The Nelson Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs invites proposals for a two-year grant that will fund interdisciplinary faculty-student research projects addressing a global issue of broad public importance. The deadline for proposals is Dec. 1, 2016. One research project will be funded for the period Jan. 1, 2017–Dec. 31, 2018 (start and end date may be adjusted).

The purpose of this initiative is to enhance Drake’s involvement in addressing pressing global issues, thus helping position Drake as a global knowledge hub in service to local, national, and international communities.

The Nelson Institute will provide $20,000–$30,000 in support of the selected project, depending upon demonstrated need. Project leaders are encouraged to seek additional funding from on- and off-campus sources, if necessary. Proposals should be sent to Denise Ganpat (denise.ganpat@drake.edu). A review committee consisting of the three members of the Nelson Institute Advisory Group, two additional faculty representatives from the Global and International Programs Academic Council (GIPAC), and a staff member from the Grants Office will read proposals and make a decision. Award notification will occur by Dec. 15, 2016.

Teams are encouraged to consult with the director of the Nelson Institute as they prepare their proposals (david.skidmore@drake.edu).

Successful proposals will include the following elements/criteria:

• Explication of research topic
• Clear identification of the pressing global issue to be addressed and an explanation of its pubic significance
• An exposition of the research objectives and methods related to the project
• An explanation of how the project takes advantage of particular strengths Drake and the community bring to addressing the issue
• Identification of interdisciplinary research team
• Commitments from an interdisciplinary faculty research team consisting of three or more faculty members (at least two of whom must be Drake affiliated). One or more principal investigators must be identified
• Evidence that the team members possess the requisite qualifications to successfully carry out the project (please attach each member’s CV)
• The project must involve two or more paid student research assistants with appropriate qualifications.
• Whether the research is joint or parallel (i.e., a single joint project or several individual projects that each address related aspects of a common theme)

Activities and Outcomes

• The project timeline will allow for completion of the primary research products within a two-year period.
• The project participants will engage in at least two team activities (e.g., summer campus workshop, international travel as a team, cooperative field work, etc.) during the grant period.
• Team members will collaborate with other campus entities (e.g., PFGCGC, Humanities Center, DUSCI, the Harkin Institute, Engaged Citizen, etc.) to schedule cocurricular events (e.g., speakers, films, panel discussions, etc.) related to the theme during the two-year grant period.
• The project will lead to externalization in the form of publication, presentation(s) at a professional conference, submission as a report to relevant public or non-governmental bodies involved with policy-making, or other outputs of similar import.
• An on-campus conference related to the theme will be held during (or soon following) year two of the grant involving Drake faculty and students and relevant off-campus experts from academia, government, or the professions.
• The team is expected to submit an interim grant report by Dec. 31, 2017, and a final grant report by Dec. 31, 2018.

Preference will be given to projects that draw upon connections with partners at the local, national, or international level (e.g., overseas university partner). Please direct inquiries to David Skidmore (david.skidmore@drake.edu).

—Drake International