Opportunities & Programs
The world’s most crucial issues do not arrive neatly divided by discipline. They are complex, interconnected, and deeply human. Addressing them requires more than incremental, insulated progress—it requires a new model for discovery.
At Boston University, that model is convergent research.
To make this vision a reality, BU is creating the infrastructure, resources, and environment that help convergent research to thrive.
What We’re Building
Seed & Planning Grants
BU’s new Seed and Planning Grants will trigger fresh collaborations, allowing faculty teams to test bold concepts, generate preliminary data, and successfully compete for major external funding.
Learn More About Convergent Research Funding
Coming Soon: Convergent Hiring
We are recruiting intellectually fearless faculty whose work transcends traditional boundaries. Through cluster hires aligned with our eight strategic themes, BU is building a community of scholars who can tackle urgent global challenges together.
Research Development
Our Research Development team positions Boston University at the forefront of emerging and convergent research areas—particularly those that span more than one department, college, or school. Our mission is to activate the next generation of high-growth areas by advancing large-scale, multi-investigator research proposals and building the infrastructure that feeds interdisciplinary exchange.
Learn More About Research Development
Data & AI for Convergent Discovery
Through shared computation, data, and AI resources, the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences enables faculty across the University to come together across disciplines and apply data-led methods to solve society’s most pressing problems—from sustainability and public health to cybersecurity and equity.
See Convergent Research in Action
The Task Force Report
In March 2025, a University-wide task force convened by the President and Provost began identifying research areas where BU can make the greatest impact. The result: eight priority themes that build on our distinctive strengths, address urgent societal needs, and align with major investment priorities from federal agencies, industry partners, and philanthropic supporters.