Q : What are the main activities of the PolyPops Development Foundation?
A : The Foundation confers two Awards annually: (i) the PolyPops Award for Best Paper or Poster at approved scientific meetings and (ii) the PolyPops Innovation Award for Innovative Design and/or Application of Microplates. The first award is US$1,500 while the second award has been set at US$5,000 for 2002. In special cases, the Foundation also confers Grants to fund the production of prototype designs.

Q : Who is eligible to apply for the Awards and Grants given out by the Foundation?
A : Awards are conferred by the PolyPops Development Foundation to biologists, chemists, designers and engineers worldwide in recognition of innovation in microplates. Preference is given to academia and government researchers who have limited funding and not enough recognition. The Grants conferred by the Foundation are discretionary are made in special circumstances to deserving individuals who are unable to fund the production of a prototype to prove their design.

Q : How do I apply for an Award or Grant from the Foundation?
A : Applications may be made at anytime during the year by writing to editor@microplate.org or by writing to the Foundation at either of the addresses shown on the Contact us page of this site. Awards are conferred in spring and autumn every year. There is no fixed schedule for the disbursement of grants, and applications are considered as and when they are received by the Foundation.

Q : What information should I include with my application?
A : Briefly describe your idea or design without disclosing confidential information. Also include details of your monetary and technical needs in the application. Please note however that designs / inventions for which you are seeking assistance should be your own and should not have been made while working for your employer or a release from your employer. If however, your employer confirms to the Foundation that it does not wish to exploit your idea, the Foundation will assist you if it can or it may refer you to some other party who may be interested in funding you.

Q : Does the PolyPops Development Foundation provide assistance other than by way of Awards and Grants?
A : The Foundation supports the Young Designer Award, presented biannually by the UK based Institute of Materials. In addition, the Foundation has access to individual "angel investors" and venture capital firms. In the event an applicant wishes to access these people, the Foundation will provide introduction at no cost to the inventor or the investor.