Internal Grants

Transforming Interdisciplinary Experiential Research (TIER) Awards Programs

Northeastern University’s Colleges and Office of the Provost provide support for interdisciplinary research through the TIER Awards programs. These awards seek to stimulate exciting new directions in interdisciplinary research and increase the competitiveness of external proposals.

TIER 1: Seed Grant/Proof of Concept Program

This competitive program provides funds to support and encourage individual faculty members to form multidisciplinary teams to secure proof of concept, with a goal of successfully competing for future sponsored research opportunities. Funds are also available as seed grants for multidisciplinary teams to develop new and innovative research directions. An explicit strategy for securing external funding must be outlined. Total support of up to $50,000 for 15 months is available, provided by College(s) and Senior Vice Provost for Research (SVPR). Funding cannot be requested for faculty salary support.

Between FY12 – 24, TIER 1 grants totaling $13.1 million were awarded to 277 interdisciplinary teams. To date, the returns on those investments include over $107 million in award-related funding, 500+ publications, and more than 900 presentations at scholarly conferences and meetings.

TIER 2: Federally Designated Centers; Major Programs Initiative

*Changes to the TIER 2 program are in effect as of March 9, 2021. Please visit the link above for full details*

The SVPR and the Dean(s) will provide incentive support to interdisciplinary faculty groups pursuing large Federal funding opportunities. Grants of up to $50,000 may be requested to facilitate the preparation of highly competitive proposals.

Rolling deadline

TIER 3: Institutional Strategic Priorities

This competitive program provides support for development of broad, multidisciplinary research initiatives and centers that will position the university to become a national leader in an emerging or sustained area of research that responds to a national or societal need.  Successful applicants will receive planning grants of up to $150,000.

Rolling deadline

Contact Research Development:

177 Huntington Ave | Boston MA, 02115