Dreyfus Foundation
Program for Transformative Research

Overview

The Dreyfus Foundation Program for Transformative Research supports exceptional, established faculty in the chemical sciences who propose bold, high-risk research with the potential for transformative impact. Transformative research may take many forms, including fundamental advances that open new frontiers in the chemical sciences and discoveries with the potential to create substantial societal impact.

The Program is designed for investigators who have demonstrated significant accomplishments and leadership in their careers and are ready to explore new and unconventional directions beyond their existing work.

The Program provides a Transformative Research Development Grant of $600,000 to be disbursed in equal installments of $200,000 over three years. From among the set of grantees, one project will be chosen for an additional Transformative Research Award of $1.5 million based on an evaluation of the potential of the work at the beginning of the last year of the Development Grant.

Goals

• Catalyze pioneering research that departs from current scientific paradigms;
• Encourage risk-taking and creativity among mid-career faculty;
• Support new scientific directions with potential for broad impact in chemistry and related fields; and
• Contribute to knowledge that improves the human condition.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be from academic institutions in the United States or its territories that grant a bachelor’s or higher degree in the chemical sciences (e.g., chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, materials chemistry)
• Be within 15 years following promotion to tenure
• Propose a research direction in the chemical sciences that represents a significant departure from current or previous work, that currently has no significant funding

The Foundation will accept one proposal per institution per cycle. It is up to the institution to create an internal process to decide which proposal they will endorse.

The Foundation will consider extensions to the window of eligibility for official tenure clock stops, for reasons including but not limited to parental leave, military leave, medical leave, and the pandemic. Any exceptions should be clearly discussed in the institutional letter of support. We encourage you to reach out to [email protected] to discuss these exceptions prior to submitting a proposal.

Nomination Procedure

All materials must be submitted by the institution and include:

1. The proposal cover sheet [Generator will open in November 2026]
2. A letter of support (one page) from an institutional representative, including a discussion of why this project was selected as the institution’s submission
3. A project essay (five-pages), describing:
   • The proposed research, including:
     • The bold and unconventional nature of the idea;
     • The potential for scientific impact;
     • The possible challenges or obstacles; and
     • A brief summary of subsequent work that could be considered if the phase one project is successful and considered for additional funding.
   • The PI’s track record, including:
     • Significant accomplishments that show creativity and leadership;
     • Why the PI is uniquely positioned to lead this project.
4. A discussion (one page) of the research landscape of the new field, referencing specific work on related projects from at least three scientists, and how the proposal stands apart from existing work.
5. An outline of the three-year plan for the project (one page), including expected milestones.
6. The PI’s Curriculum Vitae (four pages, including research funding)

No detailed budget or preliminary data are required.

Submit all nomination materials as a single PDF to [email protected] by the deadline.

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of distinguished scientists who may seek input from other experts in the field under consideration.

Evaluation will focus on:

• Originality and boldness of the proposed direction;
• Potential for broad, transformative impact; and
• Evidence of scientific creativity and leadership.

Note: While projects from all disciplines will be considered, the Foundation will give preference to projects in interdisciplinary or underfunded areas where support might not be available, as well as convincing cases for significant departures from the PI’s existing body of work.

Development Grant Terms

• $600,000 research grant, the target is eight grants.
• Of the total annual amount, up to $15,000 may be allocated to the university expenses associated associated with research and education.
• Charges associated with indirect costs or institutional overhead are not allowed.
• No academic-year salary allowed; one-month maximum summer salary permitted per year.
• Funds will be made available by September in the year of the application.
• The grant will be paid out in three annual installments of $200K, but spending can take place when needed.
• Course corrections permitted, consistent with the transformative objective, but not changes in objective.