The Provost, in coordination with the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement, has offer seed funds totaling up to $600,000 to support interdisciplinary activities at UMass Amherst. The goal of this program is to empower creativity, strengthen the campus’ areas of excellence, promote equitable collaborations, and attract external funding and other forms of recognition across our colleges and schools.
Award Goals
Interdisciplinary Research Grants are interdisciplinary awards offered to teams of faculty members and librarians from at least two different colleges within the University. The projects proposed by each team are expected to represent a new direction or aspect of interdisciplinary collaboration, align with one of the themes of interdisciplinary excellence identified below, and lead to significant and tangible outcomes that support continued momentum:
- Data Science
- Health and Wellbeing
- Social Justice and Equity
- Sustainability
- Technology, Arts, and Society
Expected outcomes of these awards are proposals to external funding agencies, small business start-ups, patents, scholarly articles, artistic works, or other significant, tangible results. All faculty and librarians whose assigned job responsibilities include research are eligible to apply. The proposal should explain how the proposed project represents a novel effort by the team and how the team brings together diverse perspectives and participants from different career stages. The proposal should identify milestones and expected outcomes. Greater weight will be given to projects that spark a new initiative or address large-scale problems with significant societal impact.
Awards may be given in two sizes, $20,000 and $50,000. Typically, at least half of the funds are expected to be used for work conducted by a UMass student (undergraduate, graduate) or a post-doctoral researcher. Funds can also be used for research support, such as equipment, supplies, core facility time, staff support, or travel. Funds cannot be used for faculty or librarian salaries.
Application Process
Applications require the following information:
- Project title
- Team: Names, Titles, Departments, Colleges
- Project goals, novelty, potential impact, and tangible outcomes [2400 characters]
- Project alignment with topic areas [600 characters]
- Proposed use of requested funds with a budget of no more than $20,000 or $50,000
- One department contact for award administration
Applications were due by April 21st, 2023.
Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the Provost, the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement, and all Deans from schools/colleges from which applications were received (or their respective designees). The committee will select the proposals to receive funding, and the level of funding will be based on their evaluation and the availability of funds.
Award Conditions
Teams that accept funding are required to:
- Conduct the proposed activities within 12 months of receipt of funds. A no-cost extension for an additional six months may be requested.
- Deliver a brief final written report on the project and its tangible outcomes submitted to the Provost.
- Give a presentation on the work at a symposium on campus.
Questions
Any questions regarding this initiative should be directed to Tilman Wolf, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs: wolf@umass.edu