Dean’s Discretionary Fund at the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences

The Dean’s Discretionary Fund fuels the Graduate School’s ability to respond quickly and strategically to the needs of Scripps Research graduate students and postdocs. Because it is a current-use fund, every gift is put to work immediately, supporting the people, programs, and opportunities that define a world-class scientific education.

At the Dean’s discretion, this fund advances the mission and strategic goals of the Graduate School by enabling:

• Student excellence and recognition — awards and academic prizes that highlight achievement and motivate the next generation of scientific leaders
• Research visibility and collaboration — travel and conference support that allows students to present their work, build networks, and bring new ideas back to Scripps Research
• A vibrant, inclusive student community — resources for student organizations, clubs, and activities that strengthen belonging and wellbeing
• Recruitment of top talent — initiatives that help Scripps Research attract exceptional graduate students and postdocs who will shape the future of science
• Career readiness and professional growth — programs that prepare students and postdocs for diverse scientific careers, from academia to industry to public service, while also supporting outreach initiatives that connect our trainees with broader communities and inspire the next generation of scientists
• Emerging needs and innovative pilot projects — flexible support that helps remove unexpected barriers and launch new efforts that enhance the student and postdoc experience

Every contribution to the Dean’s Discretionary Fund has an immediate and visible impact. It empowers the Graduate School to seize opportunities, remove barriers for students, and invest in the experiences that make a Scripps Research education transformative.