Greetings Colleagues, I'd like to update you on some upcoming organizational changes that are pertinent to our research processes. Notably, they are the transition of REDKE operations to the Office of Research, coupled with the new structure where pre-award and post-award functions will be managed at the college level by dedicated concierge teams. I expect further information to be available this Friday when the changes are scheduled to take place. In the interim, please continue with the current protocol for submitting grant proposals. This includes filing a Notice of Intent via your Research Dashboard at least 15 days before the funding sponsor's deadline. Additionally, ensure all final proposal documents (proposal narrative, budget, budget justification, and attachments) are prepared for submission into Cayuse at least five days prior to the funding sponsor’s deadline. Please note, exceptions to this five-day rule require approval from Dean Torres. We are committed to keeping you informed and will promptly communicate the progress of any specific changes in research staffing and procedures as they are confirmed. On a related note, I'm pleased to share some exciting funding opportunities that may be of interest: * The next round of the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER grants. * Three competitions offered by the US Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Programs. * Two grant opportunities from the Spencer Foundation. * One Core Research competition from The Russell Sage Foundation. * UTSA Internal Seed Grants, including the INTRA and GREAT programs. NSF CAREER Grant You are cordially invited to attend the Kickoff and Informational Session for the 2024 UTSA NSF CAREERHub+: UTSA’s 2024 faculty support program for the NSF CAREER Please join Carlos Aguirre, Senior Director for Strategic Proposal Development from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 2024 on Zoom Registration is required in advance – Zoom link will be sent upon registering.<http://tinyurl.com/FRDJAN31REG> Calling all early-career faculty! The NSF CAREER Program offers early-career faculty the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Proposals are due July 24, 2024. Don't miss your chance to learn about the UTSA NSF CAREERHub+, our comprehensive support program designed to help you craft a winning NSF CAREER proposal. Overview: The NSF CAREER (Faculty Early Career Development Program) for 2024 is a prestigious opportunity designed for early-career faculty members. This program aims to support the integration of research and education among the nation's most promising academic scholars. It offers a unique platform for developing innovative research projects while simultaneously enhancing educational activities. Eligibility Requirements: Tenure-track Faculty Position: Applicants must hold a full-time, tenure-track (or tenure-track equivalent) faculty position at an eligible organization as of the proposal deadline. Early Career Status: Applicants are typically within six years of their first academic appointment at the time of proposal submission. Limit on Proposals: Faculty can submit only one proposal per annual competition and can apply a maximum of three times while still fulfilling the other eligibility criteria. Degree Requirement: Applicants must have earned a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF. This program is an excellent chance for early-career faculty to establish a solid foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF CAREER grants not only provide substantial financial support for research activities but also enhance educational excellence. They offer a pathway for ambitious faculty members to advance their academic careers while contributing significantly to their field of study and the wider academic community. Faculty are encouraged to apply, leveraging this opportunity to explore innovative research directions and make a lasting impact in their respective disciplines. Remember, your unique vision and commitment to integrating research and education could lead to groundbreaking advancements and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program Overview: The Department of Education invites applications for the 2024 Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Program (Assistance Listing Number 84.022A), focusing on dissertation research in modern foreign languages and area studies. This program aims to enhance the study of foreign languages and area studies in the U.S. Application Deadline: March 29, 2024. Webinar for Applicants: A pre-application webinar will be provided, with details on the Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad website<https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsddrap/applicant.html>;. Award Range: $15,000–$60,000 per project. Estimated Number of Awards: 90. Project Period: 6 to 12 months for doctoral students; 18 months institutional project period. Absolute Priority: Projects focusing on specific geographic regions (excluding the United States and its territories). Competitive Preference Priority 1 (2 points): Projects in less commonly taught languages (excluding French, German, or Spanish). Competitive Preference Priority 2 (2 points): Projects with thematic focus on fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, education, international development, political science, public health, or economics. Competitive Preference Priority 3 (2 points): Projects implemented by historically black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, or tribal colleges and universities. For detailed information and application guidelines, visit the program website<https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsddrap/applicant.html>;. American Overseas Research Centers (AORC) Program FY 2024 Overview: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2024 for the American Overseas Research Centers (AORC) program, Assistance Listing Number 84.274A. The AORC program supports consortia of U.S. higher education institutions to establish or operate overseas research centers. These centers focus on postgraduate research, exchanges, and area studies. Application Deadline: March 26, 2024. Use of Grants: Funding may cover costs of operating the overseas center, organizing conferences, developing research materials, library collections, staff and faculty salaries, travel costs, and publishing materials. Estimated Award Range: $53,000–$82,000 per 12-month budget period. Estimated Average Award: $58,000 per 12-month budget period. Number of Awards: Approximately 17. Project Duration: Up to 48 months. Eligibility requirements: (1) Consortia of U.S. higher education institutions; (2) Over 50% of funding from U.S. sources; (3) Permanent presence in the Center's location; (4) 501(c)(3) organizations, exempt under section 501(a) of the IRS Code. Invitational Priorities: (1) Professional Development: For participants from community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions. Includes curriculum development, language programs, and academic conference participation. (2) Open Access Resources: Providing access to Center-related research, instructional materials, and scholarly publications. Webinar for Applicants: A pre-application webinar will be held with details on the AORC program website<https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsaorc/applicant.html> . Previous Awardees: Information available at AORC awards<https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsaorc/awards.html>;. For more information and application guidelines, visit the AORC program website . Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program Overview: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2024 for the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program, Assistance Listing Numbers 84.021A and 84.021B. The purpose of the Fulbright-Hays GPA Program is to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States. The program provides opportunities for faculty, teachers, and undergraduate and graduate students to conduct group projects overseas. Projects may include either (1) short-term seminars, curriculum development, or group research or study, or (2) long-term advanced intensive language programs. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 18, 2024. Categories: This competition invites applicants to submit an application to request support for either a Fulbright-Hays GPA short-term project (GPA short-term project 84.021A) or a Fulbright-Hays GPA long-term project (GPA long-term project 84.021B). There are three types of GPA short-term projects: (1) short-term seminar projects of 4 to 6 weeks in length designed by the applicant to help participants integrate international studies into the curriculum at an institution of higher education (IHE) or a school system when they return to the United States, by focusing on a particular aspect of area studies, such as the culture of an area or country of study (34 CFR 664.11); (2) curriculum development projects of 4 to 8 weeks in length that provide participants the opportunity to acquire resource materials for curriculum development in modern foreign language and area studies for use and dissemination in the United States (34 CFR 664.12); and (3) group research or study projects of 3 to 12 months in duration designed to give participants the opportunity to undertake research or study in a foreign country (34 CFR 664.13). GPA long-term projects are advanced overseas intensive language programs designed by the applicant that may be carried out during a full year, an academic year, a semester, a trimester, a quarter, or a summer. GPA long-term projects provide participants an opportunity to use and strengthen their advanced language training while experiencing the culture in the foreign country. Participants should have successfully completed at least 2 academic years of training in the language to be studied to be eligible to participate in a GPA intensive advanced language training program. In addition, the language to be studied must be indigenous to the host country and maximum use must be made of local institutions and personnel (34 CFR 664.14). Available Funds: $5,159,494 Award Range: * Short-term projects: $50,000–$180,000 * Long-term projects: $50,000–$300,000 Number of Awards: 30 (20 short-term, 10 long-term) Project Duration: * Short-term: Up to 18 months * Long-term: Up to 24 months Eligibility: * Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), State Educational Agencies (SEAs), private nonprofit educational organizations, and consortia of these entities. * Participants: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; includes faculty, teachers, administrators, and students at IHEs planning teaching careers. Priorities: Absolute Priority—Geographic Focus: Projects focusing on specific regions (e.g., Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia, etc.). Competitive Preference Priorities: * Short-term projects from selected institutions (Minority-Serving Institutions, community colleges, new applicants, SEAs) * Long-term projects from MSIs * Focus on less commonly taught languages * Inclusion of K–12 educators * Academic focus in specified fields (e.g., STEM, education, international development) Webinars: Short-term Projects: Watch here<https://youtu.be/xCyg3F0oP1c> Long-term Projects: Watch here<https://youtu.be/fsJRANYIWjo> For more information and to apply, visit the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad website<https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsaorc/applicant.html>;. The Spencer Foundation Racial Equity Research Grants https://www.spencer.org/grant_types/racial-equity-special-research-grants Intent to Apply Form Deadline: May 29, 2024, 12:00 PM Noon (Central/Chicago Time) Full Proposal Deadline: June 27, 2024, 12:00 PM Noon (Central/Chicago Time) Overview: The Spencer Foundation's Racial Equity Research Grants program champions the development and understanding of equitable education practices by supporting research aimed at addressing and ameliorating racial inequalities in education. This initiative encourages innovative studies that disrupt the cycle of educational disparities and envision new educational paradigms across a broad spectrum of systems, levels, and settings. With a funding scope that accommodates projects spanning one to five years and offering budgets up to $75,000, the program is designed to support a wide array of methodological approaches. These include qualitative, mixed-methods, quantitative methods, as well as pioneering methods such as QuantCrit, social network analysis, and geo-spatial mapping. The foundation prioritizes research that explores experiences of minoritized groups across all educational levels and settings, emphasizing a strengths-based perspective that recognizes and builds upon the assets and resources of communities. The Spencer Foundation seeks to fund intellectually ambitious and technically sound research that is relevant to the pressing issues of racial equity in education. The program values interdisciplinary collaboration and is open to scholars at different career stages and from various disciplines. It aims to influence educational practice and policy through creative and open-minded scholarship, deep inquiry, and robust questioning related to education and inequality. Embracing methodological diversity, the program is receptive to a range of research methods, including ethnographies, design-based research, participatory methods, and historical research. It also encourages methodological research that builds capacity for equitable educational systems and supports racialized communities. By funding diverse and impactful scholarship, the Spencer Foundation aspires to make a significant contribution to achieving educational equity, addressing global challenges, and deepening the understanding of racial inequities. Research Grants on Education: Small https://www.spencer.org/grant_types/small-research-grant Full Proposal Deadline: April 30, 2024 (12:00 noon Central Time) Overview: The Spencer Foundation's Small Research Grants Program supports education research projects that aim to improve education in a broad sense. With funding up to $50,000 available for projects ranging from one to five years, the program accommodates a wide range of education-related studies. Additionally, eligible investigators may request supplemental funds for a course release. The Foundation accepts applications for this program three times annually. This "field-initiated" program does not restrict proposal submissions to specific research topics, disciplines, designs, methods, or locations. The primary goal is to foster rigorous, intellectually ambitious, and technically sound research that addresses the most pressing and significant opportunities in education. The Foundation seeks to support scholarship that develops foundational knowledge with the potential to make a lasting impact on educational discourse. The Spencer Foundation recognizes that learning occurs throughout life and across various settings, from classrooms and workplaces to families, communities, and even playing fields. These diverse contexts provide rich opportunities for study, contributing significantly to the field of education. The program values creative, open-minded scholarship that engages in deep inquiry and examines robust educational questions. To achieve these objectives, the Small Research Grants Program supports proposals from a variety of disciplinary and methodological perspectives. This approach includes scholars at different stages in their careers, both domestically and internationally. The Foundation expects proposals to cover a wide range of topics and disciplines, such as education, anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, law, economics, history, neuroscience, and more. Methodological diversity is a touchstone of this program. The Foundation is open to various research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, ethnographies, design-based research, participatory methods, and historical research. Projects that incorporate data from multiple sources, span sufficient time for in-depth understanding, or work closely with practitioners or community members throughout the project's life are particularly welcome. The Spencer Foundation's commitment to this program reflects its dedication to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of education, fostering scholarship that innovatively investigates questions central to education. The Russell Sage Foundation Core Research Grants (Core Programs and Special Initiatives) https://www.russellsage.org/how-to-apply/application-deadlines Funding Guidelines for April 16, 2024 Deadline Overview: RSF will accept letters of inquiry (LOIs) under all of its core programs and special initiatives: Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context; Future of Work; Immigration and Immigrant Integration; Race, Ethnicity and Immigration; Social, Political, and Economic Inequality. It will also accept LOIs relevant to its core programs that address the effects (a) of social movements, such as drives for unionization and mass social protests, and the effects of racial/ethnic/gender bias and discrimination on a range of outcomes related to social and living conditions in the U.S. and (b) of the 2023 Supreme Court decision on race-conscious affirmative action and the relative merits of different models to promote diversity and the educational attainment and economic mobility of underrepresented and lower-income students. LOIs must include specific information about the proposed data and research design. After peer review, about 15% of those who submit an LOI will receive an invitation to submit a proposal. If you are unsure about the foundation's expectations, we strongly recommend that you review the grant writing guidelines on our website and also view an instructional webinar. Successful proposals from this round can have a start date on or after January 1, 2025. Letter of Inquiry Deadline: Apr 16, 2024 Invited Proposal Deadline: Jul 22, 2024 *ALL applications (LOIs & Proposals) are due by 2pm ET/11am PT Funding Decision: Nov 2024 Grant Start Date (on/after): Jan 1, 2025 Further application information: The Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) implements a structured application process for research grants, beginning with a mandatory letter of inquiry (LOI). RSF operates three funding cycles per year and invites full proposals only after reviewing these initial LOIs. Approximately 15% of LOI submitters are invited to submit a full proposal. RSF prioritizes projects with fully-developed research designs, sample frameworks, and data access. Researchers are encouraged to submit their LOI after thorough development and preliminary testing of their research tools, including survey instruments, preliminary data analyses for publicly-available data, or initial interviews for qualitative studies. RSF offers two types of grants: Trustee Grants, generally capped at $200,000 (including 15% indirect costs), and Presidential Grants, capped at $50,000 (excluding indirect costs). For projects with special data gathering needs, access to restricted-use data, or those proposing salary support for multiple assistant professor PIs, a budget of up to $75,000 may be requested. These budget amounts cover a period of two years. The Foundation values methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, all LOIs and proposals must present well-developed conceptual frameworks and research designs. Analytical models should be clearly specified, with research questions and hypotheses explicitly stated. Grant funds can be allocated for research assistance, data acquisition, data analysis, and investigator time for conducting research and writing up results. RSF encourages early career scholars, particularly those new to the Foundation, to apply for Presidential Grants. RSF is keen on supporting analyses that utilize new data, demonstrate innovative uses of existing data, or address emerging or longstanding questions relevant to the Foundation’s program areas and special initiatives. Original data collection, field experiments, in-depth qualitative interviews, and ethnographies are also encouraged. Given the competitive nature of its funding, RSF no longer considers proposals that solely rely on routine use of publicly-available data sets. Proposals that link these data sets to new data or use restricted versions of the data for novel purposes will be considered. Eligible Principal Investigators (PIs) or co-PIs must: 1. Create a new account or log into an existing account on the RSF online application portal https://rsf.fluxx.io/. New accounts should be created at least one week before an application deadline, as account activation can take up to two business days. 2. Initiate a new “Research Grant” application. 3. Submit all required materials, including a letter of inquiry (maximum 4 pages, excluding references) and an up-to-date abbreviated CV (maximum 5 pages). UTSA SEED Grants The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is pleased to announce the launch of the FY25 Seed Grant Programs. These initiatives are designed to foster the development of innovative research projects and collaborative endeavors among UTSA faculty. The Requests for Proposals (RFPs) containing detailed application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines are attached for your reference. Additionally, these documents are available for download on the VP Office of Research’s Internal Seed Grant Programs page https://research.utsa.edu/fund-dev/find-funding/seed-grants.html . The Grants for Research Advancement and Transformation (GREAT), sponsored by UTSA Office of Research, offers seed grants aimed at nurturing new research areas for faculty members. These awards, totaling up to $20,000 each for four recipients, are intended to assist in assembling preliminary data to support applications for extramural funding. The Notice of Intent (NOI) is due by 5:00 pm CST on February 14, 2024 through Qualtrics<https://utsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yB0r5tt2VTrquO>;, with the final proposal submissions required by March 6, 2024. In line with UTSA Office of Research's commitment to promoting high-quality research, the Internal Research Awards (INTRA) program provides funding to facilitate faculty involvement in identifying and applying for external funding opportunities. This program also supports preliminary data collection efforts and the enhancement of scholarly activities. Approximately twenty awards, each up to $5,000, are expected to be granted. The deadline for the NOI submission is February 21, 2024, by 5:00 pm CST through Qualtrics<https://utsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W0p73luR9bZTLM>;, and the full proposals are due on March 20, 2024. The Transdisciplinary Teams (T2) program, under the auspices of the Office of Research, encourages UTSA faculty to engage in scholarly research activities that promote transdisciplinary collaborations. This initiative aims to support the formation of diverse research teams that will lay the groundwork for seeking extramural funding. Four grants of up to $25,000 each are anticipated, with the NOI deadline set for March 6, 2024, by 5:00 pm CST through Qualtrics<https://utsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_blwnJ5LWJQAb3Yq> and the proposal deadline on April 3, 2024. Lastly, the Connecting through Research Partnerships (Connect) program, a joint initiative by the Office of the VP Office of Research at UTSA and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), is designed to enhance scientific collaboration between the two institutions. Focusing on areas such as Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Data Sciences, Smart and Secure Manufacturing, and Space Sciences and Technology, this program aims to address key industrial, governmental, or societal issues. Two projects will be funded, offering up to $50,000 to the UTSA PI and up to $75,000 to the SwRI PI. The NOI for this program is due on March 20, 2024, by 5:00 pm CST through Qualtrics<https://utsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yGPmcStceyLEyi>;, with the final proposals due on April 10, 2024. UTSA faculty are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to advance their research endeavors and contribute to the university’s goals of achieving research excellence. If you have any questions that I can assist with please contact me directly. Thank you also for your attention to the changes in proposal development and grant management at UTSA. Your adaptability and dedication to excellence in our research endeavors are greatly appreciated. Best regards, Iwan Mr. Iwan Notowidigdo Senior Grant Development Manager The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Education & Human Development (COEHD) iwan.notowidigdo(a)utsa.edu Mobile: 347-231-5931 [cid:bc8d677f-7175-49a5-814c-5e099adf9f5d]