KIC Instrumentation Project Grants

Kavli Institute at Cornell Instrumentation Projects support the purchase, development, and use of novel scientific tools and approaches for probing the nanoscale. Projects/equipment must be designed to push the state-of-the-art of imaging and measurement science, and typically will be leveraged by proposer contributions of money or personnel. High-risk, high-reward projects are strongly encouraged.

Project duration will normally not exceed two years. The size of these awards will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but will typically range from $20,000 – $100,000. Larger awards are possible for exceptionally strong proposals. Approximately $150,000 is available to be allocated per year.

Each application must have two or more Cornell faculty sponsors, as well as the pre-approval of a KIC executive committee member. The KIC committee member need not be involved in the research, but will play an essential role in overseeing the project’s progress and integrating the research into other KIC activities.

Proposals were due January 9, 2023. The next application cycle is not yet open.

Submit your complete application packet to kicnano@cornell.edu

Application Materials Required (in .pdf format):

• Project Description
  • 2 pages maximum
  • Include a descriptive title and the names of Cornell faculty proposers and consulted KIC executive committee member at top of proposal.
• Cost justification
  • The proposal must have a major component developing next-generation tools or protocols for imaging/control at the nanoscale.
  • Include any relevant quotes for components.

Early discussions with KIC executive committee members about the suitability of proposals are highly encouraged. An oral presentation of the proposal may also be required.

Prior Instrumentation Grants

Since 2010, KIC has provided more than 50 instrumentation grants to develop promising nanoscale tools. Find out more about some of these projects on the KIC Instrumentation Project Awardees page.