Provost's Fund: The big Idea research grants Program

The Big Idea Research Grants program has been re-designed to catalyze interdisciplinary research and creative works by supporting three research programs.  The common objective in all three Big Idea programs is to ‘Drive National Prominence’ of LSU as defined in the Scholarship First Strategic Framework (March 2024). The value proposition of national prominence focuses on excellence of faculty scholarship and creative works. It emphasizes competing at national and international levels and leading in research through exemplary performance. Scholarship and discovery are foundational to achieving national prominence. By expanding research accomplishments that align with AAU recognition criteria and targeting Pentagon priorities, we will elevate our institution's reputation and impact.

PREVIOUS AWARDEES

Big Ideas in STEM and Social & Behavioral Sciences Program

Designed to catalyze interdisciplinary research with the potential to secure significant external federal funding, foster collaborations across units at LSU and with external partners (e.g. other universities, national labs, distinguished research centers), and develop new research frontiers at LSU. The objective is to align research ideas with the Research Pentagon Priorities. The Big Idea program provides LSU faculty with resources and services to develop innovative research efforts that promote the success of federally funded projects. As noted by many federal agencies, solutions to core societal problems, as represented by the Pentagon Research Priorities, require the integration of social & behavioral sciences with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Learn more and to apply.

Big Idea in Arts & Humanities

The Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research has established the Big Ideas in Arts & Humanities to engage in scholarly research and creative activities that promote the national prominence of LSU. These funds are to support collaborative efforts in the Arts & Humanities that support research and creative projects by faculty and expand the national recognition of these projects to peer universities and audiences. The goal is to provide resources to individuals or collaborative teams that will enhance the competitiveness of the project for external funding in the arts and humanities. Successful projects will demonstrate intellectual merit, potential impact on scholarship or social change, and strong prospects of receiving external funding. The Pentagon Research Priorities represent some of the most existential threats to society and will require significant change in social well-being, values, and ethics. Research on the present, past and future social connections to these research priorities through the scholarship and creative works in the arts and humanities represents significant opportunity at LSU. Learn more and to apply.

Big Ideas in Conference, Symposia & Seminars

The Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research has established the Big Ideas in Conference, Symposia & Seminars at LSU to encourage collaborative research exchange with scholars from academic and government agencies (e.g. national labs), hosting workshops and seminars for the benefit of faculty and students at LSU and organizing research conferences (or other events of creative works) to be held in Baton Rouge to highlight research accomplishments at LSU. Learn more and to apply