The Office of Foundation Relations is pleased to share this open call for funding from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
- UCSC Contact: Samantha Forde, forde@ucsc.edu
- Funder: Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA)
- Opportunity: Cottrell Scholar Awards 2027
- Deadline: July 1, 2026, 10 pm PDT
Please sign up for Cottrell Scholar Office Hours. See the CS Office Hour Slides for reference.
- Thursday, May 14, 2026, 9:00-10:00 am PT or Friday, May 15, 2026, 11:00 am-noon PT
Overview
Cottrell Scholar program develops outstanding teacher-scholars who are recognized for the quality and innovation of their research programs and their academic leadership skills. The program champions the very best early career teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics and astronomy by providing significant discretionary awards for research.
Eligibility
- The award is open to early‑career tenure‑track faculty
- Applicants must hold primary or courtesy appointments in chemistry, physics, or astronomy departments offering bachelor’s or graduate degrees in the relevant discipline
- Applicants started their first faculty position in 2023
- Accommodations are made for faculty who have taken maternity or paternity leave, or who have experienced medical conditions that prompted a tenure clock extension. Please click here to submit a request for eligibility extension
- Previous applicants cannot reapply
Please see a list of Proposal Requirements and the FAQs and instructions on submitting 2027 Cottrell Scholar Award proposals.
Award Amount & Terms
- $120,000 for 3 years; no IDC
Timeline
- July 1, 2026 Full proposal due
- February 15, 2027 Award notification
Special Requirements:
Please notify the Office of Foundation Relations if you are interested in applying to this opportunity (fr@ucsc.edu). Please submit a proposal intake form prior to UCSC’s internal Institutional Deadlines. For support developing your proposal, please send a request to the Office of Research Development, resdev@ucsc.edu.
Call sent: May 8, 2026
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The Office Foundation Relations is a unit of University Advancement. The FR team creates and maintains mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with private organizations, matching grant initiatives with educational and research programs and centers. FR supports faculty and staff to identify and approach these and other private foundations and corporations for funding, to assist in strategic positioning of the grant application, and to facilitate funder campus visits. For a list of recent funding opportunities, please visit the FR website: FR Calls for Funding.