The Institute for Social Science Research Scholars Program supports social science faculty from across the university to build new directions in their research programs.

ISSR Scholars receive a course-release to pursue a regular year-long seminar facilitated by eminent sociologist Naomi Gerstel and the Office of Research Development's Dr. Mary Fechner, as well as grant preparation support from ISSR's Grants, Personnel and Budget Manager Karen Mason. The seminar includes ongoing presentations and discussion of faculty research proposals, advice on grant writing and submission, information about grant agencies, and funding to enable consultation with nationally recognized scholars for consultation. 

ISSR Scholars have emerged from all of the UMass Colleges, and have obtained an unprecedented funding success rate of over 80% since 2012.

Application is closed for the 2018-19 Scholars Program. We encourage social science faculty of all ranks and schools to  and to apply next year, regardless of their external funding history. The application window opens in December. Applications will be due on February 1, 2019.