2026 Call for Proposals MSA Strategic Initiatives Program
Program Summary
Funding is available to support bold and innovative new programs that advance the mission statement and goals of MSA. Applications are solicited for proposed programs that will increase knowledge or disseminate knowledge in the science and practice of microscopy, imaging, and compositional analysis as well as instrumentation related to these activities. Funding is not intended to continue existing established programs. Expansion of existing MSA programs is acceptable only if the proposal represents a major and bold new direction within the program. Priority, however, will be given to new initiatives, and to proposals that address one or more of the areas of emphasis designated by council (listed below).
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Mission
The Microscopy Society of America (MSA) is a collaborative community dedicated to fostering research, innovation, advancement, and promotion of microscopy.
Vision
The Microscopy Society of America enables the discoveries that positively impact the course of humanity.
Areas of Emphasis - 2026
These areas are defined loosely and should not be viewed as limiting.
- Novel initiatives that promote student involvement in microscopy.
- MSA-branded dissemination of information regarding new advances in microscopy, microanalysis, and image analysis.
- Enhancement of member benefits leading to retention of members.
- Leadership training/mentorship to provide future leaders for MSA and the field of microscopy.
- Initiating or enhancing academic, governmental, and industrial partnerships (excluding microscopy vendors and vendors of microscopy-related products) in microscopy application and development.
- Collection, preservation, and dissemination of microscopy-related information (technical procedures, basic theories, scientific backgrounds, MSA archived material, etc.).
Eligibility
The primary applicant must be a current member of MSA.
Anticipated Number of Awards
Three to four applications are expected to be funded.
Funding Levels
The suggested funding level is up to $15,000 USD for a one year project or $20,000 USD in total spread over two years. Significantly higher funding may be awarded for exceptional projects with major benefits to the Society and its membership. A detailed budget justifying the requested amount is required as part of the application.
MSA is a non-profit scientific society driven by volunteers, and salary support in budgets meant to replace volunteer effort is discouraged.
Application Due Date
5:00 PM Eastern Time on November 1, 2025.
Use the submission form below to submit your application.
Award Initiation Date
Funding will begin in Spring 2026.
Application Process
The application should list the person(s) leading the initiative, individuals involved in the initiative, a short title, and an executive summary. This will be followed by a narrative detailing the proposed activity no more than three pages in length. A detailed description of the application requirements and formatting requirements are provided below. We reserve the right to reject applications that do not conform to the format restrictions.
Funding will generally be for one year. However, particularly innovative proposals that require two years will be considered. The budget for a two-year application must clearly state the amount requested for each of the two years. Continuation of a two-year initiative beyond the first year will be dependent upon suitable progress in the first year. Thus, a two-year application must include specific substantive goals that can be attainable in the first year.
Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by members of the Strategic Initiatives Committee. Each committee member will independently review every application (unless they have a conflict of interest) and will score the application on the review criteria below with relative weights:
- Alignment of the proposal with the areas of emphasis outlined above (30%)
- Importance to MSA's mission and vision (30%)
- Innovativeness of the proposal (30%)
- Feasibility of success in a one (or two) year time frame and expectation of continued funding beyond the SI time frame (if applicable). (10%)
Each application must include specific achievable goals and how outcomes relative to the goals will be measured to determine success.
Bold proposals with potentially high impact yet some degree of risk will be favored over proposals of low impact but certainty of success.
The scores and analysis of each proposal will be provided to the full MSA Council for a final decision on which project(s) will be awarded funding. Applicants will be notified whether their proposal will be funded shortly after the 2026 Winter Council Meeting.
Questions about the MSA Strategic Initiatives program should be addressed to the Strategic Initiatives Review Committee Chair: assocationmanagement@microscopy.org.
Application Instructions
All of the following components must be included in the application. We reserve the right to reject incomplete proposals or those that do not follow the format guidelines below.
Application Requirements
The application should consist of the following:
- a cover page,
- a narrative no longer than three pages,
- a budget justification no longer than two pages,
- and a completed budget proposal spreadsheet.
Refer to the Application Resources section below to take advantage of our official proposal guidelines and required budget proposal spreadsheet template.
Application Submission
You must use the submission form linked above.
Applications must be received by the MSA Association Management Office by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on November 1, 2025. Partial applications will not be accepted or reviewed.
Application Resources
Please find the download links for relevant documents or templates required for applications below.