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Purpose

This U-LINK theme seeks to catalyze interdisciplinary collaborations that explore both the transformative potential of AI, data, and digital innovation and the implications of these technologies. We invite team applications that advance discovery, improve human and community well-being, enhance learning and creativity, and shape the future of society, while examining the ethical, social, cultural, and human dimensions of these technologies, including trust, access, and responsible innovation.

Eligibility and Funding Priorities

We plan to fund new teams of faculty representing at least two distinct disciplines. Priority will be given to teams that approach this challenge by establishing creative collaborations drawing from diverse methodologies and/or approaches to scholarship and problem-solving (e.g., a team comprised of individuals from humanities, social science, engineering, design, and basic science). Meaningful engagement of academic, community and/or external partners is required.

We encourage and look forward to creative applications that demonstrate interdisciplinarity across multiple Schools and Colleges. Some topic areas of focus include, though are certainly not limited to:

• AI & Health
• AI & Learning
• AI, Creativity and Culture
• AI & Scientific Discovery
• Human-AI Interaction
• AI, Society & Public Policy
• Ethics & Responsible Innovation
• AI and Heat Health Nexus
• AI, Climate, Environment & Sustainability

Award Amount and Funding Duration

We will fund up to 10 projects for at least one year, covering up to $100K in eligible expenses per project. Please note, U-LINK will optimally support longitudinal work, occurring over multiple years, to assess the longer-term impact and diverse outcomes of funded projects. To maximize the number of projects supported by this initiative, we encourage applicants to request no more than the amount required to complete the proposed work.

Application Details

Applications are due by 5pm on November 10, 2026. Proposals will be submitted via the InfoReady Review System (https://infoready.miami.edu/#freeformCompetitionDetail/2009209). Participating faculty must submit their CVs (for PI and all Co-Is), a budget page (using the template provided), and summarize in 5 pages or less (11 pt. font):

• Problem statement
• Description of activities
• Detailed plan for community/stakeholder engagement (1 page)
• Contribution to interdisciplinary education
• Project timeline for 12-month award period
• Proposed milestones and deliverables (with dates included)
• MPI teams Only: Leadership Plan describing the governance and organizational structure of the leadership team, including communication plans, process for making decisions on scientific direction, allocating funds and resources, and procedures for resolving conflicts (1 page)

Questions

For questions about this funding opportunity, the application process and/or the InfoReady System, please contact Eva Olivares (eolivares@miami.edu).