Schiller Institute Grants for Faculty

The Schiller Institute is excited to launch the Integrated Network for Schiller Projects in Innovation, Research & Excellence (INSPIRE) seed grant program. Please see the Call for Proposals below.

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Learn about our other seed grant projects on the SI-GECS Grant Recipients and SI-RITEA Grant Recipients pages.

Call for Proposals: Integrated Network for Schiller Projects in Innovation, Research & Excellence (INSPIRE)

The Schiller Institute invites proposals for innovative, collaborative projects that bring together complementary expertise to address pressing challenges in energy, health, or the environment. This initiative aims to catalyze interdisciplinary partnerships that leverage the strengths of multiple research groups while fostering a vibrant, shared intellectual community.

Priority Consideration

Applicants are encouraged to take full advantage of the Institute collaborative environment, shared facilities, and opportunities for crossdisciplinary engagement. Priority will be given to projects with well justified plans for meaningful use of Schiller resources.

  • Proposals must involve two or more investigators with clearly complementary expertise.
  • Teams may include faculty, research staff, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, or undergraduate researchers, as appropriate.
  • Projects should demonstrate a clear plan for onsite collaboration.

Submissions should include:

  1. Project Summary (1 page): Goals, significance, and expected outcomes.
  2. Collaborative Plan (4 pages): Description of complementary expertise and how the team will work together; proposals should include a Project Leadership Plan for Multiple PIs.
  3. Use of Schiller Institute Resources (2 pages): Specific research activities that will leverage Schiller resources, including laboratory, office, and write up space. Successful applications are expected to clearly outline a pathway to measurable successes and how the Schiller grant can help bridge critical gaps or remove key barriers on this roadmap.
  4. Timeline, Milestones, and Leverage Plans: A clear timeline for completing the proposed work. Space and resources will be provided for a period commensurate with the scope of work and budget.
  5. Budget Overview and Justification: The budget should align with the timeline above to ensure that funds are released at the appropriate time.

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Strength and complementarity of the collaborative team
  • Alignment with one or more Schiller Institute thematic areas
  • Effective and intentional use of Schiller Institute resources
  • Potential for scientific, technological, or societal impact听
  • Feasibility and clarity of the proposed plan
  • Potential for long term success, including pathways toward technology transfer, industry partnerships, or large-scale external funding

All submissions will undergo an initial screening for eligibility and alignment with Schiller priorities. Eligible proposals will be sent for external review. Final selections will be made by an internal committee, informed by the external evaluations and the criteria above.

  • Deadline: June 15, 2026
  • Award Notification: September 15, 2026

Pre-Submission Inquiries

Interested faculty members are encouraged - but not required - to consult with theinterim director prior to submitting a full proposal. A brief white paper outlining theproject summary, information about the PIs, and the proposed leverage plan will bemost helpful for this purpose.

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