I wanted to start a new thread regarding the possibility of the Immortality Institute providing funding MFURI. I apologize I have not made a stronger appearance during these deliberations, but the AMEX proposal write-up and the three students I am overseeing have taken up some considerable time.
The Official Request:
MFURI is asking the Immortality Institute to match the Methuselah Foundation's pledge of $2,000 in scholarship funds to support students who are working on MFURI projects (two $500 scholarships per semester).
Concern 1 - ImmInst does not want to support to students not directly working on SENS research
Proposed Solution: Scholarship applications go through a MF established review panel. Applications that survive the initial screening and are from students directly involved with SENS research will be sent to the Imminst administration for review. ImmInst approved projects will be posted in the "Members Only" section of this website and ImmInst members will be able to vote to determine which two students will receive the scholarships. This way, ImmInst funding will be sent exactly where desired, and members will have the opportunity to choose where their funding will go.
Concern 2 - The ImmInst is concerned about making a long term committment
Proposed Solution: The committment is $2,000 over the period of one year, with an optional yearly renewal. As such, the ImmInst can simply choose to discontinue funding MFURI is not advantageous enough (although I am very confident in the program).
Concern 3 - Should the ImmInst fund student scholarships or provide grant funding?
Proposed Solution: I believe the present need is for scholarship funding. If we have competative scholarships we can bring top students into the program and retain their interest. There have been concerns about the ImmInst not being able to provide enough grant funding for full science projects, and other concerns about being so heavily invested financially in MFURI. The simple answer is to fund $2,000 in scholarships for a single year and see how the program develops. If it yields quality student work, then further and continued investment is reasonable.
Concern 4 - Lack of MFURI Structure
Response: The MF board of directors is currently organizing a review panel for MF scholarships and grants. The organizational procedures of how this will be achieved have been outlined in detail, but have not been published to the existing MFURI website because it will soon be replaced by a new site.