Inspired by Gordon Moore's passion for discovery, the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation launched this competition to identify outstanding early-stage inventors who harness science and technology solutions to enhance scientific research, strengthen environmental conservation, or improve the experience and outcomes of patient care.
The Moore Inventor Fellows Program will recognize inventors at select research universities. The foundation anticipates investing $33.75 million to support a total of 50 Moore Fellows, with the first five awards having been made in 2016 (list of inaugural fellows can be found here).
The Moore Foundation has invited up to two nominations from Case Western Reserve University. Selected fellows will receive funding for three years at a level of $200,000 per year from the Moore Foundation.
In addition to funds for the fellow, the foundation will provide $25,000 each year to the university to cover costs associated with administering the grant award, resulting in a total three-year award of $675,000. Host institutions will be required to make a contribution of $50,000 in annual direct support of the inventor's work.
The official announcement and description of this opportunity may be found on the sponsor's website. For detailed information about how to apply, please see the Request for Proposals.
$675,000, payable over three years
Eligibility
Applicants are encouraged to consult with their Associate Deans for Research prior to internal submission to assure they meet eligibility criteria and their projects meet stated program objectives.
Candidates must be within ten years of receiving the terminal degree in their field (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D.) They can be tenure-line faculty, teaching faculty, research scientists, postdocs or other full-time affiliates of the university.
In the Foundation's words:
“We seek ideas grounded in science that promise to transform activity in an area of interest to the foundation: natural science, environmental conservation and patient experience and care. We seek a combination of demonstrated promise of the individual and a compelling idea in which marked progress toward a defined goal can be measured during the three years of support. We aim to support ideas at an early stage that could lead to proof-of-concept or advance an existing prototype toward application.
We recognize that real invention can take surprising turns, so we seek creative individuals who have big ideas and the deep knowledge and courage to take smart risks. We are not interested in supporting ideas that are already at a stage at which significant venture funding is available. A clear path toward commercialization is not a requirement; potential impact on scientific research, conservation, or patient care is essential.
These awards aim to provide the time and creative space for exceptional individuals to pursue their invention. We seek individuals within institutions that demonstrate the organization's commitment by sharing in the support of the fellow's work and providing adequate time for it.”
Evaluation Criteria:
Inventor
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Demonstrated creative and technical potential
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Strong relevant technical ability for the proposed line of work
Idea
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Potential impact of the invention in areas of interest to the Moore Foundation - science, environmental conservation or patient care
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Idea is in an early stage that requires this funding for rapid progress
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The idea has potential for measurable progress within the three-year grant period
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The plausibility of this invention to achieve the stated impact
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The ability of dedicated funding to propel this innovation to the next stage of development
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Strength of university's stated commitment to applicant's invention activities
Submission Process
In ONE PDF, please provide:
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A one-page, 12-point font, one-inch margin cover letter, including PI name, department/division, school/college, project title and brief summary of the compelling idea and potential impact on scientific research, conservation, or patient care
And
2. An NIH or NSF style biosketch
Please send this PDF as an e-mail attachment to Stephanie Endy at stephanie.endy@case.edu by 5pm EST November 16, 2018.
Final nominees will be notified of their selection by November 30, 2018.
Final proposal must be received by the Office of Research Administration by February 4, 2019 at 5:00pm EST.
Final proposal must be received by the sponsor by February 11, 2019 at 5:00pm EST (ANTICIPATED).