How did the Grand Challenges for Human Flourishing work?

Templeton World Charity Foundation supports scientific research through discrete grants to institutions for specific projects. We fund research in many academic disciplines and select partners and applicants through a variety of methods. We planned to use this RFI to find new topics of interest. We filtered idea submissions and sent them out for external expert review. In some cases, we liaised with respondents to improve and refine the ideas. Upon completion of the idea-development stage, we may use some of these topics as the basis for future grantmaking.

September 2020 – February 2021

March 2021 – December 2024

What kind of ideas were we looking for?

We were looking for ideas that can lead to new multi-grant research portfolios on human flourishing. We were particularly interested in ideas for interdisciplinary scientific research towards discoveries that can promote physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. We welcomed ideas that bridge gaps between empirical science and the humanities. Such ideas may include (but are not limited to): 

• Experimental testing of philosophically grounded models of human flourishing;
• Research on biological complexity in humans, including genetics, epigenetics, and microbiome research;
• Investigation of key psychological, neuroscientific, or human developmental concepts, such as (but not limited to) altruism, creativity, imagination, narrative, and meta-cognition;
• Research on cognitive, affective, or social capacities of individuals or groups;
• Studies of human biological or cultural evolution.

We were not able to support traditional research ideas that would normally be considered by major funding organizations. Although such projects are vital, we planned to focus on innovations that have been neglected or overlooked. Where traditional research ideas are presented, we expected contributors to provide a suitable justification. Ideas that were not likely to be eligible included:

• Diagnostic, preventative, or therapeutic discovery in medicine;
• Behavioral intervention development in psychiatry;
• Basic research primarily on neurological conditions, infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, or cancer;
• Research primarily on mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression;
• Research on climate change or related relief efforts;
• Scaling up interventions that have already been established;
• Biomedical research related to COVID-19.

Key Selection Criteria

The Foundation considered the following criteria during the review process.

• Does the idea fit with the strategic goals of the Foundation?
• What is the potential for new scientific discovery?
• Is the idea clearly articulated?
• Is the idea based on a sound conceptual framework? 
• Is the idea supported by rigorous methodologies?
• Is the timeline realistic?
• Is the budget reasonable?

 

What opportunities were available?

Although funding is not guaranteed, if we choose to pursue your idea, you may be eligible for some of the following:

• Applying for one of the grant opportunities based on your idea;
• Serving as an advisor to Templeton World Charity Foundation to help us support funding in this area;
• Serving as a champion/talent scout to find other people in the area whom we can support;
• Being invited to have your idea published in a sponsored edition of a top journal or Foundation media outlet.

The RFI is now closed and we are no longer accepting submissions.