Grand Research Challenge FAQs
Eligibility
- How does HWW define the “humanities”?
- Can I apply for HWW Grand Research Challenge funding if I have already received HWW Grand Research Challenge funding in the past?
- Part of our project involves non-humanists participants or non-humanities methodologies, can we still apply?
- Can collaborations be international in nature?
- Are university non-faculty staff eligible to participate in HWW Grand Research Challenges?
- Are non-tenure track faculty eligible to apply for HWW Grand Research Challenge funding?
- Are emeritus faculty eligible to participate in HWW-funded research?
Selection
- How many awards will be given out in each round of the HWW Grand Research Challenge?
- Is there a recommended total budget amount for applicants to the HWW Grand Research Challenge?
- Who will determine which HWW Grand Research Challenge proposals receive funding?
How does HWW define the “humanities”?
HWW uses the definition of the humanities taken from the 1965 National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act: “The term ‘humanities’ includes, but is not limited to, the study of the following: language, both modern and classical; linguistics; literature; history; jurisprudence; philosophy; archaeology; comparative religion; ethics; the history, criticism and theory of the arts; those aspects of social sciences which have humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national life.”
Can I apply for HWW Grand Research Challenge funding if I have already received HWW Grand Research Challenge funding in the past?
Yes, awardees from earlier rounds of HWW Grand Research Challenges can apply for subsequent rounds of funding. Their proposals will compete on equal footing with all other proposals.
Part of our project involves non-humanists participants or non-humanities methodology, can we still apply?
We have no objection at all to the inclusion of scientists and social scientists working in teams with humanities faculty. In fact, we hope for such collaborations across disciplinary divides, and anticipated some “applied humanities” projects that will necessitate teams of scientists, social scientists, and humanists. The key will be to frame your project as humanist in its core research question and goals.
Can collaborations be international in nature?
As noted above, the range of formal collaborative partners includes consortial institutions, HBCUs, MSIs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, community colleges, and community (typically public sector and/or non-governmental) organizations in the U.S. As in past HWW Grand Research Challenges, individuals from international institutions and communities can participate but may not be formal partners on HWW awards.
Are university non-faculty staff eligible to participate in HWW research challenges?
Non-faculty staff may be eligible to participate on research teams, with eligibility being determined ultimately by their home university’s policies.
Are non-tenure track faculty eligible to apply for HWW research challenge funding?
Only tenure-line faculty qualify to be PIs and subaward PIs on proposals, but non-tenure track faculty (as well as specialized faculty, research associates, and staff) may participate as members of faculty-led HWW teams if their home universities’ policies allow them to do so.
Are emeritus faculty eligible to participate in HWW-funded research?
Not as PIs or subaward PIs. In keeping with the greater mission of HWW as an incubator of collaborative research in the humanities, we want to see proposals from early- and mid-career faculty members as PIs and subaward PIs. Emeritus faculty may participate as unremunerated collaborators if their affiliated university considers them eligible.
How many awards will be given out in each round of the HWW Grand Research Challenge?
There will be a maximum of five Grand Research Challenge grants awarded in January of 2023.
Is there a recommended total budget amount for applicants to the HWW Grand Research Challenge?
We welcome proposals with budgets of up to $150,000. We strongly encourage scholarly teams to think expansively in budgetary terms, and to consider the costs of collaboration across the life of the grant and of public dissemination as they develop their budgets.
Who will determine which HWW Grand Research Challenge proposals receive funding?
The determination of which HWW Grand Research Challenge proposals to fund will be made by a team of external reviewers comprising humanities scholars with relevant expertise. We seek to protect the integrity of the review process by keeping their identities confidential. This is in line with the best practices of the NEH, NEA and other agencies who provide humanities funding on a competitive basis. Reviewer information is never made public, but applicants may solicit anonymized feedback at the conclusion of the selection process.