Since the emergence of nanotechnology, researchers, regulators and the public have been concerned that the potential toxicity of nano-sized products might threaten human health by way of environmental exposure.  Now, with the help of a high-powered transmission electron microscope, Keck grantees supported by a grant awarded in 2007 at the University of Oregon captured never-before-seen views of miniscule metal nanoparticles naturally being created by silver articles such as wire, jewelry and eating utensils in contact with other surfaces.

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Counseling advice on Phase I submissions for the November 1, 2013 deadline will take place only between July 1 and August 15, 2013.  Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their ideas for grants in the form of a single-page concept paper.  For a complete list of the Foundation’s important dates and deadlines: Grant Cycle Timeline

New Phase I Application forms required for November 1, 2013 submittal for Southern California Program applicants

Phase I Application

Imaging and Detection of Single Molecules Workshop: Challenges and Opportunities

Over the past two years, the W. M. Keck Foundation initiated an external evaluation of its grant-making programs.  Towards this end, we secured the assistance of three blue-ribbon committees chaired by Harvey Fineberg for Medical Research, Ralph Cicerone for Science and Engineering, and Jim Ukropina for the Southern California grant program.  (The recently reorganized Undergraduate Education program will be evaluated at a later date.)  These panels in turn tasked subject area experts to evaluate the last 15 years of grants made by the Foundation.  After reviewing grant outcomes, the committees each made independent findings and recommendations.  These are helping to establish our priorities for future grantmaking.  We are indebted to these evaluation committees and subcommittees for their hard work.  A full list of the talented and dedicated people who helped review the programs is found at the end of this letter.