Best Grants for Science Research in Maryland

The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) program, established by NIGMS, aims to enhance research funding efficiency by providing stable financial support to investigators. This allows for greater scientific flexibility and encourages innovative studies. MIRA is pivotal for distributing funding among promising researchers, fostering groundbreaking research. The program invites applications from eligible NIGMS-funded and NIH-defined New Investigators, as well as current MIRA grantees seeking renewal, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to advancing science.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The Trent R. Dames & William W. Moore Fellowship, established by Dames and Moore in 1990, supports graduate studies for practicing engineers or earth scientists who are ASCE members. This fellowship aims to advance engineering science and enhance societal welfare through innovative applications in geotechnical engineering and earth sciences, addressing social, economic, environmental, and political issues. Annually, two recipients are selected to further their academic pursuits in these critical fields.

The AWG Mid-Career Excellence Award honors outstanding mid-career women scientists contributing significantly to geosciences. It recognizes achievements across academia, industry, and government, with nominees evaluated on their scientific impact and community service. This prestigious award encourages nominations from the AWG membership and the broader geoscience community, fostering recognition of women's vital contributions in the field. With a commitment to diversity, the award aims to inspire future generations of women in geoscience careers.

The Philip J. Wyatt Award in Analytical Chemistry, established in 1947 and endowed by the Wyatt Family Foundation in 2026, recognizes outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry. Offered by the American Chemical Society, the award includes a $5,000 prize and a certificate, with up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the award presentation meeting. This award supports diversity and inclusion by being available regardless of race, gender, or background, promoting a global community in the field of chemistry.

The David A. Evans Award for the Advancement and Education of Organic Synthesis, presented by the American Chemical Society, recognizes exceptional achievements in organic synthesis research and education. Established in 2023, this award includes a $5,000 prize and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $2,500 for the award ceremony. It promotes inclusivity, granting opportunities irrespective of race, gender, or background, fostering a diverse scientific community committed to advancing chemistry.

The Intellia Therapeutics UNCF Scholarship Program, in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, aims to support students pursuing careers in life sciences. With a commitment to educational equity, this program offers scholarships to eligible students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. By investing in future leaders, Intellia Therapeutics and UNCF continue to empower individuals and strengthen communities, ensuring that no mind is wasted.

The Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching, established by the American Geosciences Institute, honors educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in earth science education. This prestigious award includes a $2500 prize for the winning teacher and a $1500 grant to attend the National Science Teaching Association's annual conference. The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., promoting innovation and excellence in teaching for future generations.

The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, established in 2008 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors individuals for their exceptional and long-term contributions to geoscience education. Named after Robert "Bob" Christman, who dedicated over thirty years of service, this award recognizes nominees who demonstrate significant impact at both national and section levels. Active NAGT members can submit nominations that detail the nominee's contributions, promoting excellence in the geoscience community.

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has been promoting excellence in geoscience education since 1938. Through its sponsorships, NAGT aims to enhance visibility and impact within the geoscience community, fostering collaborations and expanding membership. Sponsorships support both long-term programs and single events, ensuring that NAGT is acknowledged and involved in all associated activities. This initiative aligns with NAGT's mission to provide effective Earth education to diverse audiences.

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.

The JGE Outstanding Paper Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional contributions to geoscience education. Nominations are open to JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members, and must include a discussion of how the nominated paper enhances student learning, advances the discipline, or demonstrates significant societal impact. This prestigious award has been celebrating excellence in education since 1938.

The Neil Miner Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors outstanding contributions to stimulating interest in Earth sciences. Established in 1953, this prestigious award recognizes educators who embody personal excellence and effective teaching, inspired by Neil Miner's philosophy. Nominations are open to NAGT members, who may submit a letter of nomination, letters of support, and the nominee's curriculum vitae. This award promotes excellence in geoscience education and celebrates dedicated educators.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award recognizes exceptional K-12 educators for their contributions to Earth Science education. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the award aims to stimulate interest in Earth Sciences among students. Eight national finalists are chosen annually, ensuring broad recognition and encouraging teaching excellence. Nominees can apply themselves or be nominated by colleagues, allowing for two awards in an educator's career to honor both early and late career achievements.

The Excellence in JEDI Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honors individuals who promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in geoscience education. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions, including mentorship and advocacy for marginalized groups. Awardees receive a one-year NAGT membership and an opportunity to present their work at a DEI event. Nominations are accepted online, and selections are made by the NAGT DEI Committee.

The James H. Shea Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), recognizes outstanding contributions in writing and editing Earth science materials aimed at the public and educators. Established in 1991, this prestigious award honors the legacy of James H. Shea, a dedicated advocate for quality geoscience education. Nominations require a detailed letter outlining the nominee's exceptional contributions, reinforcing NAGT's commitment to fostering excellence in Earth science education.

The Herman Frasch Foundation Grant, administered by the American Chemical Society, supports research in agricultural chemistry with practical benefits for U.S. agriculture. Eligible applicants include tenured or tenure-track faculty within seven years of their first appointment. Grants of $50,000 annually for five years are available, with a focus on training students and disseminating research findings. The next application period opens on November 5, 2026, following a five-year cycle.

The Career Awards for Medical Scientists (CAMS), established by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, offers $700,000 over five years to support early career physician scientists transitioning to independence in academic biomedical research. This highly competitive program aims to enhance research innovation and public service by fostering a diverse scientific workforce. Proposals in basic biomedical, disease-oriented, or translational research, particularly those incorporating artificial intelligence or addressing climate change and human health, are encouraged.

The High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs aim to enhance clinical and translational science by developing unique hub capabilities and research platforms. These programs address critical gaps in the field, laying a foundation for broader adoption across CTSA Program Hubs. This funding opportunity, under the NIH, invites applications from eligible organizations to foster innovation that overcomes significant roadblocks in research. Successful applications will be peer-reviewed, with funding reserved for those demonstrating merit.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Award for Team Innovation

Purpose

To highlight the value and importance of technical teams and teamwork to the chemical and allied industries by recognizing a multidisciplinary team for successfully moving an innovative idea to a product in commercial use now.

The award was established in 1994 with financial support from the Committee on Corporation Associates of the American Chemical Society.

Description

The award will consist of a cash award of $6,000 which will be shared equally by all team members. Each team member will receive a certificate and a certificate will also be provided to the employers of the team.

About

The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) was established in 1919 for the purpose of promoting interest in the study of mammals.

ASM Mission Statement

The mission of the American Society of Mammalogists is to advance the scientific understanding of mammals globally, to diversify the profession of mammalogy, and to promote science as the basis for the conservation and management of mammals. The Society achieves these goals through publications, grants and fellowships, annual meetings, and other education and outreach activities.

Stephen Jenkins Scholarship in Mammalogy

One of Steve Jenkins’ most meaningful legacies is found in the hundreds of students he taught and mentored over his 37 years in the Biology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. He taught a wide range of classes including introductory biology, ecology, mammalogy and research design, and served as graduate advisor to more than 30 students. His research focused on beavers, wolves, wild horses, and ground squirrels. Steve worked to pass on his own belief that critical thinking is not just a fundamental tenet of sound science, but a force for good. He wrote the book How Science Works, an effort to demystify the scientific process for nonspecialists. In his retirement he wrote a second book, Tools for Critical Thinking in Biology. Steve has been a member of American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) since 1974.

Scope and Rationale of the Award

The new Stephen Jenkins Scholarship Award would be available to a graduate student in a North American university whose research is focused on one or more mammalian species. This would include field research (and lab research that supports and augments field research) in such fields as animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. ASM supports research on all aspects of mammalian biology, and the award will provide support for early career mammalogists. 

Use of Funds:

The award may be used only for research expenses, in the field or in the laboratory, research related travel, laboratory supplies, equipment, and attendance at professional meetings.  The current award is for $5000.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Award in Industrial Chemistry

Purpose

To recognize outstanding contributions to chemical research in the industrial context. Significant creative contribution to chemistry in any field of chemical, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical, or biochemical research is appropriate.

The award consists of $5,000 and a certificate. Up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the meeting at which the award will be presented will be reimbursed.

The ARL Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships offer early career researchers a chance to engage in independent research aligned with the Army Research Laboratory's mission. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional scientific abilities and a potential for leadership, having addressed significant scientific or engineering challenges during their doctoral studies. Fellowships provide a stipend of $115,000 per year, along with health insurance and other benefits. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. by October 1, 2025, and are required to undergo a Department of Defense clearance.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The NABG is honored to provide scholarships to Undergraduate and Graduate students enrolled full-time in Geoscience programs at an accredited college or university.

Scholarship candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the mission of NABG. The purpose of the scholarship is to prepare candidates to be the workforce of the future.

Funding for scholarships – totaling over $300,000 – has been achieved through fundraising activities and corporate donations. 

NABG Graduate Scholarships

• Five (5) $1000 awards will be presented.

The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to advance their studies in Chemical Sciences or Chemical Instrumentation. This program supports innovative research within fundamental chemistry and the development of new instrumentation. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or DACA recipients, with a PhD in the chemical sciences anticipated by May 1, 2026. Mentorship from a qualified institution is required, fostering independent research capabilities in a collaborative environment.