Hamilton Research Support Grant

The Hamilton Research Support Grant is a private funding initiative administered by Hamilton Company, a global provider of laboratory automation and precision instrumentation solutions. The program reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing scientific discovery by equipping research laboratories with essential tools. It was expanded to address the growing challenges faced by research institutions experiencing funding reductions, enabling them to sustain critical scientific work without compromising operational capacity due to budget limitations. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide in-kind support through the provision of benchtop laboratory instruments to qualified research laboratories. Rather than offering direct financial awards, the program delivers equipment that supports workflows such as sample preparation, nucleic acid clean-up, liquid handling, and laboratory automation. Eligible instruments include semi-automated and automated benchtop solutions such as the Microlab Prep, Microlab PuriFY, Microlab 600, MagHeat, and LabElite systems. These tools are intended to improve efficiency, increase throughput, and help laboratories maintain productivity during periods of financial constraint. The scope of funding allows for awards valued at up to 150000 dollars per grant, with recipients able to request either individual instruments or bundled solutions depending on their research needs. While the awarded equipment itself is provided at no cost, recipients are responsible for associated expenses such as shipping, applicable taxes, and optional installation services. Each award also includes a one-year warranty and access to technical support, ensuring that recipients can effectively integrate and utilize the equipment within their research operations. Eligibility for the program is centered on research laboratories and scientists who have been impacted by recent funding cuts. Applicants must demonstrate both scientific merit and financial need as part of the evaluation process. The grant is available to applicants located in the United States and Canada, and applications are reviewed competitively. Hamilton evaluates submissions based on the strength of the proposed research and the extent to which funding loss has affected the applicant’s ability to continue their work. The application process is designed to be streamlined and accessible, requiring applicants to complete an online submission through Hamilton’s designated application portal. Submissions are accepted on a quarterly basis, with deadlines aligned to the final day of each quarter within the program period. For the current cycle, deadlines included December 31, 2025, March 31, 2026, and June 30, 2026. Applicants may submit multiple applications, provided each submission represents a distinct research need or scientific objective. Following submission, applications are reviewed, and up to two awards are granted per quarter. Award notifications are issued within approximately 30 days after each quarterly deadline. Recipients must agree to certain post-award requirements, including participation in at least one co-publication with Hamilton within six months of receiving the equipment. Additionally, recipients consent to the use of their name and institutional affiliation for promotional purposes related to the program. The program operated on a defined timeline from October 2025 through June 2026 and provided recurring quarterly opportunities within that period. Its structured cadence allowed applicants multiple chances to apply while ensuring timely distribution of resources. By combining equipment access, technical support, and streamlined administration, the Hamilton Research Support Grant aimed to sustain research continuity and innovation during a period of constrained funding for scientific institutions.

Focus on clearly demonstrating both the scientific value of the research and the specific financial impact of funding cuts, as both are key evaluation criteria.