Dreyfus Foundation Program for Transformative Research

Sponsor: Dreyfus Foundation
Internal Deadline: 02/26/2027
Institutional Submission Limit: 1
Sponsor Deadline: 04/27/2027
Program Website

Opportunity Overview

The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation invites proposals from accomplished, established faculty in the chemical sciences who seek to pursue bold, high-risk research with the potential for transformative impact. The program supports new and unconventional scientific directions that represent a significant departure from an investigator’s existing work.

Projects may advance fundamental knowledge, open new scientific fields, or lead to discoveries with substantial societal impact. Preference will be given to compelling projects in interdisciplinary or underfunded areas where significant support may otherwise be unavailable.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be within 15 years following promotion to tenure.

Propose a research direction in the chemical sciences that significantly departs from their current or previous work and currently has no significant funding.

 

Limit 1 application per institution.

 

Submission Process

Faculty must receive USC’s institutional selection before submitting to the Foundation.

USC Internal Submission Requirements

Interested faculty should submit the following materials as one PDF to USCCFR@sc.edu by February 26, 2027.

• Cover page listing the project title; investigator’s name, title, department, college, and contact information; and date of promotion to tenure. 
• Project narrative, maximum three pages, addressing:

• The proposed research and its bold, unconventional nature.
• How the project represents a significant departure from the investigator’s existing work.
• Its potential for transformative scientific or societal impact.
• How the approach differs from related research.
• Major challenges, a preliminary three-year plan, and anticipated milestones.
• The investigator’s accomplishments, scientific creativity, and leadership, and why they are uniquely positioned to undertake the project.
• Current funding for the proposed direction, if any, and why this support is needed.
• Curriculum vitae, maximum four pages, including research funding.

An institutional support letter and detailed budget are not required for USC’s internal review.

Questions: Jenni Asman, Senior Director of Foundation Relations, at asmanj@mailbox.sc.edu.