UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As a public land-grant institution, Penn State’s faculty, staff and students have always conducted research that serves the greater good. Now, by launching two new funding opportunities, the University aims to provide even more support to researchers and students at its Commonwealth Campuses who are conducting impactful work that benefits communities and improves the well-being of local residents. Applications are now being accepted and are due by April 12.
“Situated within communities across Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth Campuses are uniquely positioned to partner with local individuals and organizations to conduct meaningful work that makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Neeli Bendapudi, president of Penn State. “Penn State is committed to supporting faculty and students at our campuses with funding and resources, which may aim to help improve public health outcomes, understand the effects of environmental changes, enhance educational models or stimulate local economies, among many other possibilities. Importantly, by supporting students to participate in this research, we can help them gain the experiential learning that is critical to obtaining jobs upon graduation.”
The Presidential Public Impact Research Awards Program
The Presidential Public Impact Research Awards (PPIRA) program will recognize and support teams of two to four faculty members and their graduate or undergraduate students across the Commonwealth Campuses who are already conducting research that benefits their communities alongside community partners. The award, which is funded through President Bendapudi’s office, will provide up to $10,000 for each faculty member (up to $40,000) — in the form of summer support — and $3,500 for each student on the team. Assistance will be provided to apply for additional external funding, bolstered by the University’s partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Transforming Evidence Funders Network.
“The PPIRA program aims to help further develop or build upon existing projects that serve critical community needs,” said Max Crowley, director of the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative at Penn State. “Particular consideration will be afforded to proposals that emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, and each project should incorporate student engagement in the research process. Ultimately, we hope the Penn State investment will help to position the recipients to be competitive for external funding from foundations or federal and state agencies.”
Faculty at Penn State’s commonwealth campuses are encouraged to apply and the applications are now being accepted through April 12.
The Commonwealth Campus Undergraduate Community-Engaged Research Award
The Commonwealth Campus Undergraduate Community-Engaged Research Award (UCERA) program is an opportunity for faculty who specifically support undergraduate students to participate in research that improves community well-being. This program will offer research awards up to $25,000 to faculty members who will provide meaningful experiential opportunities for students.
“Enhancing student success is a foundational goal of Penn State’s leaders,” said Margo DelliCarpini, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “The UCERA funding opportunity advances this goal by providing undergraduate students with research experiences that makes a real difference for society and may help them to succeed in careers following their graduation.”
Faculty at Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses are encouraged to learn more about this funding opportunity and to apply by April 12.