Awards
Grants are set at $300,000 for a three-year period with $100,000 payable in the first year and equal sums payable in the second and third years and are subject to the receipt of acceptable progress reports. Generally, fifteen new awards are granted annually and are activated on July 1 of the year of the competition. The awards are made to tax-exempt institutions described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are designated for the support of the research described in the application.
Award and Reporting Requirements
Searle Scholars are expected to attend the Annual Searle Scholars Meeting, normally held in Chicago in April. Scientific reports, which consist of an abstract and headshot, will be requested prior to the annual meeting.
The awarded institution shall submit an annual fiscal report each year of the award. These reports are requested in July and due in August. Final scientific and fiscal reports will be due within 60 days of termination of the award.
Use of Funds
Awards are made to institutions for the support of the research programs of the Scholars. Up to 25% of an individual’s calendar year salary may be charged to the grant, together with appropriate fringe benefits. Individuals on academic year appointments may charge 25% of the academic year salary and one month of summer salary (at the monthly rate for the academic year) when the academic year is ten months or two months when the academic year is nine months. However, in no case may the total salary plus benefits charged for the Scholar exceed $25,000 in one year. Scholars shall have the maximum discretion in the budgeting and re-budgeting of funds to meet their research needs. However, the following limitations will apply:
- Foreign travel requires prior approval of the Scientific Director of the Searle Scholars Program;
- Total annual expenditures for equipment which exceed the approved budget, submitted at the time of being awarded, by more than $3,000 require prior approval from the Scientific Director of the Searle Scholars Program;
- Funds provided under this grant may not be used to pay for costs associated with general facilities or administrative overhead, such as costs of providing space, utilities, library facilities, and administrative services
Change of Institution
If the Searle Scholar wishes to transfer the award to another institution, a formal request shall be directed to the Program. The request shall include a letter from the institution currently holding the grant indicating that it is aware of the request to relinquish the award and the estimated amount of funds, if any, to be returned to the Program for transfer. Transfers will only be permitted to institutions which are invited to submit proposals to the Searle Scholars Program.
Human Subjects, Animals, and Recombinant DNA
If the proposed research program involves humans as research subjects, the use of warm-blooded animals, or experiments involving recombinant DNA techniques, the Searle Scholar will be expected to comply with the current guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services concerning such matters.
Patents
If an invention is made, wholly or in part, with support received from the Searle Scholars Program, the Program shall be notified promptly, in writing. Disposition of patents shall be in accordance with the policies of the grantee institution. However, any net income from licensing and royalties shall be divided so that a proportionate amount (in keeping with the percentage of the Searle Scholars total research supported by the Searle Scholars Award), shall be set aside and used for the support of biomedical research at the institution. Should publications result from research so supported, the Searle Scholars Program shall be cited as providing financial assistance.
Acknowledgement of Support
Any publication arising from work supported by the Program should be acknowledged as having received funds from the “Searle Scholars Program.”
Nondiscrimination
It is the policy of the Searle Scholars Program to operate without discrimination as to age, race, religion, sex, disability or national origin in the employment or promotion of staff. This policy will be applied to the selection of the Searle Scholars as well.
Searle Scholars Program 