Best Grants for Science Research in West Virginia

Higher education and research institutions conducting STEM research in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, including West Virginia, can apply for National Science Foundation EPSCoR RII-FEC awards of US $1,000,000 - US $1,500,000 to build collaborative research capacity. With a mission to promote scientific progress, NSF supports multi-state teams advancing chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and related fields.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

Biomedical research institutions in West Virginia seeking to build research capacity can apply for Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase support, which funds infrastructure, facilities, and early-career investigator development. With a mission to strengthen biomedical research in under-resourced states, the National Institutes of Health provides long-term support for institutions in eligible IDeA jurisdictions.

Universities and research institutions building biomedical research capacity in IDeA-eligible states, including West Virginia, can apply for support to develop statewide research networks and infrastructure. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds faculty research, student research participation, mentoring, and institutional infrastructure that create pathways into biomedical research careers.

Professional biologists conducting research and presenting at the Association of Southeastern Biologists annual meeting can receive US $1,000 for outstanding biology research, including work based in West Virginia. With a mission to advance biological science, the Association of Southeastern Biologists provides recognition and support for member-led science research through this competitive award.

Universities and research institutions conducting undergraduate STEM research in West Virginia can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, with awards from US $5,000 - US $500,000. Grants support REU Sites or Supplements that engage undergraduates in meaningful research across fields like chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, engineering, and more.

STEM researchers and institutions in West Virginia working in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions can seek support to build research capacity and advance science research infrastructure. National Science Foundation EPSCoR Research Fellows awards fund extended collaborations with leading research institutions, including an option to partner with NASA centers, and may include a trainee such as a student, postdoc, or qualified staff member.

Science PhD students in West Virginia needing research facilities or expertise abroad can receive US $6,000 travel support for up to two months of supervised research visits. Grants from the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation fund U.S. or Israeli citizens conducting eligible chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and related research at higher education or nonprofit research institutions.

West Virginia science research institutions and early-career investigators conducting basic research in fields like chemistry, physics, biology, or earth science can access funding through the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation for two-year collaborative projects. Eligible junior principal investigators, paired with U.S.-Israeli partners, may receive up to US $90,000 each to launch independent research careers.

Undergraduate natural science majors of Polish descent in the U.S., including those studying in or from West Virginia, can apply for the Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 for full-time study. Grants from Kosciuszko Foundation support physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, earth science, and biochemistry students who meet strict GPA and citizenship requirements.

West Virginia science research graduate students focused on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Offered by the American Water Works Association, this academic scholarship provides US $3,000 for research delivering actionable, timely solutions to current water industry challenges.

Nonprofit two- and four-year colleges planning to improve STEM pathways for undergraduates, including in West Virginia, can seek planning grants to build or strengthen cross-institutional partnerships and remove systemic barriers to STEM graduate education. Focused on equity in science fields, the Alfred P Sloan Foundation funds one-year planning projects up to US $75,000.

Nonprofit U.S. colleges, universities, and higher education partners working on STEM education and research can seek seed funding to pilot partnerships that reduce systemic barriers to STEM graduate degrees, including in West Virginia. The Alfred P Sloan Foundation supports multi-institution collaborations assessing the viability and effectiveness of new activities, with awards up to US $250,000.

Nonprofit colleges, universities, and higher education partners in West Virginia working to expand STEM graduate pathways can access funding through the Alfred P Sloan Foundation; awards up to US $500,000 support 2–3 year implementation projects. Eligible collaborations must involve at least two nonprofit institutions and focus on removing systemic barriers in STEM master’s and doctoral education.

Cherokee Nation citizens studying physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing, engineering, or mathematics who conduct science-related work in West Virginia may be eligible for the Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship. This one-year award from Cherokee Nation Foundation supports junior, senior, and graduate students with at least a 3.0 GPA.

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) supports U.S. citizens and permanent residents pursuing Ph.D. degrees in computational sciences. Established in 1991, it provides a $45,000 annual stipend, full tuition, and a $1,000 professional development allowance over a maximum of four years. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, offering fellows practical experience in DOE laboratories, enhancing their careers in high-performance computing and scientific research across various fields.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Neil Ashcroft Early Career Award for Studies of Matter at Extreme High Pressure Conditions

The award recognizes outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions by an early-career scientist to studies of matter at extreme high pressure conditions. This includes static and/or dynamic compressions within the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Earth and Planetary Science, Soft Matter and Biology. The honor is conferred annually and includes of a $5,000 stipend, a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, and an allowance for travel to an APS meeting to receive the award to deliver an invited lecture at either the biennial SCCM Conference or the APS March Meeting.

Nominations are active for three years provided the the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline and all eligibility criteria are still met.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Career Awards at the Scientific Interface provide $560,000 over five years to support early-career researchers transitioning from physical and computational sciences to biological sciences. Launched in 1999, these awards aim to enhance academic research careers for U.S. and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents, fostering a diverse and innovative scientific workforce essential for advancing human health.

High school seniors in Washington State pursuing degrees in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or business can apply for Seattle Foundation's Lambeth Family Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 - US $3,000 and renewable up to four years. Students interested in science-related fields, including research paths similar to those in West Virginia, may benefit.

West Virginia science research organizations and institutions using quantitative methods can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to pursue mentored basic experimental studies with humans. This K25 award supports professionals in fields like mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and physics as they transition their expertise into NIH-relevant health and disease research.

Women pursuing degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, or human or animal medicine can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education, including many total cost-of-attendance needs. With a mission to expand access to education, Battle Creek Community Foundation provides science-focused students from areas like West Virginia with funding paid directly to their institutions.

Graduating seniors pursuing physical science majors can receive US $4,170 scholarships for post-secondary study, including those interested in research fields highlighted for West Virginia. Daviess County Community Foundation supports Washington Community and North Daviess High School students in the upper third of their class who will attend accredited colleges or universities.

Graduate students in Earth system and atmospheric sciences conducting science research at universities in West Virginia or elsewhere in North America can apply for the UCAR Next Generation Fellowship, which provides US $40,000 over two years plus research visits and professional development. Grants from University Corporation for Atmospheric Research help students explore the intersections of Earth system science, public policy, and society.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing undergraduate studies in mathematics, physics, biology, botany, or chemistry can receive scholarship support for college costs through the David H. Roe Scholarship, including students from West Virginia. Community Foundation of New Jersey awards merit- and need-based assistance for freshmen attending four-year accredited U.S. colleges or universities.

The FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program invites applications for research in various domains, including Advanced Scientific Computing and Biological Research. This ongoing opportunity from the Department of Energy will remain available until September 30, 2026. Eligible projects must align with SC's mission, supporting innovative research that advances scientific knowledge and energy solutions.

The Cottrell IMPACT Award recognizes the significant contributions of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients in advancing science through leadership and service. It encourages excellence in academic leadership while raising the profile of awardees nationally. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and highlights recipients at the Cottrell Scholar Conference and in professional journals, fostering a community of innovative researchers committed to impactful science.

The Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grant (PCMNCG) supports small college science departments by providing grants for scientific equipment, teaching aids, and library materials. With a maximum funding of $10,000, this initiative promotes excellence in science education and encourages proposals that demonstrate effective integration of requested resources into curricula. Eligible institutions must have fewer than 5,000 students, ensuring that funds significantly impact undergraduate science education across diverse fields.