Kavli Scholars Program — Short-term bridge funding for researchers experiencing significant disruptions

About this program

The Kavli Foundation’s Kavli Scholars program provides short-term bridge funding to scientists in astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience, or theoretical physics whose research has been significantly disrupted by unexpected events, helping restore continuity and momentum. Awards are made to host institutions and provide up to $100,000 per year for six months to two years (with up to 15% indirect costs allowable), with funds administered according to host policies for research-related expenses. Nominees must be actively engaged in fundamental research in an eligible field, have experienced a significant disruption that limits their ability to continue research, and demonstrate strong potential to resume impactful work; nominations must be submitted by a qualified Kavli-affiliated nominator and routed through the host organization’s Office of Sponsored Research. Nominations are reviewed biannually (June 15 and December 15), typically yield 0–3 awards per cycle, only one Kavli Scholar may be active per host at a time, and the next submission deadline is 15 Dec 2026, 5:00 PM PST.