Robert A. Welch Foundation
The Welch Foundation, based in Houston, Texas, is one of the United States' oldest and largest private funding sources for chemistry researchers. It is a non-profit organization named for Robert Alonzo Welch, an industrialist who provided the funds to set up the foundation, along with scholarships, endowments, and funding for chemical research. Since its founding in 1954, the organization has contributed to the advancement of chemistry through research grants, departmental programs, endowed chairs, visiting lectureships, scholarships, and other special projects at educational institutions in Texas. The foundation hosts an annual chemical research conference in Houston that attracts leading chemists.
Grants, scholarships, endowments, and awards
- The Welch Award in Chemistry, currently a $300,000 award; nominations are due February 1 each year[1]
- The Norman Hackerman award in chemical research, currently a $100,000 award, which recognizes the work of young researchers in Texas.[2]
- The Robert A. Welch TILF (Texas Interscholastic League Foundation) Scholarship for students who participated in the University Interscholastic League and who wish to pursue a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry. Currently $14,000[3] per student.
- Research Grants support fundamental chemical research at universities, colleges, or other educational institutions within the state of Texas.
- Departmental Grants support chemical research by members of the chemistry department faculty at educational institutions in Texas.
- Endowed Chairs provide a faculty position for an eminent scientist. To be considered for an endowed chair, a Texas education institution must have a Ph.D. program in chemistry.