Portland, Maine — The MEMIC Safety Research Center is now accepting proposals for its 2026 Workplace Safety and Health Research Grant Program, offering one grantof up to $30,000 to researchers at U.S. higher education institutions. Now entering its fourth year, the program supports academic research focused on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses across all industries. Proposal submissions are due by March 1, 2026.

Each funded project must aim to generate actionable insights that improve safety outcomes for America’s workforce. MEMIC is calling on researchers to submit bold, innovative ideas that address real-world risks in today’s dynamic labor environment.

“Safety is the foundation of a strong workplace, and research strengthens that foundation year after year. By supporting academic partners who are exploring new ways to reduce risk, we are helping advance solutions that will create safer, healthier work environments across the country,” said Michael Bourque, MEMIC President & CEO.

Fueling Innovation in Workforce Safety

Previous grant recipients have tackled pressing safety challenges with cutting-edge solutions. In 2025, a team from the University of Cincinnati received a $30,000 grant for a pioneering study aimed at improving ergonomic conditions for long-term healthcare workers.

Reflecting on last year’s recipients, MEMIC Vice President of Loss Control and Safety Services Maryann Hoff said, “We look forward to this year’s proposals and innovative applications of research findings. By working closely with policyholders over the past 30 years, MEMIC’s safety experts have reduced the probability of occupational injuries and illnesses by directly observing, collecting, and analyzing data to identify the root causes of injuries and provide practical preventive solutions.”

The MEMIC Safety Research Center was established to fund evidence-based strategies that reduce injuries and improve outcomes for both employers and their workforce. As workplace environments continue to change, MEMIC remains committed to leading with research, innovation, and partnerships that elevate safety standards nationwide.

Grant Overview

• Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

• Award Notification: April 2026

• Public Announcement of Awardee: June 2026

• Grant Amount: Up to $30,000

• Project Duration: Up to two years

• Eligibility: Researchers affiliated with accredited U.S. colleges and universities

All funded projects must result in peer-reviewed publication and include semi-annual progress reporting.

Researchers can access the full RFP and submit their proposals via MEMIC’s grant submission portal at memic.com/research.

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About The MEMIC Group

The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC Indemnity Company, MEMIC Casualty Company, and its parent company, Maine Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company. All companies are rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.

MEMIC is licensed to write workers’ compensation coverage across all 50 states. We partner with more than 22,000 employers and support approximately 1 million of their employees through proactive safety services and compassionate injury management. Our teams are committed to helping workplaces thrive, from Maine to Florida and beyond.

In January 2026, The MEMIC Group acquired The Dakota Group® including Risk Administration Services Inc. Go to the full press release to learn more.

For more information, visit www.memic.com.