CRS Research Grants
For more than half a century, the Creation Research Society (CRS) has been a leader in supporting and publishing creation research. While we have our own research projects (iDINO and eKINDS), a key component of advancing the creation model is offering research grants to members of the society.
History and Purpose
As scientists who hold to the authority of Scripture, God has given us an innate desire to investigate the world and figure out how it functions. Our love for science and for God's Word enables us to uniquely contribute to the formulation and support of the creation/flood model in various fields of science. One reason that CRS exists is to foster research that encourages our members to fulfill their desires as scientists. Conducting and publishing the results of creation research not only provides support for the creation model but does so in a way that supports apologetics and encourages further studies.
Projects that support creation-focused research are not afforded the same funding opportunities as secular scientists have. CRS has been a leader in raising money and funding creation-based research projects. Grants cover a variety of topics from life sciences to geology to astronomy. Examples are seen in this synopsis of previous grants:
Astronomical Sciences: Research grants supported Dr. Ron Samec's investigation of binary stars. Numerous students were involved in making observations and were co-authors on several of the papers. Not only was valuable scientific data added to our knowledge of binaries (which comprise 50% of all known stars), but the work also clarified why the observations contradict the long ages of the standard paradigm and how the observations can be understood in a biblical model.
Life Sciences: A CRS grant was awarded to Dr. Joe DeWeese for research on topoisomerase, an amazingly complex molecule that untangles DNA and shows the care of our Creator. Another CRS grant supported the high-altitude adaptation research of Dr. Jean Lightner. It demonstrated that God did not leave adaptation to chance and spawned the eKINDS research initiative.
Earth Sciences: A research grant was awarded to Peter Klevberg and Michael Oard to determine the amount of erosion around the Great Falls area of Montana based on thin-section characteristics of sandstone samples at or near the surface. This provides an example of the enormous erosion that occurred on the continents as they rose out of the Floodwater in the Recessive Stage of the Flood.
Who can apply, and how much money is available?
Research grants are available to CRS members for research that contributes to the creation/flood model. Students may apply if they have a CRS member with a graduate degree mentoring them on the project.
CRS research grants are awarded for $5,000 or less. The funding covers various expenses for items such as equipment or supplies, travel to a study site, and (if needed) a modest salary. Please note that any equipment or resources purchased with CRS funds become (at the discretion of CRS) the property of CRS. The Researcher may request travel money for the CRS Conference as part of the grant proposal (see section below). Requests for funding in excess $5,000 may be considered in extraordinary circumstances.
Types of Projects funded
CRS will fund research in a variety of fields that advance our understanding from a biblical perspective. Such fields can include Astronomical Sciences, Bible/Theology, Physical and Earth Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences
Travel funds to present research
The following constraints limit the travel funds:
- To qualify, the research must be presented at a CRS conference while the grant is active or within 12 months of completion of the grant. Requests for reimbursement must be submitted within 8 months following the CRS conference in which the presentation was made.
- The expenses are reimbursed after travel with the submission of appropriate receipts.
- The researchers must present research funded by the grant to receive the reimbursement.
- The amount reimbursed is a maximum of $1000 per CRS conference, even if results from more than one grant are presented.
- The conference registration fee receipt may be submitted as part of the travel expenses to be reimbursed.
Process for applying: Grant proposals will normally be accepted from January through March of the calendar year. (The funding opportunity presented at this year's ICC is an exception.) Proposals will be reviewed by committee and awarded in May. Contracts will be sent for signature by June 1st for funded proposals, and expenses (other than salary) will be reimbursed as they occur. Any salary funding will be paid upon final deliverable or when the final milestone is met.
Questions can be sent to the Research Committee Chair at Researchchair@creationresearch.org.
To apply for a grant:
- Download the grant proposal form and follow the instructions. The proposals should be clear on how the proposed research relates the biblical creation model. Submit the proposal before March 31st to Researchchair@creationresearch.org along with the other documents below.
- Include the resume/CV for each principal researcher. Note that the primary investigator must be an active CRS member. A detailed budget must be submitted using the linked form. The budget may include up to a total of $1000 for travel to the CRS conference to present the findings. See Travel Funds to Present Research .
What to expect after applying
The research committee will review the grant proposals after March 31st. If the proposal is accepted, a contract will be sent to be signed. A grant number will be assigned and information provided to ensure that the money goes for its intended purpose.
All further submission, updates and questions should be directed to Researchchair@creationresearch.org.
Giving to support creation research
You can donate online at https://www.creationresearch.org/donate/, or contact us at crsvarc@crsvarc.com, by phone at 928.636.1153, or by mail at:
CRS Van Andel Creation Research Center
1 W. Firestorm Way #145
Glendale, AZ 85306