BCM  
 
W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program for Medical Research
   
BCM conducts an internal selection process for applications to the W.M. Keck Foundation’s Research Program for Medical Research. The Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting 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 strives to fund endeavors that are distinctive and novel in their approach. Proposed projects should be high-risk with the potential for transformative impact. "High-risk" comprises a number of factors, including questions that push the edge of the field, present unconventional approaches to intractable problems, or challenge the prevailing paradigm. Projects which may be funded by NIH are not eligible for this program. Historically, grants are awarded twice annually, in June and December, and range from $500,000 to $5 million, typically $2 million or less.


  • Focus on important and emerging areas of research
  • Have the potential to develop breakthrough technologies, instrumentation or methodologies
  • Are innovative, distinctive and interdisciplinary
  • Demonstrate a high level of risk due to unconventional approaches, or by challenging the prevailing paradigm
  • Have the potential for transformative impact, such as the founding of a new field of research, the enabling of observations not previously possible, or the altered perception of a previously intractable problem
  • Does not focus on clinical or translational research, treatment trials or research for the sole purpose of drug development
  • Fall outside the mission of public funding agencies
  • Demonstrate that private philanthropy generally, and the W. M. Keck Foundation in particular, is essential to the project’s success

  • Any faculty member with a primary appointment at BCM may submit an internal application.
  • Investigators must apply through this internal application process. Investigators cannot apply on their own to the sponsor.

  • BCM investigators interested in submitting an application to the Keck Foundation must first submit their concept paper for internal BCM review. Concept papers will be reviewed by a BCM internal committee selected by the Senior Vice President and Dean of Research. Four concept papers will be selected for submission to the Foundation. The Office of Development will manage the concept paper submission process. The Foundation will determine which concept papers, if any, may move on to the Phase 1 application stage. Of these, the Foundation will select some for Phase 2 full proposal submission.


Documents must be uploaded separately.


Single-paged pre-application concept papers for the Research Program for medical research should be in 12 point font with 1 inch margins and should include:
  1. An overview of the proposed project emphasizing any unique aspects and pilot studies (for Research Program concepts, indicate area of emphasis for project - medical research or science and engineering research);
  2. A description of the methodologies and key personnel;
  3. A brief justification of the need for Keck support; and
  4. An estimated budget broken down, if possible, by major areas, e.g., personnel, equipment, consumable supplies, etc. (budgets can be rough approximations at this stage).

If room remains, investigators may add other details (e.g., background to put the research into perspective, description of the institution’s prominence in the field, etc.). Avoid illustrations. If a reference is necessary, abbreviate it as (Science, 323, 45, ‘11). DO NOT USE (Jones et al., 2011).






Note: Application submissions require BCM ECA authentication. Please use 'BCM\' before your username to login.

If you have general questions regarding the W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program for Medical Research, please email us at awards@bcm.edu

Important Deadlines
     
Internal Applications are accepted year-round. Applications will be considered upon receipt for eligibility and suitability for the funding opportunity.
   
   
     
 
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