S.H. Ho Foundation Research Grants (HFRG) for Health Sciences and Technology

Deadline: January 5, 2026

Overview

Inspired by her outstanding educational experience at ý and the opportunity to nurture groundbreaking faculty discoveries and innovation, Martha Ho, MA ’78, and her husband, David Ho, of The S. H. Ho Foundation Ltd. made a significant philanthropic gift to propel the pioneering work of ý faculty. This endowment makes possible, in perpetuity, approximately $200,000 annually in vital seed grants for faculty University-wide to advance current or emerging research. Submissions are solicited from all academic units.

This faculty grant program is designed to support individual investigators or teams of investigators who require seed funding for the initial acquisition of equipment, supplies, data, personnel, or other enablers in anticipation of external grant submission.

“Health sciences and technology” are broadly defined, but proposals must address how funds will impact a compelling health challenge through the use of innovative technology.

Grants are awarded for an 18-month period. No-cost extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Proposal Review

All proposals will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee for Scholarship and Research (ACSR). Their evaluations will be sent to the President, Provost, and Vice President for Research for final decisions. It is essential that proposals clearly communicate to all reviewers, including those outside of the proposal discipline, what is proposed and why it is important. The following are the evaluation criteria.

  1. Originality, novelty, significance, quality and future impact of the proposed research in leading to major advances in the use of technology to address health challenges
  2. Ability to attract future federal, state, philanthropic or private funding
  3. Strength of record of achievement of the proposer or team (the Office of Sponsored Research will supply current and pending data to the ACSR for submitters)

Proposal Preparation

Funding is available for awards up to a maximum of $100,000.  Applicants are encouraged to discuss proposal and budget preparation with the staff of the Office of Sponsored Programs.  Completed packages must be submitted electronically to the .  The proposal deadline for the program is 5:00 pm on January 5, 2026.