The Stanford Shenoy-Simons Foundation Grant for Neuroengineering Graduate Training

Introduction and Goals 

Funded by the Simons Foundation, the Electrical Engineering department and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, the internal Stanford Shenoy-Simons Foundation Grant seeks to support innovative proposals that allow Stanford PhD candidates (during their 2nd - 4th year) to explore and expand into new directions. We encourage developing new collaborations, skill development, and exploration of new ideas and approaches within neuroengineering both within and outside of Stanford.

Program Goals 

The internal Stanford Shenoy-Simons Foundation Grant Program goals are designed to support projects that explore novel neuroengineering ideas that could potentially lead to significant advancements in the field.

Awards

The internal Stanford Shenoy-Simons Foundation Grant Program anticipates it will award two or more grants annually, with an approximate budget of $4,000 per project, though we may consider higher budgets on a case-by-case basis. Funds may support proposals along the lines of, but are not limited to: travel/accommodations to learn new techniques at another lab or workshop, or conference attendance.

Review Process 

Decisions will be made by a committee of faculty with research expertise in neuroengineering. The committee may consult external experts informally, as appropriate, and compatible with the confidentiality of the proposals and the need for quick decisions.

Application Materials 

•  ❏  A brief description of the request & the topic to be pursued (2 pages max) in PDF format.
• ❏  SUNet ID
• ❏  CV: up-to-date
• ❏  Current Stanford graduate transcript (unofficial is fine) and undergraduate transcript
• ❏  Active, up-to-date, and public Stanford Profile that includes a photo, biography and publications.
• ❏  Signed supporting letter from research advisor or academic advisor
• ❏  A budget with itemized costs (maximum = $4,000, although a higher budget may be requested).

Scope

• New perspectives on fundamental research into neuroengineering.
• Development of new approaches in neuroengineering.
• Theory/experiment collaborative efforts that connect advances in neuroengineering.
• Proposals and demonstrations of real-world neuroengineering technologies.

Out of Scope: A source of funding for the continuation of existing research programs (unless it’s to learn new techniques).

Selection Criteria

• Creative – Proposal idea transcends the current paradigms, both fundamental & technical.
• Impactful – Anticipated results may catalyze new studies and/or transform research directions.
• Viable – Project plan is feasible for a 1-year timeline.
• Collaborative – Project plan clearly describes how the collaboration will be conducted (e.g. project roles, mentoring, assessment of progress and deliverables).