HBCU-Led Innovation Research Study

The AAAS HBCU Making & Innovation Initiative is seeking proposals to conduct research to advance innovation capacity at HBCUs. The HBCU-led research team that will be awarded will conduct research on how to facilitate positive change in innovation at HBCUs. 

The primary audiences impacted by this work are HBCU faculty and staff operating in the spaces of STEMM, making, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Through this work, the literature surrounding these areas will be expanded to feature more best practices to help HBCU innovation grow.  

Specific research topics of interest include the following, but are not limited to: 

  1. Innovation-Focused Pedagogy 

  2. Tech Transfer & Commercialization 

  3. Research Policy & Practice 

  4. Acclimating HBCU Students to the Entrepreneurial Mindset 

AWARD INFORMATION 

The selected team of researchers will receive a $16,000 grant to apply towards their research on innovation. Funding will be awarded to the research team’s home institution.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 

Individuals interested in this research study must meet the following criteria: 

  • Current faculty member, project staff at an accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Predominantly Black institution 

  • Researchers in this area are encouraged, but are not limited to innovation, technology, education, social, economic, and behavioral sciences,  

  • Early-career scientists are encouraged to apply.  

Please note that the research team must have at least one principal investigator (PI). The team may also have a co-PI, but this is optional.

PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS 

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Please note that each document must be submitted as a PDF, with the exception of the budget. The budget must be submitted as an Excel file. 

  • Project Summary (1 page) 

  • Project Description (up to 5 pages) 

  • Overview & scope of work 

  • Targeted Activities 

  • Project Team & Management 

  • Project Timelines 

  • Budget (Excel sheet) 

  • Budget Justification  

  • CV 

  • Graduate Student Support (optional if it applies to) 

  • Letters of Collaboration (up to 2) 

  • Project Evaluation 

  • Intellectual Merit: Please describe how the research will expand the current knowledge base and literature. What original or transformative concepts does the research present?  

  • Broader Impacts: Please describe how the research will promote the overall welfare of society. This can be fulfilled through the research conducted, activities directly related to the research project, or activities that complement the project. Practical examples of potential societal impact include advancing science for people of all backgrounds; improving the quality of STEM education; increased collaboration between academic institutions, industry, and other stakeholder groups; and greater “economic competitiveness” of the United States. 

    • Scope  

    • The number of stakeholders impacted 

    • Resources 

    • How the project will engage the broader community 

Proposals will also be reviewed to see how the proposed projects effectively utilize assets at HBCUs to advance innovation capacity.  

Proposal Submission  

Submit a proposal using this link by Friday, October 3rd by 5 pm ET.  Applicants can expect to receive decision notices by Wednesday, October 15th.

Questions 

For questions, please contact Dr. Iris R. Wagstaff at iwagstaff@aaas.org or Pamela Asante at ppecku@aaas.org.