Grants for Members

Rosetta Commons mini-grants provide funding to kick-start new ideas, foster cross-lab collaborations, or support early-stage research. These grants are a great way for PIs and trainees to explore novel directions, build partnerships, and demonstrate community engagement—all while receiving direct financial support.

Traditional Mini Grants
Seed funds to Rosetta PIs and affiliates who are pre-tenure. Projects must fit one of the following criteria:

  • Projects that may be difficult to fund through traditional funding mechanisms.
  • Projects that foster trainee independence in the lab.
  • Projects that build shared infrastructure/tools for the RC.
  • Projects that are affected by federal financial changes.
  • Projects related to biosecurity in biomolecular design.
  • Projects that build shared infrastructure/tools for Rosetta Commons and applications from junior faculty will be prioritized.
  • PIs must nominate their lab members and complete the application.
  • Mini grants will be evaluated and awarded by the mini-grants committee, and leaders on funded mini grants will be consulted on preferences.
  • Awards typically range from $40,000 to 60,000.
  • View past awards

Applications open on September 1, 2026, and close on October 1, 2026. 

Apply Here

 

Rosetta Commons Mini-Grants Indirect Costs (IDC) Policy(opens in new tab): Rosetta Commons Mini Grants are privately funded (internal licensing revenue) research awards designed to support collaborative scientific projects within the Rosetta community. Because these funds are provided through internal Rosetta Commons funds rather than institutional or federal sources, no indirect costs (IDC or overhead) are permitted on any award made under this program.

All awarded funds must be used exclusively for direct research expenses, such as materials, supplies, computational resources, or travel directly related to the project. Participating institutions are expected to accept these terms as a condition of the award.

Committee Mini Grants
Project-based mini grants with homes/sponsorship in JEDI, Education, Conference, or Technical committees to address unmet needs with creative grassroots solutions. Each committee has funds to allocate to a mini grant that furthers their objectives. Contact the respective committee chair to apply. 

JEDI: Firas Khatib

Education: Ashley Vater

Conference: Julia Khoeler Leman

Technical: Rachel Clune

Lab Exchanges
The Rosetta Commons Lab Exchange Program connects researchers across institutions to share expertise and collaborate in person. Hosting a visiting student or sending one of your own can spark new ideas, build lasting collaborations, and enhance your lab’s visibility within the community.

  • Rosetta Affiliates may request funds for lab members to visit other Rosetta labs to jointly develop Rosetta-related technology upon nomination by a current PI and approval by the Mini Grants Committee.
  • Rosetta PIs may request funds for lab members to visit other Rosetta labs to jointly develop Rosetta-related technology. Funds typically include regular travel expenses (e.g., flights and hotel as required).
  • Reimbursed expenses include travel between your lab location and the host lab location and housing or hotel. Food, housing supplies, or personal travel funds are not included.
  • The trainee's PI and the host lab's PI must meet prior to completing the application to discuss:
    • Assigned mentor/trainer
    • Mentoring/training plan
    • Duration of visit
  • $2,000 - $10,000 is awarded per student, depending on duration.
  • Awards are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications open on September 1, 2026, and close on October 1, 2026. 

Apply Here

Travel Awards
Rosetta Commons offers Travel Awards to graduate students and early-career researchers in member labs. These awards enable them to attend external conferences and present their research. This funding opportunity supports professional development and fosters networking within the scientific community.

  • The award covers registration, travel, and accommodations only.
  • $2,000 - 3,000 is awarded per student.
  • Participants are required to present a poster or talk at the conference.
  • Eligibility requirements:
    • Participants must be from a Rosetta Commons-affiliated lab.
    • Must be an enthusiastic representative of the Rosetta Commons community.
    • Thank Rosetta Commons on slides/poster
    • Participants from junior faculty labs are encouraged to apply, but this is not required.
  • Awards are on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Applications must be received 3 months prior to the start of the conference.

Applications open on September 1, 2026, and close on October 1, 2026. 

Apply Here