This Plant Biology microgrant program seeks to empower early-stage research projects that offer new insights into plant physiology, genetics, ecology, adaptation, and more. We're interested in supporting a wide range of projects, from understanding how plants respond to environmental stress to exploring innovative cultivation techniques, genetic studies, or even novel uses of plants in technology and medicine.

We encourage proposals that:

• Present a unique research question or approach within plant biology.
• Demonstrate clear potential for scientific advancement or practical application.
• Can benefit from quick, catalytic funding to get started or to achieve a specific research milestone.
• Directly increase access to open-source, high-quality educational materials for students, particularly in the “global south,” to inspire and empower the next generation of plant biologists in a meaningful and impactful way.
• Drastically reduce the barrier to entry for plant biology research through the design and construction of open-source tools, with a focus on globally accessible materials and methods.

Applications from academic researchers, independent scientists, citizen scientists, and small research teams are all welcome. We particularly encourage cross-disciplinary projects that bring new perspectives to plant biology.