Dreyfus Foundation Program for Transformative Research

Dreyfus Foundation Program for Transformative Research

Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO). Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. 

Program Summary 

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.

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.

See the solicitation for complete details. 

Deadlines 

• CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MT January 11, 2027
• Sponsor Deadline: April 27, 2027 

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

• Project Summary (3 pages maximum): 1) Proposed Research: The bold and unconventional nature of the idea, its potential for scientific impact, possible challenges or obstacles, and a brief summary of subsequent work that could be considered if the project is successful and considered for additional funding; 2) PI’s Track Record: Significant accomplishments that show creativity and leadership, and why the PI is uniquely positioned to lead this project; and 3) Three-Year Plan and Milestones: An outline of the three-year plan for the project, including expected milestones.
• Research Landscape (1 page maximum): Discuss the research landscape of the new field, referencing specific work on related projects from at least three scientists, and explain how the proposal stands apart from existing work.
• Lead PI Curriculum Vitae (4 pages maximum, including research funding)
• Internal Teaming Abstract (optional): Please provide a brief project abstract (3-4 sentences) for teaming purposes. By submitting this abstract, you give RIO permission to share your name and abstract with potential CU Boulder teams as part of the internal competition process, including if your proposal is not selected.

To access the online application, visit:https://cuboulderovcr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/7217/home 

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

Limited Submission Guidelines

The Foundation will accept one proposal per institution per cycle.

Award Information 

• Award Amount: $600,000 ($200,000 installments over 3 years) 
• Project Period: 3 years
• Anticipated Number of Awards: 8
• From 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.

Review Criteria

Evaluation will focus on:

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