UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Center for Human Evolution and Diversity at Penn State (CHED) is currently accepting proposals for grants available from the center for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years.

For 2022-23, CHED seeks proposals for small grants (up to $5,000) from multi- and transdisciplinary research teams (representing at least two Penn State departments) working on projects related broadly to the understanding of human evolution and diversity. Successful proposals will describe new or ongoing projects that require a piece of equipment, reagents and/or funds to pay for undergraduate research assistance in order to advance a promising project. The center anticipates funding four to five proposals; applications from new research teams or teams who have been previously awarded CHED seed grants are welcome.

For 2023-24, CHED seeks proposals for projects from multi- and transdisciplinary research teams (representing at least three Penn State departments) that explore the reasons for the seeking or dependence on psychoactive substances (including but not restricted to caffeine or other stimulants, nicotine, and alcohol or other intoxicants) in an evolutionary context. The center anticipates funding two to three proposals for up to $20,000 each; proposals for workshops that result in external funding applications and/or collaborative publications will be considered.

Proposals should follow National Science Foundation or National Institutes of Health style and comprise a one-page summary, bio sketches of all co-investigators, a budget, and a project timeline. Applications for the 2022-23 grants should be submitted to Theresa Wilson (tmw119@psu.edu) on or before Nov.18; applications for the 2023-24 grants should be submitted to Wilson on or before Jan. 27, 2023.

Final selection of the 2022-23 projects will take place in December and funds will be disbursed by January; final selection of the 2023-24 projects will take place in March and funds will be disbursed as close to July 1 as possible. Funds awarded for successful projects will need to be spent completely before the end of fiscal year in which they are awarded.

Questions about ideas or logistics for potential projects should be sent to Nina Jablonski (ngj2@psu.edu), Mark Shriver (mds17@psu.edu), or David Puts (dap27@psu.edu). Additional information can be obtained on the CHED website.