Food@MSU seed grant applications now open

The Michigan State University colleges of Agricultural and Natural Resources and Arts and Letters are awarding two grants of up to $10,000 each to interdisciplinary researchers focused on agriculture and science communication.

Submit an application

Food@MSU is awarding two grants of up to $10,000 each to teams of Michigan State University (MSU) researchers working on interdisciplinary, food-related projects. These projects should focus on facilitating clear communication and connecting with traditional agriculture industry groups to gather and analyze different perspectives on issues affecting our food system.

 These seed grants are funded for one year by the MSU colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and Arts and Letters (CAL). Teams must include members from both colleges.

 Applications must include all of the following materials:

  • Project abstract (200 words maximum).
  • Curricula vitae for all team members.
  • Project description (1,000 words maximum).
  • Detailed budget (One page).
  • Detailed communications plan (One page).
    • This should include plans for academic publications as well as social outreach and engagement.

All application materials must be submitted in one PDF file in the order noted above by June 1, 2019. Awardees will be notified on June 15, 2019.

Submit an application   

A committee of faculty from CANR and CAL will evaluate applications on the following criteria:

  • Clarity of proposed project, including its goals.
  • Creativity and uniqueness of proposal.
  • Interdisciplinary composition of team.
  • Involvement of food industry groups (including long-term, post-grant plans for involvement).
  • Potential to secure external funding following initial seed funding.
  • Ability to complete project goals in a timely manner.

 Grantees will be required to also participate as follows:

  • Write two pieces of content for the Food@MSU website per semester (geared toward a public audience).
  • Participate in the spring 2020 Food@MSU research event (details to come).
  • Attend update meetings with Dr. Stephanie E. Vasko, managing director of the MSU Center for Interdisciplinarity, at least two times per semester.
  • Compile monthly project updates for Dr. Vasko.

 For more information, contact Dr. Vasko at vaskoste@msu.edu.

 The 2019-2020 academic year marks the second round of Food@MSU seed grants. Learn more about our inaugural grant recipients here.

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