The Office of Research (OR) in the College of ACES is announcing a call for Future Interdisciplinary Research Explorations (FIRE) in order to spark creativity and collaboration between ACES faculty and their research partners (both within and outside UIUC). Accordingly, we are soliciting outstanding multidisciplinary team research proposals to initiate new and enhance existing collaborations among faculty. The aims of FIRE proposals are for faculty to (1) develop exploratory research ideas that require the involvement of multiple disciplines, (2) identify a research theme or question that gives coherence to the project and relates to the scope of programs within the College of ACES, (3) collect preliminary data or other relevant information to address research questions, and (4) prepare, develop, and submit research proposals for external funding. The expected product of the FIRE seed grant program is a fundable interdisciplinary research proposal. We encourage active participation of researchers from social sciences and humanities disciplines and incorporation of both junior and senior faculty into teams. Proposals should include a description of the innovative nature of the research and the team’s capabilities, where the contribution of each collaborator’s expertise is evident. For additional details and the evaluation criteria, please see the FIRE Request for Proposals (http://go.aces.illinois.edu/FIRE-RFP). We anticipate funding 5-7 multidisciplinary research proposals during the 2017 cycle.
Eligibility
In order to streamline the funding process, the lead PI should have an active Hatch project related to the proposed activities. You can apply without having an active Hatch project. If you receive the award, you will need to have a Hatch project that has overlapping objectives with your FIRE proposal in order to receive the funds.
PI Requirements
The lead PI must be a faculty member within the College of ACES.
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation