The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) Early Stage Urban Research Awards is accepting project proposals for the 2026 cycle from Boston University faculty members and graduate students.
This year, we invite research proposals that explore pressing challenges and solutions facing cities—past, present, and future. Projects may focus on urban places and populations at the local, national, or international level.
We especially encourage proposals that bring together scholars across disciplines, schools, and colleges at Boston University to study urban issues from multiple perspectives. We also welcome (though do not require) projects that engage community partners, use innovative or mixed-methods approaches, and/or address questions of urban displacement.
Strong proposals will clearly show how this seed funding will help advance the project, such as by leading to external grant funding, publications, policy-relevant findings, or other forms of public impact.
Boston University faculty members are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in funding. Adjunct faculty are not eligible to apply as lead PIs on projects. Boston University graduate students, with faculty oversight, are eligible to apply for funding up to $5,000.
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