The Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) invites applications for its Seed Award Program, designed to support the development of innovative, interdisciplinary research projects that leverage AI to address critical societal challenges. The program aims to foster projects that advance more equitable, accessible, and sustainable futures.

Awards will prioritize research that aligns with AIM’s four key areas of focus: accessibility, sustainability, justice, and learning, as well as foundational computational advancements in areas such as speech, language, robotics, multimodality, and advanced computing for AI.

This seed program has three different tracks as indicated below. 

Purpose

The Seed Award seeks to:

• Support early-stage, high-impact research that aligns with AIM’s mission to drive collaborative, innovative AI research with positive societal impact.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among university researchers and community partners.
• Lay the groundwork for sustained research with the potential to secure future external funding.

Areas of Focus

While we are open to all areas of AI research, priority will be given to proposals that align with one or more of the following topics:

• Accessibility: Addressing disability, aging, neurodiversity, and mental health through universal design, language inclusivity, and adaptive technologies.
• Sustainability: Exploring climate, food security, agriculture, and aquaculture, aiming to improve public health, policy, and business.
• Justice: Investigating race, gender, digital inequality, policy, and power dynamics, with an emphasis on fairness and equity.
• Learning: Advancing education, workforce development, organizational development and training, and cognitive enhancement.

Key Dates

• RFP Release Date: December 2, 2024
• Information Session: December 12, 2024 12-1pm ET (Register for the webinar)
• Letter of Intent Deadline (Only for Track A: Large): February 3, 2025 by 11:59pm ET
• Proposal Submission Deadline: February 17, 2025 by 11:59pm ET (Submit here)
• Award Notification Date: May 1, 2025
• Project Start Date: June 1, 2025

For questions regarding this RFP, please review our Frequently Asked Questions document.

If you have additional questions, please contact AIM leadership and staff at aim@umd.edu.

Track Overview

Track A: Cross-College Collaborative Awards 

This track fosters interdisciplinary partnerships across colleges to encourage innovative and complex AI-related projects. 

1. Large Grants

• Purpose: To support large, cross-college collaborative projects with the potential to secure additional funding.
• Matching Requirements: Benefiting unit(s) must contribute 50% of requested funds. A Universal Funding Form, with signatures from the department/college/unit(s) confirming their 50% commitment, must accompany the proposal. Investigators may allocate the matching funds among units as they see fit.
• Funding Scope: Requests range from $100,000 to $300,000 total, including matching (e.g., $300K total requires $150K from AIM and $150K in matching funds).
• Eligibility: Teams must have at least three PIs that are UMD AIM-affiliated faculty members (TTK or PTK) from different UMD colleges. Students, industry partners, and community partners may also be included. PIs can only apply for one seed grant in any track during this cycle.
• Duration: Grants may last up to two years.

2. Medium Grants

• Purpose: To support collaborative projects with at least two PIs from different disciplines, aiming to secure future funding.
• Matching Requirements: Same as for Large Grants.
• Funding Scope:  Requests range from $25,000–$100,000 total. All totals include matching (e.g., $100K total requires $50K from AIM and $50K in matching funds).
• Eligibility: Teams must include at least two PIs that are UMD faculty (TTK or PTK) that are affiliated with AIM, with preferences for teams that bring together distinct disciplinary or methodological approaches. Students, industry partners, and/or community partners may also participate. PIs can only apply for one seed grant in any track during this cycle.
• Duration: Grants may last up to two years.

3. Community-Based Grants

• Purpose: To support AI projects that prioritize and engage with Maryland-area communities.
• Matching Requirements: Same as for Large Grants.
• Funding Scope: Requests range from $25,000 to $100,000 total, including matching (e.g., $100K total requires $50K from AIM and $50K in matching funds).
• Eligibility: Teams must include at least one UMD faculty member that is affiliated with AIM and a community partner. PIs can only apply for one seed grant in any track during this cycle. Proposals must demonstrate an established partnership, with evidence of meaningful community involvement and input. Questions about community partner eligibility should be directed to aim@umd.edu.
• Duration: Grants may last up to two years.

Track B: Individual Faculty and Student Awards

This track supports individual faculty, postdocs, and students pursuing groundbreaking AI-related research and creative projects. It offers flexibility for innovative ideas that may not yet fit into larger-scale collaborative grant opportunities.

1. Faculty Grants

• Purpose: Support individual faculty AI-related research efforts.
• Matching Requirements: The benefiting unit(s) must contribute 50% of the requested funds. A Universal Funding Form, with signatures from the department/college/unit(s) confirming their 50% commitment, must be included with the proposal. Investigators may request that units allocate the matching funds as they see fit.
• Funding Scope: Requests may range from $5,000 to $20,000 total, including matching (e.g., a $20K request requires $10K from AIM and $10K matching funds). PIs can only apply for one seed grant in any track during this cycle.
• Eligibility: The PI must be a tenure-track or professional-track faculty member at UMD that is affiliated with AIM. Projects with multiple UMD faculty PIs are allowed but must be justified; however, regardless of the number of PIs, there will be a maximum of $20K awarded. 
• Duration: Grants are for a maximum of one year.

2. Postdoc and Student Grants

• Purpose: Support innovative AI research by postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students.
• Matching Requirements: No matching requirement for these awards.
• Funding Scope: Individuals and/or teams can request up to $5,000 in total funding.
• Eligibility: Teams must consist of current UMD postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and/or undergraduate students (alumni are not eligible). Faculty advisors, who must be AIM-affiliated or willing to become AIM-affiliated, should write a letter of support, outlining a plan for project success and guidance, must be included. Postdocs and students can only apply for one seed grant in this cycle.
• Duration: Grants are for a maximum of one year.

Track C: AIM Fellows

The AIM Fellows program seeks to bring internationally renowned scholars with extensive experience in AI innovation to the University of Maryland (UMD) for a one-year residency. Fellows will contribute to AI-related initiatives across the university by engaging with faculty, mentoring students, and addressing pressing global challenges through AI.

• Purpose: To bring distinguished international AI experts including (AI researchers and artists) to UMD, enhancing AI-related teaching, research, and innovation. To foster interdisciplinary collaboration and build connections across academic, professional, and global networks.
• Matching requirements: No matching requirement for the awards.
• Funding scope: Funds up to $100,000 may be requested to support the fellow’s stipend or salary, travel and relocation costs, and additional resources for research, teaching, or collaborative projects. 
• Eligibility: Any UMD academic unit (departments, colleges, or research centers) may submit a proposal to host an AIM Fellow. Nominees must be internationally recognized leaders with a proven track record of impactful AI research, teaching, or transformative applications across diverse sectors (industry, business, public policy, government, and nonprofit). Fellows must be physically on campus and willing to relocate to the DMV area. 
• Duration: Grants are for a maximum of one year.
   

Proposal Requirements for Track A/B

Pre-submission Requirement (Track A: Large ONLY)

• Letter of Intent. Track A (Large Grants) requires a Letter of Intent (LOI), submitted two weeks before the application deadline. The LOI should include:
  • Names of research team members and their affiliations
  • A brief project description (300-word max) to assist in planning the review process
• Send LOI to aim@umd.edu by 11:59pm on February 3, 2025.

Elements Required For All Track A/B Proposals

• Project Summary: In addition to the project title and PI/co-investigator information (names, titles, affiliations, and email addresses), provide a concise overview (250 words) of the research goals, anticipated outcomes, and relevance to the focus areas
• Project Description (5-page max, single spaced with 1 inch margins and minimum of 11pt font of any type): The project description must include the following sections:
  • Objectives: Clearly defined research objectives and rationale.
  • Methods and Approach: Proposed methodology, AI technologies to be used, and a plan for data collection and analysis.
  • Impact and Innovation: Explanation of how the research will contribute to advancements in AI and the fields it will impact. Proposals must demonstrate how the research addresses societal challenges (preferably in at least one of the targeted focus areas) and show potential for real-world application.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration (as relevant): Describe the team composition, roles, and cross-departmental/community partnerships. Include a communication plan explaining how the team will collaborate.
  • Timeline and Milestones: Proposed project timeline, with key milestones and deliverables.
  • Future Impact: Expected contributions and how the work will impact various disciplines.
• Budget: Detailed line-by-line budget using the provided template. Failure to use the correct budget template may result in desk rejection.
• Budget Justification (1 page): Provide a detailed justification, including personnel costs, equipment, outreach expenses, and clear documentation to show the expenses are directly related to project goals.

Additional Requirements, by Track

Track A: Large, Medium, Community-based, OR Track B: Faculty

• Matching University Funding Form: (not required for Postdoc and Student grants)
• Future Funding Plan: Describe how the seed funding will pave the way for securing larger-scale, long-term external funding. Specify potential funding agencies and explain how the project will be sustained and expanded.

Track A: Community-based Grant (must also include)

• Letter of Support from community organization indicating their support, role, and participation in the research project

Track B: Postdoc and Student Grants ONLY

• Faculty Support Letter (Track B: Postdoc and Student Grants ONLY) Postdoc researchers and student proposals must include a signed letter of support from a faculty member who agrees to serve as a mentor or advisor. The letter should detail the faculty member’s background and how it aligns with the project goals as well as their commitment to providing guidance, oversight, and resources (if applicable) to ensure project’s success.
   

Figure 1: Summary of required submission materials for grants in Track A and B.

Proposal Requirements for Track C

• Project Title, Investigator(s) Information, and Summary (250 words) In addition to the Fellow's information (name, title, affiliation, email address), include the information of the faculty host who will work most closely with the Fellow. Include a brief overview of the Fellow’s proposed project, including research/creative scholarship goals, anticipated outcomes, and relevance to AIM's focus areas.
• Fellow Nomination Statement Provide a detailed description of the proposed AIM Fellow, including their qualifications, accomplishments, and expertise in AI research, teaching, or application in areas such as industry, business, public policy, or nonprofit sectors. Highlight the Fellow’s international reputation and potential contributions to UMD.
• Relevant Background Materials (5-page max) Include a CV, biosketch, or portfolio of creative work that highlights the Fellow’s key publications, exhibits, awards, and other accomplishments showcasing AI expertise. Focus on AI-related projects and contributions.
• Host Background Documents (2-page max) Provide a short CV or biosketch of the host faculty member(s) that outlines their relevant experience and background as related to the proposed project.
• Proposal Description (3-page max, single spaced with 1 inch margins and minimum of 11pt font of any type) The project description must include the following sections:
  • Project Motivation: Describe why this project is important to the field and society, explaining the challenges it seeks to address and the broader impact 
  • Project details, methods, and contribution: Provide details about the specific project the Fellow will work on during their time at UMD. Describe the methods, approach, and timeline for each phase of the project.
  • Fellow Contributions: Detail the specific expertise and role of the proposed Fellow in advancing the project. Highlight how their background and experience will uniquely contribute to the success of the initiative and how hosting the AIM Fellow aligns with AIM’s mission and focus areas.
  • Interdisciplinary Engagement: Outline how the Fellow will engage with faculty, students, and departments across the university to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and introduce diverse perspectives to the project.  
  • Expected Outcomes: Describe the anticipated results of the project, including advancements in AI teaching and research, research publications, new courses, community/industry partnerships, and measurable impacts on students, faculty, and the broader UMD community.
  • Sustainability and Long-Term Vision: Provide a plan for sustaining the project’s momentum beyond the fellowship period, including potential sources of external funding, collaborations, and future initiatives inspired by the Fellow’s work.
  • Institutional Impact: Outline the anticipated contributions of the Fellow to UMD’s AI ecosystem, including how their work will enhance AI teaching, research, or innovation at UMD and advance AIM’s broader goals.
• Management Plan (1-page max) that includes the following:
  • Unit Collaboration Provide a detailed plan describing how the Fellow will be integrated into the host unit’s activities, including teaching contributions, research collaborations, student engagement, and/or interdisciplinary initiatives. 
  • Interdisciplinary Impact Explain how the Fellow will interact with faculty from various departments and colleges across the university to foster interdisciplinary collaboration during their residency.
  • Support Plan Describe how the unit will support the Fellow during their residency, including workspace, access to resources, and logistical integration into the department/unit.
• Budget and Resource Allocation Provide a detailed budget outlining how funds will be utilized to support the fellow’s residency, including salary, relocation, travel, and any additional resources required for their work.
• Unit Letter of Support Provide a letter of support from the dean of the host college, detailing the significance of hosting the Fellow, affirming the unit’s commitment to supporting the residency, and outlining how the Fellow’s presence aligns with the college’s strategic priorities.

Allowable and Unallowable Costs

Allowable Costs

• Personnel: Salaries and fringe benefits for faculty, staff, and students directly involved in the project.
• Supplies & Materials: Laboratory supplies, consumables, and materials directly related to the project (e.g., chemicals, software licenses).
• Equipment (Max $10K): Essential equipment with a useful life over one year (subject to limits/approval).
• Travel: Travel expenses for project-related activities (e.g., conferences, fieldwork), directly tied to the research.
• Consultants & Subcontracts: Payments to consultants or subcontractors for specific expertise, with justification.
• Other Direct Costs: Compute costs (e.g., AWS), data collection, software, communication (e.g., mailing, shipping), and training relevant to the project.

Unallowable Costs

• Personal Expenses: Personal items (e.g., clothing, cell phones) or entertainment unrelated to the project.
• Unjustified Large Equipment: High-cost equipment not essential or justified for the project.
• Fines & Penalties: Legal costs or penalties for policy violations.
• Capital Improvements: Renovations, real estate purchases, or construction.
• Indirect Costs: Costs exceeding the allowable rate.
• Alcohol & Entertainment: Costs for alcohol or non-research-related social events.
• Lobbying & Advocacy: Costs related to lobbying or political advocacy.
• Unrelated Memberships: Memberships or subscriptions not directly needed for research.
• Unjustified Overseas Travel: International travel not directly related to the research.
   

For any questions regarding allowable/unallowable costs, please contact aim@umd.edu.

Submission Process

• Submit proposals through the InfoReady System by February 17, 2025.
• Compile all required materials into a single PDF and upload by 11:59 PM ET on the deadline date.

Expectation of Awardees

• Human Subjects Compliance: If the proposed project involves human subjects, an approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol is required prior to the start of the grant or fellowship. Evidence of IRB approval or a plan to obtain approval must be included in the proposal submission.
• Progress Report: Annual report on metrics, outcomes, financials, and results sharing.
• AIM Symposium Participation: Engage in the annual symposium and/or events to showcase outcomes.
• Media Participation: Showcase projects to media outlets as needed.
• Deliverables (Track A & Track B:Faculty): 
  • Research proposal to an external funding agency
  • Publication to a peer-reviewed journal or book publisher
  • Book contract secured or creative work exhibited/performed with AIM support

Important: Track A and Track B:Faculty projects must submit at least one proposal to an external funding agency within one year of award. If PIs require assistance in identifying potential external funding sources, AIM and the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) will provide additional support and expertise to help explore and secure suitable funding opportunities. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the withholding of remaining funds for the current project and could affect eligibility for future funding opportunities.

Review Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance & Innovation: Alignment with focus areas and potential for significant contributions.
• Scientific Merit: Methodology soundness and research feasibility.
• Interdisciplinary Impact: Contribution across various disciplines approaches, ability to expand knowledge, and address complex challenges
• (if applicable) Collaboration & Engagement: Extent of interdisciplinary collaborations and/or strength of community partnerships).
• Potential Impact: Societal impact, scalability, and future funding potential.

Contact Information

For questions regarding this RFP, please review our Frequently Asked Questions document.

If you have additional questions, please contact AIM leadership and staff at aim@umd.edu.