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Research grants increased to $100,000. Submit your application today.

A $50,000 increase for 2025!

NLGI Research Grants Program

Welcome, Researchers!

 

Now Accepting Applications for 2025.

 

Founded in 1933, the non-profit NLGI has long supported the global lubricating grease industry with a variety of programs: annual meetings, technical publications, reference books, standards and manuals, education courses, professional and product certifications, and more. With that history in mind, the Institute has established a grants program to fund original scientific research into any aspect of lubricating grease technology. The Institute is committed to an open and fair process for soliciting, evaluating and awarding the yearly grants, as outlined below. We invite and encourage your participation.

 

Complete the 3 Steps below to Apply:

Step 1: Download 2025 Research Grants Application Form
Step 2: Download and Complete the Academic Institution Letter
Step 3: Download and Complete the Memorandum of Understanding

Submit all three forms to [email protected] by February 10, 2025.

See more about research expectations and timelines below.

Dollars Awarded Since 2017

Past Recipients

Practical Insights into the Nature of Grease Degradation and Estimation of Remaining Useful Life
2024- Louisiana State University

Electrically Conductive Nanoparticle Additives for Greases Used in Electric Vehicles and Other Applications
2023- Auburn University

Pyrylium- and Pyridinum-Based Ionic Liquids as Friction Modifiers for Grease
2022 – University of California – Merced

Electrically Conductive Nanoparticle Additives for Greases Used in Electric Vehicles and Other Applications
2021 – Auburn University

Strategies for Optimizing Greases to Mitigate Fretting Wear in Rolling Bearings
2020 – The University of Akron

Grease Lubrication of New Materials for Bearing in EV Motors
2019 – University of California – Merced

Strategies for Optimizing Greases to Mitigate Fretting Wear
2018 – The University of Akron

Determination of Grease Life in Bearings via Entropy
2017 – Louisiana State University

About the Research

Types of Research to be considered include fundamental grease chemistry; thickener systems; improved test methods; advances in processing technologies; and sustainability of grease production, materials or use. Pre-competitive research of interest to the wider grease community will be favored, and Researchers and NLGI Members are invited to bring desired research topics to the attention of the Research Grant Review Committee.

Main Criteria on which proposals will be judged:

  1. The research must be related to lubricating greases.
  2. The research should contribute to the scientific understanding of grease in a unique and novel way.
  3. The research should be of impactful benefit to industry.

 

Conditions for Receiving a Grant and NLGI ‘s Expectations

Researcher Qualifications:

  • Any University or Nonprofit Research Institute worldwide may apply
  • The research should be post-graduate level (master’s or doctoral) work
  • Applicants should download and complete the Research Grant Form, University Letter and Memorandum of Understanding. Submit them to NLGI Headquarters, along with the lead researcher’s qualifications and references, a summary of the research work proposed and how it meets NLGI’s Main Criteria for research grants and who will conduct it. In five to 10 pages, this summary should detail how the researcher plans to complete the proposed work. It should include a brief, clear description and timeline of required tasks, the budget for researcher support, equipment and consumables and the research tools and in-kind contributions that the applicant may have available to successfully support his or her work. Also list any previous publications that support the proposed project and its feasibility
  • Only one application per lead researcher or group will be considered each year
  • NLGI being a non-profit technical institute, not more than 10 percent of the overall grant may be used by the selected institution for indirect, overhead and/or administrative costs
NLGI Expectations:
  • NLGI will appoint a liaison as principal contact to work with the researcher and facilitate communication
  • Regular progress reports (one-page) should be submitted to NLGI Headquarters within 30 days of each Milestone contained in the MOU Appendix
  • A Final Research Report is due not more than six (6) months after completion of the contracted research, including all findings, both successes and failures. Final Reports are to be made available to the membership on NLGI’s website
  • If a Master’s or PhD. thesis is written, an electronic copy of the final thesis should be provided to NLGI Headquarters and made available to the NLGI Membership.
  • Any publications that result from this grant should name NLGI and its support in the publication’s acknowledgement section
  • It is expected that the research findings will be presented the next NLGI Annual Meeting following the conclusion of the research. At its discretion, NLGI’s Board may consider granting a separate travel stipend to assist the researcher to attend the NLGI Annual Meeting to present his or her findings
  • Intellectual property developed under the grant is to be freely available to the public at no cost in order to expand the understanding of lubricating grease technology

Questions? Contact NLGI at 816-524-2500 or [email protected]

 

Schedule for Applications and Awards
1

Completed PDF Applications will be accepted via email at [email protected]

Deadline Friday, February 10th, 2025

2

The Research Grant Review Committee will make its recommendation to the NLGI Board of Directors meeting in March.

3

Recipient of the Grant will be notified shortly thereafter, and pre-Milestone 1 funds disbursed by agreed upon schedule.

Mission

Our Mission

It is the Mission of NLGI to provide resources relevant to the needs of the global grease community.

Vision

Our Vision

NLGI’s Vision is to be recognized as the premier source of support to consumers, researchers, manufacturers, suppliers, marketers and other key stakeholders of the worldwide lubricating grease industry.

Have more questions?

Fill out the form below and we will get back to you!

Research Grants Question Form
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