Starting September 1, 2026, The Grass Foundation will open its application for the 2027 Grass Fellowship. Grass Fellows spend 14 weeks at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, conducting their own research in a richly supportive environment. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2026, with a one-week grace period to receive recommendation letters.

The Grass Trustees review the applications with a few key questions in mind: Is the proposed project something that can be accomplished in the 14-week timeframe? Does the research make the most of the unique resources offered by the MBL? Is the proposal innovative and interesting? Does the research leverage the applicant’s expertise and contribute to their growth as a scientist?

The Grass Trustees also take into consideration the overall budget of the project. The Fellowship provides a $5,000 research budget for Fellows to purchase laboratory animals, specialized reagents, small equipment, and other supplies, as well as pay for Central Microscopy Facility fees, sequencing costs, and other services. Major equipment is provided with loans, or otherwise provided for the Fellows.

Some Fellows may have near-zero costs for laboratory animals, for instance, if they plan to collect them nearby. But Fellows who want to work with cephalopods will need to take into account that specimens may cost hundreds of dollars for each individual.

If you have other questions, please reach out to applications@grassfoundation.org, and we will do our best to assist you.

We look forward to reading your exciting proposals for the 2027 Grass Fellowship.