Limited Submission Funding Opportunity 

W. M. Keck Research Program (June Cycle) 

SLU slots: up to 3 from each program (Medical Research or Science & Engineering) 

SLU Internal Deadline: April 30, 2026 

Concept Counseling (optional): July 1 – August 15, 2026 

Institutional Deadline: November 1, 2026, by 4:30 pm (PT).   

The W. M. Keck Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting Medical Research and Science & Engineering projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach, question the prevailing paradigm, or have the potential to break open new territory in their field. The Foundation funds the high-risk and high-impact work of leading researchers to lay the groundwork for new paradigms, technologies, and discoveries. They prioritize grants that pioneer biological and physical science research and engineering, including the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation or methodologies. The median range for a request is $1.2M over 3 years.  

Please note the following comments from Keck to build a successful LOI: 

• Engineering applications should focus on basic science; physics, chemistry, climate science, environment, not applications of the science. 

• Highlight the current limitations, including lack of government funding 

• Potential impact should be broad reaching 

• Imply the feasibility of the projects – what are the advantages?  

Keck does not fund: 

• Applied engineering, engineering submissions should still be basic science 

• Conservation projects 

• Programs that you feel will not be funded by the government strictly due to the size of the funding required. 

Guidance for the Nomination Process  

To be considered for SLU’s submissions, interested faculty should submit a  1-2 page concept paper, and a C.V. or biosketch through via SLU’s OpenWater tool by 5pm on April 30, 2026, here: https://slu.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/240/home  

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by May 15, 2026, barring any unforeseen circumstances, to be prepared for Concept Counseling. OVPR is providing extra time to allow the selected applicant to contact the Foundation’s optional pre-application concept counseling period. 

For further details on the program, including application process and eligibility, click here. To see successful past abstracts, visit Keck Abstracts. 

 Please contact Christine Luebbert at christine.luebbert@slu.edu with any questions.