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The Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy announces an opportunity for one-year research Seed Grant Awards of up to $40,000.  The main goal of this project is to offer social science researchers the chance to undertake major research programs that may require initial results or proof of concept to attract external funding.  The ISERP seed grant program places a priority on high-risk, high-return research, including work that develops new theories, identifies new areas of methodological innovation, or that bridges different substantive domains. Projects may be domestic, international, or comparative.

These awards should have the potential to lead to additional federal, foundation, or private funding. Up to four awards will be funded.  Awardees will be asked to present a talk on their project.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be full-time faculty members appointed in one of the six social science departments in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences or SIPA.  We especially encourage early career faculty to apply.  Priority will be given to junior faculty.  All PIs must play an active role in the proposed project.

Applicants should submit:

• A 5-page research proposal that details the specific aims, background to the study, preliminary data (if any), research plan, innovation/significance & future plans, and details on each investigator’s role on the project. 
• Line item budget, utilizing the budget sheet attached to this call. Please make a copy of the document and submit.
• Budget narrative explaining how line items in the budget relate to the early work you need to convert your ideas into a fundable project
• Plan for seeking outside funding
• CV’s or NSF Style Biosketch for each investigator
• Proposals should be submitted electronically via ISERP’s website here

Proposals will be funded on the basis of:

• The intellectual merit and innovation of the proposed project
• The seed grant’s relationship to the proposed major project
• The project’s organization and judicious use of funds
• The plausibility of the investigator’s plan for seeing outside funding
• Duration: One (1) Year

Award Amount: Up to $40,000

Application Deadline: October 23, 2023

Start Date: January 1, 2024

We encourage applicants, particularly those submitting for the first time, to speak with a member of ISERP’s research development office.  Learn more by visiting ISERP Seed Grants.