The Mary Beth Ruskai Research Fund for Women is a grant initiative administered by The EDGE Foundation to support women in the mathematical sciences. Established through a generous bequest from the estate of Dr. Mary Beth Ruskai, this program provides two grants of $5,000 each annually for a 12-month period. The grant aims to advance the research careers of women by funding travel, collaboration, and other research-related activities that align with Ruskai’s dedication to interdisciplinary work and gender equity in science.
Eligible applicants must be women based in the United States who are engaged in mathematical sciences. This includes women conducting mathematical work in interdisciplinary areas such as theoretical physics, computer science, engineering, physical chemistry, or quantum information theory. Neither a formal mathematics degree nor academic affiliation is required. Preference is given to women who are not well-established in their field or are working outside of major research universities, especially those lacking access to institutional travel or research funds. Past recipients within the last five years are not eligible. The fund especially encourages applications from women from underrepresented groups in the mathematical sciences.
Funding from the grant may be used for travel to conferences, participation in workshops, or research collaboration—activities that can enhance research output and networking. However, the funds may not be used for teaching buyouts or salary supplements. The funds may be disbursed as direct taxable payments to the recipient, reimbursements for eligible expenses, or administered through the grantee’s institution.
Applicants must submit a rationale for their funding request (1–2 pages), a research description (up to 2 pages excluding citations), a curriculum vitae (up to 2 pages), a budget outline (1 page), and a statement of current and pending funding. All applications must be submitted via the online platform mathprograms.org. The deadline for submission is April 15, 2025.
Recipients are required to submit a narrative report summarizing outcomes and detailing expenditures within 60 days after the end of the grant period. Reports should be submitted via email to edgestaff@edgeforwomen.org.
The EDGE Foundation, which runs the program, is committed to enhancing diversity in graduate education and fostering support for women in the mathematical sciences. The Ruskai Fund reflects Mary Beth Ruskai’s enduring legacy as a mathematical physicist and advocate for gender equity in STEM.
