Mathers Foundation Award Spring 2026
| To: | Chairs and Administrators, Departments in the Biological Sciences; Associate Deans for Research; College/School Research Administrators |
| From: | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research |
| Date: | November 11, 2025 |
| Subject: | Mathers Foundation Award Spring 2026 |
Deadline
| Deadline for Internal Review: | December 02, 2025 |
Project Description
The Mathers Foundation funds bold, basic scientific research with transformative potential to improve human health. The Foundation supports early-stage discoveries that drive innovation and lay the groundwork for future medical breakthroughs.
Examples of current research areas supported: immunology, microbiome, structural biology, cellular physiology, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology and infectious diseases, stem cell biology, and neuroscience.
Research areas NOT supported: Covid-19, plant biology (including plant microbiome), oceanography, space exploration, global warming, agriculture and herbicide research, clinical trials or drug discovery, vaccine development, ecology, and environment.
Investigators should focus on novel, basic research projects with translational potential that would not be suitable for federal support.
Amount per award: $700,000
Duration of award: 3 years
Nominations are due to the Mathers Foundation by January 30, 2026, letters of intent are due by February 13, 2026, and invited proposals are due by April 24, 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants must be independent investigators with their own fully functional and equipped labs.
UW-Madison may submit up to three applications per grant cycle.
Website
The following link contains additional information on the program and specific application instructions:
https://mathersfoundation.org/?page_id=485
Internal Competition Application Instructions
Applications for Internal Review
To submit your application, attach a single PDF to an email to: grants@research.wisc.edu
Please include the following information:
- Cover page with PI name, contact information, title of the project, and list of potential collaborators
- PI CV or NIH Biosketch
- Research project summary of no more than 4 pages providing a description of how the proposed project meets the goals of the solicitation
Sponsor Deadlines
Letters of Intent are due to G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation by February 13, 2026. Applications are due to G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation by April 24, 2026.
Questions?
Contact grants@research.wisc.edu.