Description: Supports research collaborations among faculty and students working on interdisciplinary societally-relevant research topics, such as pandemic-related topics, equity and inclusion, climate change, neuroscience, mindfulness and behavioral science, digital humanities, and climate change, among many others. The aim of these awards is not to fund specific research projects, but rather to support teams of faculty who aim to establish or foster a community of scholars at USC organized around a broad topic of shared interest. Proposals are sought that creatively overcome current pandemic limitations on travel and in-person meetings, proposing new and engaging ways to bring people together with activities that develop the impact of the collaborative group. Proposed activities should establish the foundation for members of the collaborative group to create new research projects as well as contribute to strengthening the individual research programs of its members and others as USC. Encouraged activities include an educational component, providing students an opportunity to not only participate but assist in the design and organization of events. See website for full RFP.
Award: Collaboration Fund Grants provide up to $30,000/year; awards will be made for a three-year period, subject to an annual progress review and activity plan, and continued availability of funding. At the end of three years, collaborations may reapply, on a competitive basis, for an additional three years of funding.
Eligibility: Awards under this program are made through a competitive process, based on proposals submitted by a team of faculty investigators whose primary appointments are in different schools (at least two). The collaboration should engage a large number (normally 10 or more) of participating faculty. In addition to the representation from two schools at USC, team of faculty may include key collaborators from non-USC organizations or institutes with which the group will interact.
Deadline: 5 pm PT, April 5, 2021