The Science Foundation
Public Science, Public Good
What Ifs…? Request for Applications, Fall 2025
Applications open Monday November 10th, 9am Pacific Time
Deadline: Monday December 1st, 2025 midnight Pacific Time, or when the first 200 submissions are received, whichever comes first.
Program Details
- Maximum $10K per project
- 5-10 funded projects, based on availability of funds
Program Contact: whatifs@science-foundation.org
Synopsis
We learn through the scientific method of testing ideas about the natural world against observations and experiences. This curiosity to explore is ingrained in the human spirit and forms the ethos of what is often called “basic science”. Basic science has at least three tangible benefits, the first being the pragmatic addition of new information to our ever-growing library of knowledge. A second and more diffuse benefit is the elevation of evidence-based thinking, supporting better decision-making. Perhaps most importantly, scientific discoveries fuel technological breakthroughs that improve lives, often many years later and following unpredictable twists and turns. In our inaugural funding cycle, we seek to support basic science projects with any or all of these benefits in mind.
Program Scope
What IFS…? will generally support the expansion of the scope or depth of an ongoing project, although requests for seed money will also be considered. Supported projects will seek to answer questions rooted in curiosity about the natural world through empirical or theoretical means. Successful applicants will embrace the opportunity to use their project as a foundation for science communication through a variety of media.
Projects should clearly fall into basic research, ideally informing two fields or subfields within math, physics, chemistry, biology, and/or earth science. Adding a new disciplinary dimension to ongoing research will be viewed favorably. Projects that do not have a research component do not fall within scope of the present program. Projects that are primarily biomedical, address engineering or computer science questions, or are largely applied in scope are not eligible for support.
As projects are limited to $10,000, we offer several examples of how “What IFS” funds might be deployed to expand thinking in interdisciplinary directions by incorporating tools, techniques, and perspectives from other fields or subfields. We encourage imaginative thinking!
- A training program or visit to another lab to learn a new technique or use a particular instrument or learn different ways of thinking.
- Support for a short-term research assistant to contribute to data collection or analysis.
- A visit to a collection or field site to collect novel data or materials.
- Low-cost electronics or robotics to serve a creative custom purpose.
- External services requiring specialized reagents, infrastructure, or software.
Eligibility:
Applications may be submitted by individuals affiliated with either:
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) – Two- and four-year IHEs (including community and tribal colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US.
- Non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, located in the US.
Who may serve as project lead: Anyone with an affiliation as described above. We welcome applications from individuals at any career stage.
Limit on Number of Applications per Project Lead: One for this competition.
Review Mechanism and Criteria:
Applications will consist of a video along with a graphic and short written form (see “How to Apply”) suitable for both subject matter experts as well as a general but scientifically literate audience. Applications will be made public following screening and review. Applications will be reviewed based on two criteria:
Criterion 1: Scientific Merit
The project should articulate a clear question or hypothesis. Submissions should explain how the funds will stimulate or enable launch of the project, and how it fits into a larger area of inquiry. Blue-sky, risky or “out of the box” ideas are welcomed as long as there is a compelling scientific rationale.
Criterion 2: Sparking Curiosity
Successful submissions will communicate curiosity and inspiration about the project. Submissions should convey the story of why the applicant is excited about the science they’re proposing. We seek projects that will spark curiosity about the natural world, and inspire people beyond the scientific community to value scientific thinking and adopt it in their everyday lives.
Note: Neither perceived institutional quality nor academic credentials will be considered during evaluation.
How to Apply:
Visit https://science-foundation.org/what-ifs-2025 and submit your application through the online form Nov 10th – Dec 1st, 2025. We will request:
Project Title [50 chars, including spaces]
Fields/Subfields of Science involved
Project graphic [photo, conceptual diagram, meme, … 4:5 aspect ratio]:
In 140 characters or less, what is the research question that you want to address?
In 140 characters or less, why are you excited about this question?
3 minute video
Your video should pitch your research idea to a general but scientifically literate audience. Please cover the following information in this order:
- What is your question?
- What background is absolutely necessary to understand your question?
- Why are you personally excited by this question?
- Why should others be excited about it?
- What is your plan and how will it answer your question?
- How will your results inform our understanding of the world?
Your video does not need to contain your likeness, but it can. Videos should not contain personal or institutional information. Videos should be in English, respectful, positive in tone, and non-partisan.
Budget:
The application will ask for a general statement of potential expenses, but a line-item budget is not permitted since funds will be disbursed as gifts to an appropriate account. Thus, if a project is recommended for support, eligibility to receive a gift at the applicant’s institution is required. Gifts are not subject to specific deliverables and timelines, and spending is at the discretion of the applicant in accordance with applicable federal and institutional policies.
Funding Decisions:
The Science Foundation aims to make funding decisions within 6 weeks of the application deadline.
What is The Science Foundation?
The Science Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan project fiscally sponsored by the 501c3 Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE) [EIN: 95-4116679]. We are 100% funded by donations. Our mission is to catalyze discoveries in the mathematical, physical, and biological sciences through a transparent and responsive funding process grounded in public engagement.
Document finalized 2025-11-03; Maren Friesen, Venkatesh Srinivas, David Stern, Ford Ballantyne, Ben Ridenhour