Grants & Funding

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society

Published Date: October 20, 2005

Program Information

Program Name:

Grants-in-Aid of Research

Program URL:

http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/index.shtml

Program Year:

2006

Program Description:

Research awards are made to support scientific investigation in any field. Awards are made payable to the individual recipients. Awards are made in amounts up to a maximum of $1,000 (with an average award of $600) except as noted below in the case of special funds.In the fields of astronomy and eye or vision research special NAS funds allow for awards up to a maximum of $2,500.

Program Restrictions:

No part of an award may be used for the payment of indirect costs to the recipient's institution. All funds must be expended directly in support of the proposed investigation. Any equipment purchased shall be the property of the institution. Guidelines: 1. Funds are divided into two competition categories noted below. All other guidelines apply equally to both fund categories. a. Sigma Xi funds--The faculty advisor (1st recommender) of all applicants must be a full, active member of Sigma Xi, or the student must be an active member, as of the preceding deadline to be eligible for consideration. These funds cover all areas of science and make up four-fifths of available funding. b. NAS funds/unrestricted funds--Open competition is available for eligible applicants for the NAS funds (no advisor membership required) in the natural and physical sciences (includes astronomy and eye/vision research). 2. Awards are limited to graduate and undergraduate students in degree programs. 3. Each application is treated individually; an applicant seeking support for an extension or continuation of a previously supported project must submit a new application, which must be accompanied by a report on the work accomplished with the previous Grant-in-Aid. 4. Applicants working on part of a larger project, but applying separately, should identify the other applicant(s). Unless indicated to the contrary, the Committee will assume that failure to provide support for one applicant does not affect the viability of other applications. 5. Travel to field research sites and living expenses while carrying outfield research (beyond those normally incurred at home) would be considered fundable items. 6. The following are not granted support: a. Educational programs and curriculum development; b. Stipends for applicants or assistants; c. Manuscript preparation and publication costs; d. Purchase of standard equipment and supplies that should normally be available in an institutional research laboratory; e. Travel to scientific meetings or symposia; f. Requests for a third award. 7. The Committee attaches low priority to support for use of institutional and departmental equipment and facilities, except in the astronomy field. 8. Applications are accepted via the online application form only.

Public Contact Information

Supported Components and Scientific Fields

Supported Components:

Student Research Opportunities and Broadening Access, Student Fellowships, Student Scholarships, Equipment

General Fields Supported:

Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Science, Technology

Specific Fields Supported:

Anatomy, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Biochemistry/Structural Biology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Cell Physiology, Computational Biology, Computer Sciences, Developmental Biology, Earth Systems, Ecology/Environmental Sciences, Ethics, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Geology, Immunology, Materials Science, Molecular Biology, Nanotechnology, Neuroscience, Paleontology, Plant Biology, Physiology, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, Zoology

Program Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply?

Students

If organizations may apply, check which ones:

None provided

If students may apply, check which ones:

Grade 13, Grade 14, Grade 15, Grade 16, Graduate Students

Are awards targeted to a specific population group?

No

If yes, check those that apply:

None provided

Is this program limited to organizations or residents within the United States?

No

Are awards targeted to people in specific U.S. states?

No

If yes, check those that apply:

None provided

Are awards targeted to a specific region within a state?

No

If yes, specify

Application Process and Program Award Term

Application Process, Initial Contact or Approach:

Online Application (specify URL): http://giar.sigmaxi.org

Application Details:

Complete and submit the interactive Grant-in-Aid application (URL listed above). Advisor and second reference will be directed to a secure form to provide letters of recommendation. The Committee meets two times a year; closing dates for the receipt of applications and supporting letters are March 15 and October 15. For questions or additional information you may send e-mail to giar@sigmaxi.org. Applicants are notified of the Committee's decisions within twelve weeks after each closing date.

Application Deadline(s)?:

Yes

If yes, date(s):

03/15/2006, 10/15/2006, 03/15/2007

Deadline Comments:

If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted on the next business day.

Award Duration:

Variable

Program Competition Information

Year (last reported competition)  2005

	Number of Applicants	Number of Awards	Total Funding Dollars	Range of Awards
Other Applicants:
Individual Award Rates:				Up to $2,500; Average award is $600.
Institutional Award Rates:

Sample of Recent Grantees

Grantee	Award Year	Award