The Welch Foundation has announced more than $31 million in funding for 2026 to support chemical research, laboratory equipment, and postdoctoral fellowships across Texas institutions.
The funding package includes $29.8 million in research grants distributed over three years through 85 grants at 17 institutions. The grants support faculty-led research projects in chemistry and related fields, including studies on skin microbiology, air-water interface chemistry, and advanced polymer characterization.
In addition, the Foundation awarded $975,000 in equipment grants to 13 institutions, helping universities upgrade critical laboratory infrastructure and expand research capabilities. Universities contributed matching funds totaling more than $194,000.
The Foundation also selected three recipients under its Postdoctoral Fellows of the Life Sciences Research Foundation Program. The fellows, based at Rice University and The University of Texas at Austin, will each receive $315,000 over three years to support the development of their research careers.
Since its establishment in 1954, The Welch Foundation has contributed nearly $1.2 billion to chemistry-related research, education, and scientific advancement across Texas.
