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How to Apply

The first step is to submit a two-page letter of intent describing the project and how the technology involved will enrich the neurosciences and become accessible to other research in the field.

The letter of intent should include the email address of the principal investigators and a title for the project.

The principal investigators will be required to:

  • Set up a username and password (please retain your username and password as you will need it throughout the process)
  • Complete an online face sheet
  • Upload a two-page project description with no more than two pages of references
  • Any images must be within the two-page limit
  • Project description and references should be uploaded as a single PDF
  • Funds may be used toward a variety of research activities, but not the recipient’s salary

A review committee will evaluate the letters and will invite a few candidates to submit full proposals. At that point, a Stage Two URL will be provided. Proposals will be evaluated on the creativity and potential benefit of the approach and the significance of the problems to be addressed.

Following review of the proposals, the committee will recommend up to three awards to the Board of Directors of the Endowment Fund. The board will make the final decision. Each award will provide $100,000 per year for two years.

Timeline

  • LOIs are due on December 6, 2021
  • Full proposals will be due April 25, 2022
  • Awards are announced in late June and begin on August 1, 2022

Competition is intense, and investigators who do not receive an award are encouraged to re-apply.

If you do not receive email confirmation of receipt of your LOI within a week of submission, please contact Eileen Maler.

Eligibility

A candidate for a McKnight Technological Innovation in Neuroscience Award must work as an independent investigator at a not-for-profit research institution in the United States, and must hold a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher. Those holding other titles such as Research Professor, Adjunct Professor, Professor Research Track, Visiting Professor or Instructor are not eligible. If the host institution does not use professorial titles, a letter from a senior institutional official (e.g. Dean or Director of Research) must confirm that the applicant has his/her own dedicated institutional resources, laboratory space, and/or facilities.

A candidate may not hold another award from the McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience that would overlap in time with the Technological Innovation in Neuroscience Awards award.

Inquiry Instructions

The application process is completely online. Click below to access the Stage One LOI form.

START APPLICATION

Deadlines

LOIs Due: December 6, 2021
Proposals: April 25, 2022
Funding Begins: August 1, 2022

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