Future Interdisciplinary Research Explorations (FIRE)
The FIRE program supports ACES faculty teams at UIUC in launching interdisciplinary research projects that generate preliminary data for future external grant proposals, with alignment to USDA NIFA science priorities.
Funder: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $60,000 total over 2 years; single-year option up to $35,000; typically 4 awards per cycle.
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary ACES faculty teams in generating preliminary data and collaborations to enable future external grant proposals.
Key Information: PI must be an associate or full professor with a primary appointment in ACES and participate in a Multistate Hatch project.
Description
The Future Interdisciplinary Research Explorations (FIRE) program, funded by the ACES Office of Research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, aims to foster creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration among College of ACES faculty and research partners. The program solicits team research proposals to initiate new or enhance existing collaborations, with the goal of generating preliminary data or results that will support competitive, extramural interdisciplinary research proposals. Projects must align with USDA NIFA’s Science Areas and Knowledge Areas and contribute to a Multistate Hatch project. The ultimate aim is to expand faculty research portfolios and position teams for successful pursuit of major external grants.
