute, the relevant administrative authority must provide the required Letter of Support.
Application and Review Process
Applications are nomination-based and must be submitted through The Kavli Foundation’s online grant application portal. Only submissions received through the portal will be considered. Prospective nominators are encouraged to contact the Foundation in advance to confirm eligibility.
Required application materials include:
- Nominator and nominee information
- Kavli-affiliated sponsor information
- Letters of Support
- Requested duration needed for support
- A description of the nominee’s situation, qualifications, and research area
- CV and biographical information of the nominee
- A brief budget request and justification, including explanation of all other funding sources
- Identification of the specific circumstance that constitutes disruption of work
Nominations are reviewed twice annually, on June 15 and December 15. Funding decisions are typically communicated within 3 to 4 weeks of the review process. Contact science@kavlifoundation.org with questions.