The mission of The G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation is to advance knowledge in the life sciences by sponsoring scientific research that will benefit mankind. The foundation’s grants program seeks to support basic science, ideally with potential translational applications. Immunology, microbiome, genomics, structural biology, cellular physiology, neuroscience, etc., are some noteworthy examples of current research support. PSU may submit up to four letters of intent for each cycle.
For many years the Foundation has enjoyed special recognition in the research community in supporting “basic” scientific research, realizing that true transformative breakthroughs usually occur after a thorough understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying natural phenomena. More recently, and with the advent of newer investigative methodologies, technology, and tools, the Foundation now embraces innovative translational research proposals.
The grant duration is three years, and requested budgets should be realistic for the project (consider the type of investigation, models used, supply requirements, size of the team, etc.). Indirect costs may not exceed 10 percent. Preliminary Budgets are required during the LOI phase. A detailed budget justification is not required until the proposal phase.
Application Guidance
- As technology continues to advance, it is apparent that investigations in the area of basic science and translational research may become more and more reliant on collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. It is important to note that any interdisciplinary project proposals may require additional information regarding collaborator(s)’ achievements and relevant expertise.
- Covid-19 related research projects (aims or sub-aims) will not be considered for support.
- Medical imaging technology related projects and/or electrical engineering technology development projects will not be considered for support.
- Plant Biology Research, Oceanography, Space Exploration. and Global Warming related research will not be considered for support.
- Feedback for declined LOI Requests will not be provided; LOIs or Formal Proposals that have been declined should not be resubmitted at a later date for consideration.
- Renewal applications for the same or related research will not be accorded priority consideration. It is strongly advised that any re-application for grant renewal consider a new direction based on prior research or emphasize some new potential translational aspects and not merely an extension of previously funded research.
- Requests for funding previously federally supported research and/or applications pending federal approval will not be accorded priority consideration.
- Requests for support of clinical trials or drug discovery will not be approved. The Foundation will not support projects which we consider pre-clinical drug development.
Please plan to connect with staff from the Office of Foundation Relations, who will consult on proposal narrative elements, answer foundation-related questions, and assist the downselect winner with their submission. Applicants please contact Jessica Kiely, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Penn State College of Medicine (jkiely1@pennstatehealth.psu.edu).
Interested applicants should upload the following documents in sequence in one PDF file (File name: Last name_Mathers_Winter2022) no later than 4:00 p.m. on the internal submission deadline:
1. Cover Letter (1 page, pdf):
- Descriptive title of proposed activity
- PI name, departmental affiliations(s) and contact information
- Co-PI's names and departmental affiliation(s)
- Names of other key personnel
- Participating institution(s)
- Number and title of this funding opportunity
2. Project Summary (no more than 7000 characters with spaces, pdf) to include a short summary of the proposed research project.
3. Preliminary Estimated Budget (1 page max.) - Please provide a preliminary budget figure, which should include any indirect/overhead expenses (up to 10% of direct expenses). A detailed budget justification is not required until the proposal phase.
4. Aims of Project (no more than 2000 characters with spaces, pdf)
5. Proof of concept, previous or related work (no more than 2000 characters with spaces, pdf)
6. Brief summary of your most impactful discoveries and/or best publications (no more than 2500 characters with spaces, pdf) - Please provide a brief summary of your most impactful discoveries and/or best publications. The discoveries and papers discussed in this section do not necessarily have to be related to the subject matter of this application.)
7. 2-page CV's of Investigators
Formatting Guidelines:
Font/size: Times New Roman (12 pt.)
Document margins: 1.0” (top, bottom, left and right)
Standard paper size (8 ½” x 11)