S and R Foundation Kuno Award

Name: S and R Foundation Kuno Award for Applied Science for the Social Good

Award Amount: $100,000, including allowable indirect costs up to a defined percentage

Information And Eligibility:
The S and R Foundation Kuno Award for Applied Science for the Social Good is a highly competitive research grant designed to support women scientists whose work translates scientific discovery into practical solutions for pressing social challenges. Administered by the S and R Foundation, the award focuses on applied research that moves beyond theory and toward real-world implementation, with the goal of creating measurable, scalable impact across communities, systems, or populations.

This award is intentionally structured to bridge the gap between academic research and social application. Rather than funding basic or exploratory science alone, the Kuno Award prioritizes projects that are positioned to influence policy, practice, or technology in meaningful ways. Supported initiatives may include the development of new educational models, applied tools for professional or community use, innovative public health interventions, or science-based frameworks that address inequities and structural challenges. The Foundation seeks proposals that demonstrate both scientific rigor and a clear pathway to societal benefit.

Eligibility is limited to early to mid-career women researchers who possess deep subject-matter expertise and are prepared to lead their projects independently. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree such as a PhD or MD in a relevant field and must be formally affiliated with a university, research institution, or comparable educational organization. Projects must be in the early stages of development, generally no more than two years into implementation, ensuring that award funding plays a formative role in shaping outcomes rather than serving as late-stage support.

The Kuno Award places strong emphasis on leadership, vision, and feasibility. Successful applicants typically demonstrate not only technical excellence, but also the ability to manage interdisciplinary teams, engage stakeholders, and plan for long-term sustainability. Projects are evaluated on their potential for replication or expansion, alignment with the Foundation’s mission of advancing social good, and the clarity with which impact metrics are defined. Award funds may be used for research-related expenses, personnel support, pilot testing, and other costs necessary to move applied science into practice.

Because the award operates on a rolling or periodically announced cycle, application timelines may vary by year. Interested applicants are encouraged to review current guidelines carefully to ensure eligibility and alignment before submitting a proposal.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must identify as a woman and be an early to mid-career researcher.
• Must hold a PhD and or MD in a field relevant to the proposed project.
• Must be affiliated with a university, research institution, or comparable educational organization.
• Proposed project must be in an early phase, generally no more than two years into development.
• Project must demonstrate potential for scalable social impact aligned with the Foundation’s mission.

Application Requirements:

• Completed application submitted through the S and R Foundation’s official portal.
• Detailed project proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and anticipated social impact.
• Budget and timeline describing how grant funds will be used.
• Documentation of academic credentials and institutional affiliation.
• Additional materials as specified in the current application guidelines.

Deadline: Varies

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