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ISCE’s PREP program now accepting applications for spring 2026

ISCE invites faculty to apply for its newest iteration of the Preparing Your Research for an Extramural Proposal (PREP) program. Focused on foundation funding, this opportunity is for a cohort of faculty whose work is grounded in the social sciences or humanities and who plan to submit a competitive research grant proposal or fellowship application to a non-federally funded foundation within the next nine months. The semester-long, structured cohort offers didactic and interactive sessions where participants learn the grantsmanship process, including how to write a compelling narrative and develop a budget if necessary, and how to craft a competitive grant or fellowship proposal. The deadline to apply is December 4, 2025.

learn more and apply

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Opening the Door to Science for All , redirect
Professor Ashley Dayer from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation has published new research that explores how Project FeederWatch, a long running program that invites people to observe and report birds in their own backyards, can welcome a broader community of participants. Working with colleagues from several universities, her team identified practical ways to make the program more inclusive for those who enjoy feeding and watching birds. This work was strengthened by early support from the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment.
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Scholars Program Empowers Researchers to Explore Concerns Across the Globe , redirect
Spanning university departments, institutes, and colleges, the 2025-26 scholars were awarded up to $30,000 each to advance their research, enabling them to compete for funding from external agencies. Within six months of completing the program, the research teams are expected to apply for external funding from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and private foundations.
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Smarter Robots Could Help Autistic Adults Thrive in Manufacturing Jobs , redirect
Virginia Tech researchers, working with partners at George Washington University and the University of Notre Dame, are studying how collaborative robots can strengthen employment opportunities for autistic adults in manufacturing. The project draws on engineering and psychology expertise, along with insights from the ISCE-affiliated Virginia Tech Autism Clinic and Center for Autism Research, directed by team member Angela Scarpa, who has been supported by ISCE in earlier work.