The Water Research Foundation is inviting applicants for its Paul L. Busch Award.
Donor Name: The Water Research Foundation
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes
Deadline: 06/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Paul L. Busch Award recognizes an individual for innovative research in the field of water quality and the water environment, with a special focus on those who show promise and make significant contributions in bridging research and its practical application.
Funding Information
The Award carries with it a $100,000 grant, allowing recipients to continue their work, take risks, and explore new directions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Individuals are eligible to receive the Paul L. Busch Award. Applicants may self-nominate or have their work submitted by a nominator. The means of nomination will not be a factor in the selection process.
- There are no restrictions based on race, gender, citizenship, or nationality. The awardee shall perform work in conjunction with a U.S.-based firm, university, or organization.
- WRF employees, Board members, Research Advisory Council members, Tailored Collaboration Review Committee members, Paul L. Busch Award Selection and Steering Committee members, and members of their immediate families are not eligible to apply or be nominated.
Selection Criteria
The Paul L. Busch Award Selection Committee will judge nominations on the basis of innovation, creativity, feasibility, and the potential benefits to the water environment. The Paul L. Busch Award will be given to further a scientist’s or engineer’s body of applied research that demonstrates the following:
- Innovative idea.
- Practical potential for improving the water environment.
Specific criteria used to evaluate the submitted proposals and to select the award recipient are as follows:
- Innovation: The proposed research is highly innovative and addresses either an original concept or identifies technology that can be adapted and transferred from another field.
- Scientific/Engineering Merit: Goals are well-defined, and the proposed research appears to be technically sound and scientifically defensible.
- Benefits: The proposed research is likely to result in an innovation and a practical application that will ultimately improve water quality or dramatically enhance the methods and processes employed by water quality professionals to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Feasibility: The researcher has demonstrated capability and is likely to meet the stated goals for the proposed research.
- New Thinking: The proposed research and the researcher convey new thinking on problem solving. Because the proposed research or research direction represents new concepts, it may be unlikely that traditional funding sources would be available.
For more information, visit The Water Research Foundation.
