We’re now accepting applications for Research Clusters—don’t miss the deadline on Wednesday, May 18th!
The Humanities Institute’s Research Clusters enable groups of faculty and graduate students to explore new ideas. We fund clusters for up to three years, allowing experimental collaborations and projects to grow into self-sustaining initiatives. Interdisciplinary research breaks down silos so that we can create the dynamic connections across disciplines that are essential today.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Research Clusters page or see below:
The Humanities Institute Research Clusters 2022-2023
Deadline: Wednesday, May 18th, 2022
Objective: This program is designed to encourage and support research in any area of the Humanities. In addition to programming (e.g., conferences, workshops, seminars, visiting scholars), we encourage the clusters to view this as seed funding and to think about ways the cluster can serve as an incubator for larger projects in the future (e.g., websites and other digital projects, edited volumes, the establishment of research centers, NEH Summer Seminars, UC multi-campus research groups, etc.) and how they can leverage cluster funds to secure extramural funding. Preference will be given to clusters that have not already received multiple years of funding, though all proposals will be considered.
Strong preference will be given to groups who align with THI’s 2022-2023 theme: Travel (broadly understood). Proposal ideas could range from clusters that examine migration and displacement to international travel narratives to travel across consciousnesses through mind-altering substances, amongst other topics.
Number of Awards: TBD; The Humanities Institute Steering Committee will decide the awards.
Amount: Up to $5,000 per cluster.
Eligibility: Groups of faculty from any UCSC Division may apply, as long as some Humanities faculty are involved as co-principal investigators. Graduate student involvement in the cluster is encouraged, but clusters must be led by faculty PIs. Depending on funding availability, preference will be given to clusters whose PIs are faculty in the Humanities Division.
Duration: Funding is awarded on a year-by-year basis. Any unspent money on Friday, June 30, 2023 will be returned to The Humanities Institute. All clusters will have to reapply for funding for 2023-2024.
Reporting Requirement: The Humanities Institute will expect a final 1-page report by Saturday, July 1, 2023. This report will detail a) the activities of the cluster, b) how the activities enhanced the work of the faculty and graduate students involved and c) whether the cluster faculty applied for extramural funds (if yes, where; if no, why not).
Staffing: Staff support to the cluster will be included as an in-kind award from The Humanities Institute. Staff support includes event planning, program management, as well as assistance with research development.
Application Requirements:
- Cover sheet containing a) name(s) of faculty principal investigator(s), b) title of research cluster, c) amount requested, e) amount of matching funds, if any.
- Narrative of no more than 3 pages describing a) the purpose of the cluster, b) the connection to the annual theme, c) the names and affiliations of faculty and graduate students whom you anticipate will be involved, and d) projected activities of the cluster.
- Budget.
Applications must be submitted electronically (in .pdf format) to thi@ucsc.edu.
Any questions about the program or the process can be addressed to The Humanities Institute Faculty Director, Nathaniel Deutsch (ndeutsch@ucsc.edu).