§ 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.