IDS Team Seed Grants

The Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS) awards research grants to teams of faculty and students working together across disciplines, including the social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, computer sciences, and humanities on research topics that have an equity focus. IDS aims to spark new multidisciplinary research by providing preliminary funding that teams will leverage to seek larger external grants. Funded teams each receive up to $15,000 for 18-month projects.

five seedlings in a row

2025 Grants

This year's deadline is February 7, 2025. For more information and to apply, please see links at right.

Any questions, please contact:

Liz Smith, Associate Director: liz.smith@umass.edu

We welcome consultations before proposal submissions.

Request for Proposals Request for Proposals Application Form Application Form
27
Research Teams Forged
$264,459
Seed Funds Awarded
78
Students Mentored

Recently Funded Teams

Juggling Jobs and Parenthood: Measuring the Impact of Work Conditions on Black Mothers’ Health
a woman working at a desk

Juggling Jobs and Parenthood: Measuring the Impact of Work Conditions on Black Mothers’ Health

The EPA Has a New Policy for Water Pollution. How Can We Ensure It Is a Solution Rather Than a Setback for Marginalized Communities?
sewage pipe emptying into river

The EPA Has a New Policy for Water Pollution. How Can We Ensure It Is a Solution Rather Than a Setback for Marginalized Communities?

Breaking Cancer's Shield: A Revolutionary Approach to Unlocking Drug Resistance
a hospital hallway

Breaking Cancer's Shield: A Revolutionary Approach to Unlocking Drug Resistance

From Addis Ababa to Amherst, a Cross-Continental Team Investigates Cancer’s Genetic Mysteries
view of addis ababa

From Addis Ababa to Amherst, a Cross-Continental Team Investigates Cancer’s Genetic Mysteries

Inclusive Innovation: Empowering STEM Students With Research for Social Change
a biogas collector

Inclusive Innovation: Empowering STEM Students With Research for Social Change

Understanding Transportation Challenges for Black Pregnant Women in Western Massachusetts
ambulance racing through the street

Understanding Transportation Challenges for Black Pregnant Women in Western Massachusetts

Past Recipients

IDS has been awarding seed grants to STEM research teams focused on social issues since 2018.  In total there have been 23 teams funded, more information on each project can be found below.

jessica boayke's headshot
2023 Recipient
Jessica Boayke
Assistant Professor - Civil & Environmental Engineering

“The IDS grant gave me the flexibility to try a new project and get some ideas for larger grant proposals in the future. It has been invaluable as a new faculty trying to make connections and form collaborations.”

Building Bridges: Ensuring Equitability in Infrastructure and Climate Resilience Building Bridges: Ensuring Equitability in Infrastructure and Climate Resilience
ivon arroyo headshot
2022 Recipient
Ivon Arroyo
Professor - Education

“I appreciated the support to keep this project going in a moment when I really had no funding for it. I also appreciate very much the support and guidance of Buju Dasgupta."

Can a Breakthrough Bilingual Learning Tech Bridge STEM Gaps for Hispanic Students? Can a Breakthrough Bilingual Learning Tech Bridge STEM Gaps for Hispanic Students?
darrell earnest headshot
2019 Recipient
Darrell Earnest
Professor - Education

“The funding was a wonderful opportunity to develop these ideas and collaborators with faculty across campus.”

Seeing the Equation: A Visual Approach to Overcoming Math Challenges Seeing the Equation: A Visual Approach to Overcoming Math Challenges