Large-scale Integrative Research Awards (LIRA)

The Provost’s Office, in close collaboration with the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement, is now supporting the Strategic Partnerships to Advance Research and Creative activity (SPARC) fund to advance interdisciplinary research and creative activities at UMass Amherst. SPARC seed grants will replace the Large-scale Integrative Research Awards (LIRA) that were offered in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years.

Please visit the SPARC website to learn more about the call for proposals for the 2024-25 academic year, how to apply, eligibility criteria, the review process, and award conditions. 

SPARC submissions will be accepted beginning October 1, 2024. All submissions must be received by February 3, 2025.

Information Session:

An info session on October 4, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm, will provide an overview of the SPARC seed program. This event, hosted by the Office for Research Development and the Office of the Provost, will help potential teams determine their level of team readiness and provide guidance on writing a successful application to the SPARC program.

Register to attend the workshop through Workforce Learning and Development.

For More Information on the 2024-25 SPARC funding program:

Please direct questions about this program to Laura Vandenberg, Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Provost of Research and Engagement: @email.