Application Instructions:

Please see https://science-foundation.org/what-ifs-2026-rfa/ for detailed instructions.

On Experiment.com, you will need to create an account. Please include career stage in your Bio, though this will not be included in review. Similarly, your institution should be included but will not be shared with reviewers. Ensure that this information (career stage, institution) is not present in your video or your application will not be reviewed.

1. Basics:

Title: Project Title [50 chars, including spaces]

Category: (field[s] of science) [select from available options]

Institution: Please include your institution, but know this will not be shared with reviewers.

Abstract: A 1-sentence summary for our program team.

2. Budget:

Include general categories. The Science Foundation disburses funds as gifts so no line-item budget is required. Indirect costs are not permitted for the Sci Fnd budget.

3. Research:

Context:  In 200 characters or less, what is the research question that you want to address?

Significance: In 200 characters or less, why are you excited about this question?

Goals: In 200 characters or less, what are the goals of your project?

Additional Info: Enter what subdisciplines of science your project address es (free-form).

4. Timeline:

Sci Fnd does not require specific timelines but including at least one tentative milestone may be helpful for crowdfunding.

5. Team:

Please do not include collaborators. It is fine to have a sponsoring lab, but this project should be yours. 

6. Ethics:

Complete the ethics disclosure. Please also note any use of AI in the generation of your research idea or application materials.

7. Video:

Cover Image:  Project graphic [photo, conceptual diagram, meme, … 4:5 aspect ratio]. Imagine this image representing your project on social media and design it accordingly.

Video: 3 minute video (5Gb max file size). Videos longer than 3:00 minutes will not be reviewed. THE VIDEO IS THE MAIN CONTENT BY WHICH REVIEWERS WILL EVALUATE YOUR PROJECT. It should stand alone, and should not contain your career stage or institution.

DEADLINE: Applications close at midnight on Oct 12th, 2026. We aim to have decisions within six weeks.

Good luck!