Faculty Members Awarded ‘New Directions’ Seed Funding To Explore Emerging Research Opportunities

The New Directions in Research seed grants are providing a one-time payment of up to $60,000 to help faculty members test initial concepts and gather preliminary data so that they can compete for larger, long-term external grants. The New Directions seed grants are designed to support faculty who are pursuing new lines of research that are aligned with evolving national research priorities.

The 11 projects selected for seed funding in May span a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence and historical research, geothermal energy systems, microplastics, gravitational wave modeling, the human brain, dementia, family support interventions, marine nutrition, cardiac tissue repair, and critical mineral separations.

"New Directions seed funding recognizes that innovation often requires venturing into uncharted territory, and we're proud to support our researchers as they do just that," Vice President for Research Fernanda Leite said. "I'm excited to see how these investments will catalyze breakthrough discoveries across such a diverse range of disciplines."