Swift changes and disruptions to the scientific enterprise are raising questions about the public’s connection to, trust in, and support of science. The Kavli Foundation’s Science and Society department is seeking to fund researchers’ time to deepen awareness and understanding about the complex relationship of how society connects to scientists, research, evidence, and information, as well as fund projects that explore or implement a public engagement with science project. 

This will be a two-phase application process. The goal of Phase I is to better understand the needs of researchers that could be addressed by grants of up to $50,000. Based on the results of Phase I: Expressions of Interest, the intent is for a rapid turnaround into Phase II. Phase II will invite short proposals in mid to late-July for funding in Fall 2025. 

Information submitted in Phase I is to inform Phase II. No funding decisions will be made from Phase I. If you do not submit an Expression of Interest, you may still submit a proposal in Phase II. Preference will be given to those who submit an Expression of Interest in Phase I. The launch of Phase II is at the discretion of the foundation.

Call for Expressions of Interest

The foundation is interested in funding researchers to:

Participate in educational opportunities about the complex relationship between science and society: This educational opportunity about trust in science is anticipated to consist of reading from a curated list (8-10 journal articles/pieces), attending 3-5 virtual sessions (webinars and discussions), and writing a short reflection. This will also include support for travel to your disciplinary society meeting, where you will have opportunities to be an ambassador for what you have learned. This approach may be revised based on the submissions in Phase I. [$5,000 plus travel]

Work at the interface of science and society. This could include funding for: 

• A new project that scopes, pilots, or strengthens connections between a research project and society. [Up to $50,000]
• Continuing an existing project that strengthens connections between a research endeavor and society. [Up to $50,000]

Examples could include hosting a colloquium series, conducting public opinion research, planning or carrying out a public engagement with science project, scoping or designing collaborations with social scientists or engagement professionals, and more. 

Work on the following topics is beyond the scope of this effort and will not be considered: 

• Basic scientific research projects.
• Work focused on health, medical, or technology application that does not have a basic science component.
• Projects on the ethical practice of doing science, including projects on ensuring ethical research conduct (e.g., treatment of animal subjects, replication, or navigating an Institutional Review Board).
• Workforce development efforts.
• Political and policy advocacy. 

Eligibility

The foundation is interested in hearing from researchers with a connection to The Kavli Foundation, particularly those early in their career. This includes Kavli Institute researchers (including recipients of Kavli Institute Innovation Awards), current and former recipients of Kavli Foundation science grants (including FENS-Kavli Network Scholars and Kavli-Grass Fellows), Kavli Professors, Kavli Scholars, and Kavli Prize Laureates. In Phase II, graduate student and postdoctoral researcher applicants will need to indicate support from their advisor or supervisor.

Projects doing work at the interface of science and society should pertain to one of four fields: astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience, or theoretical physics.

The foundation will not provide honoraria or direct payments to individuals. All financial transactions and formal agreements related to this call must be conducted through the researcher's affiliated institution.

Applicants for funding from The Kavli Foundation must be at a US or international institution of higher education, non-profit research organization, or affiliated with such an entity. For international awards, status equivalent to a US public charity or nonprofit educational institution may be required. The Kavli Foundation is unable to accept applications from individuals at organizations located in certain sanctioned territories.

How to Express Interest 

Please click the APPLY button to access and submit your Expression of Interest. Be prepared to provide: 

• Name
• Email
• Affiliation
• Position Type (e.g., Assistant Professor, Graduate Student, or Communications Officer)
• Connection to The Kavli Foundation
• Expression of Interest (you may select more than one option):
  • Participate in educational opportunities about the complex relationship between science and society [$5,000 plus travel]
  • Work at the interface of science and society:     
          - A new project that scopes, pilots, or empowers strengthening connections between science and publics. [Up to $50,000] 
          - Continuing an existing project that strengthens the connection between science and society. [Up to $50,000]
  • Other work that strengthens the interface of science and society [Up to $50,000]
• Rationale for your Expression of Interest (response required for each selection made):
  • If you are interested in participating in educational opportunities about the complex relationship between science and society: why you are interested in this opportunity, what you would like to learn, and feedback on the format of the proposed structure of this opportunity (reading, virtual session, etc.).
  • If you are interested in working at the interface of science and society: why you are interested in this opportunity and what you would do with this support.

Submissions will close Thursday, June 26th, 2025, at 5PM PDT. 

For any other questions, contact The Kavli Foundation at science.and.society@kavlifoundation.org