Environmental Change Initiative
2011 Working Group Proposals
Deadline: January 15, 2011
Many problems in environmental science require knowledge and perspective from multiple disciplines, yet such projects often face longer development times because researchers must absorb the approaches, values, language, and techniques of a new field in order to work productively together. To address this challenge, Brown’s Environmental Change Initiative makes funds available each year to stimulate new interdisciplinary research and teaching collaborations related to environmental change. Past working groups have developed new courses, held research symposia and workshops, brought in experts to expand the conversation, and developed funding proposals and journal articles. Find a description of 2009 and 2010 working groups here:
http://brown.edu/Research/ECI/activities/working_groups.html.
In 2011, we expect to support 3-4 working groups. Successful working group proposals will describe a new or expanded research or teaching agenda, will involve faculty and/or students from two or more departments at Brown or MBL, and will propose a plan to move toward a new course proposal, publication, or external funding proposal. Working group budgets range between $3000 and $15,000. A separate, small grant opportunity for projects requiring less than $2500 operates on a rolling basis (http://brown.edu/Research/ECI/resources/smallgrants.html).
Eligibility: Brown or MBL faculty, postdoctoral researchers, or graduate students may propose working groups. Previous recipients are eligible to compete, but must propose new projects. Postdoctoral fellows or graduate students must include a letter of support from their mentors. Faculty with successful working group proposals will be asked to affiliate with ECI.
Amount and Duration of Awards: Typically, awards range from $3000-$15,000. If you wish to propose a larger project, please discuss it with the ECI Director or Associate Director first. Most activities funded under the 2011 working group awards should be completed by December 31, 2011. Extensions to June 30, 2011 may be negotiated.
Allowed Expenses: Allowed expenses include payments to graduate students, undergraduate students or professional assistants; travel to field sites or for collaborative meetings; lab or field supplies; food for meetings or travel; and limited summer salary for faculty. Please inquire about other expense categories.
Selection Criteria: Reviewers will judge proposals on the scientific merit of the proposed project, the potential for launching new research areas, and the feasibility of the work plan.
Successful proposals will meet four key criteria:
- Address a novel interdisciplinary question or issue in climate change or environmental change
- Describe a new or expanded collaboration between members of two or more departments or institutions
- Present a practical plan to achieve the working group’s goals
- We do not expect that every working group will result in a successful major proposal. Working group funding is modest and interdisciplinary collaborations can take some time to develop. At the same time, we have found that having a specific goal in mind results in more substantive interactions. We are particularly seeking proposals with the potential to launch a new research initiative. Please describe a possible outcome of the working group, such as:
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Funding proposal (if possible, cite a specific program and topic)
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New course proposal
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Publication (with topic and target journals, if possible)
Selection Process: The review committee will consist of the ECI director and Associate Director, plus three faculty members from the natural, physical and social sciences.
Proposal Format and Submission Process
Items 1-4 should be combined into a single pdf and submitted to Martha_Downs@brown.edu no later than midnight December 15.
- Cover page: Title, brief abstract, and list of participants with name, title and department. A majority of listed faculty should be affiliated with ECI or be willing to affiliate with ECI. Please contact Marty Downs (martha_downs@brown.edu; 863-3493) with affiliation questions.
- Narrative (up to 2000 words) describing the proposed project, its novelty and relevance, background information adequate to permit evaluation by faculty from disparate departments, and the proposed outcome, work plan and timeline.
- A short list of references may be included beyond the 2000 word limit.
- A budget ($3000-$15,000) itemizing general categories of expenses and a brief justification.
- Postdoctoral associates or graduate students may lead proposals, but the proposer’s mentor should submit a letter of support (under separate cover) to martha_downs@brown.edu.