Mary Beth Ruskai Research Fund for Women

The Mary Beth Ruskai Research Fund for Women is an initiative of The EDGE Foundation, launched through a bequest from the estate of Mary Beth Ruskai, a renowned mathematical physicist. The EDGE Foundation—Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education—established this fund to continue Ruskai’s legacy of interdisciplinary scholarship and advocacy for women in science. Each year, the fund awards two grants of $5,000 each for a 12-month period, supporting women in mathematical sciences by enabling research activities such as travel, collaboration, and workshop participation. The program honors Ruskai’s significant contributions to quantum information theory and her commitment to promoting gender equity in STEM. The purpose of the fund is to facilitate the research advancement of women, particularly those who are not well-established in their careers or are conducting research outside of major research institutions. The grant supports a wide array of research-related expenses, including travel for collaborations, attendance at academic conferences, or engagement in workshops that provide rich opportunities for intellectual interaction. However, the grant explicitly does not cover teaching buyouts or salary supplements. Funds can be disbursed directly to the grantee (taxable), reimbursed by the EDGE Foundation (non-taxable), or managed through the grantee’s affiliated institution. Eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive and supportive of diverse research trajectories. Applicants must be women based in the United States who are working in the mathematical sciences or in related fields such as theoretical physics, engineering, computer science, and quantum information theory. A formal degree in mathematics or academic institutional affiliation is not required. However, current graduate students are ineligible, and prior recipients of the Ruskai Fund within the past five years may not reapply. Preference is given to applicants without institutional access to research or travel funds. The program especially encourages applications from underrepresented groups and those not employed at major research universities. To apply, candidates must submit materials through the mathprograms.org portal. Required documents include a 1–2 page rationale for funding needs (detailing any travel or conference plans), a 2-page research description (excluding citations), a curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages), a 1-page budget outline, and details of any current or pending funding support. The application deadline is April 10, 2026. Evaluation will focus on the proposed research’s impact and the alignment with the fund’s mission to support women in mathematical sciences. The program requires grantees to submit a final narrative report within 60 days of the conclusion of the one-year grant period, detailing how the funds were used and the outcomes of their supported activities. This ensures accountability and helps the EDGE Foundation measure the effectiveness of the support provided. Reports are to be sent via email to [email protected]. The Ruskai Research Fund reflects Mary Beth Ruskai’s lifelong commitment to fostering opportunities for women in mathematical and physical sciences. With a distinguished career spanning several academic and research institutions—including the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Tufts University, and the Institute for Quantum Computing in Canada—Ruskai was both a scientific pioneer and a tireless advocate for gender equity. Her foundational work in quantum entropy and her leadership in organizing interdisciplinary conferences have left a lasting legacy in the field. Through this fund, her impact continues to support future generations of women researchers.