To accelerate bold, collaborative research ideas, we are offering two kinds of funding structures designed to support multidisciplinary teams at different stages of development. Whether teams are refining an emerging collaboration or advancing a mature research concept toward external funding, these awards provide resources to help build transformative research programs that address complex societal challenges.

Seed Grants

Up to $200,000 for up to two years ($400,000 maximum)

Seed Grants are designed to support established, multidisciplinary research teams that are prepared to move a convergent research project into early-stage implementation. These teams are tackling a problem that cannot be addressed by one specialty alone, taking methods and approaches from one field and applying them in another. Seed grants are intended for collaborations with a mature, actionable research concept and a clear plan for generating the research, partnerships, or infrastructure needed to pursue large-scale external funding opportunities.

  • Funding: Up to $200,000 for up to two years ($400,000 maximum).
  • Purpose: Designed for mature research concepts that are ready to build the research, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to pursue major external funding opportunities within one to two years.
  • Application Details: Researchers are invited to submit pre-proposals by September 10, 2026. Select teams will be invited to submit a full proposal. Medical Campus faculty may request salary support of up to 10% of base salary.
  • Timeline:
    • Pre-Proposal Deadline: September 10, 2026
    • Invitation to Submit Full Proposals: September 30, 2026
    • Full Proposal Deadline: October 29, 2026
    • Award Notifications Sent: December 15, 2026
    • Grant Start: On or after February 2027
    • Grant Period: Up to 2 years from the approved start date
  • Fiscal Year 2027 Themes
    • Health Across the Lifespan
      • Sub-themes:
        • Neuroscience, Brain, and Cognitive Health
        • Synthetic Biology, Biomolecular Cell & Tissue Engineering, and Regenerative Medicine
        • Molecular and Biological Mechanisms Regulating Health and Disease
        • Biophotonics, Neurophotonics, and Biomedical Optics and Imaging
        • Digital, Predictive, and Personalized Medicine
        • Healthcare Innovation, Systems, and Policy
        • Geographic and Sociodemographic Health Inequities
        • Sociocultural, Environmental, and Behavioral Influences on Health
    • Urban Development & Resilience
      • Sub-themes:
        • Civic and Cultural Engagement and Enhancement
        • Infrastructure: Housing, Transit, Energy, Smart cities, and Connected Services
        • Urban Health and Equity
        • Climate Resilience and Urban Adaptation
        • Urban Policy and Governance
        • Accessibility and Inclusive Urban Design
  • Note: There are eight convergent themes. This year, seed grants will be considered for the two themes above, and the remaining six themes are being considered only for planning grants.

Click here to read the full call for proposal and begin your Seed Grant application.

        Planning Grants

        Between $25,000 and $50,000 for one year

        Planning Grants will support the development of early-stage, multidisciplinary research teams exploring transformational approaches to important societal challenges. These awards are intended for teams piloting research directions, methods, and collaborative approaches rather than crystallizing a defined research program.

        Click here to read the full call for proposal and begin your Planning Grant application.

        Questions? Visit Seed and Planning Grant FAQs

        Information Sessions

        To help BU faculty learn more about these opportunities, the Office of Research hosted two virtual information sessions covering the program goals, eligibility, application process, proposal expectations, and timeline: