N.Y. Executive Law § 209-s: James D

§ 209-s. James D. Watson investigator program. 1. The James D. Watson

investigator program is hereby created to recognize outstanding early

career scientists who demonstrate the potential for leadership at the

frontiers of knowledge in the life sciences and demonstrate an

entrepreneurial spirit to help foster economic development in New York

state into the future.

2. This program shall be administered by the executive director. Funds

shall be awarded to the institution at which the investigator is

employed on behalf of the recipient.

3. Within available funds, each award granted under the James D.

Watson investigator program shall equal two hundred thousand dollars

over a two year period. Selection of such awards shall be made pursuant

to an application process to be conducted no more than once annually.

Eligible recipients of such awards shall include researchers at

academic, public, or not-for-profit private research institutions

located within New York state. Such awards shall be provided for the

purpose of supporting the research activities of such researcher not

otherwise supported by the research institution. Such awards may be used

for the salaries of such investigators, the salaries of support research

personnel and for the purchase of equipment used directly in the pursuit

of research not otherwise provided by the research program at such

institution.

4. Eligible applicants for grants issued under this program shall be

full-time staff members who are United States citizens or legal

permanent residents, have been awarded their doctoral degrees, and have

less than five years of post-doctoral experience, and are conducting

research in the life sciences or in enabling sciences as defined in this

article. All applicants must demonstrate expertise in the life sciences

or in the enabling science discipline as stated in their application.

Preference shall be given to researchers who demonstrate a willingness

and ability to develop their research into economic development

opportunities in New York state.

5. No academic, public, or not-for-profit private research institution

shall receive more than one award per year. No more than three-fifths of

available awards in any year shall be granted to employees of public,

not-for-profit, private or academic research institutions within the

metropolitan commuter transportation district.