MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC)
MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC) supports interdisciplinary research and educational innovation in the humanities, arts, and social sciences at MIT.
Funder: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Due Dates: March 17, 2026 (SHASS+ Connectivity Fund full proposal) | October 19, 2026 (Full application for Education Impact Fund & Humanities Cultivation Fund)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2M annually across SHASS+ Connectivity Fund; up to $1M (Connectivity), $500K (Humanities Cultivation), and $500K (Education Impact) in 2026; typical full proposal limit $200K, planning grants up to $30K.
Summary: Supports cross-disciplinary, educational, and humanistic research initiatives at MIT, particularly within SHASS, to foster innovation and collaboration with real-world impact.
Key Information: Open to MIT SHASS faculty, instructional, and research staff (with >1 year service); requires SHASS lead for most funds.
Description
The MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC) provides internal funding to support research, teaching, and artistic practices that deepen understanding of humanity and catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration across MIT. MITHIC comprises several competitive funds, including the SHASS+ Connectivity Fund, Humanities Cultivation Fund, and Education Impact Fund. These programs are designed to:
- Encourage bold, cross-disciplinary projects connecting MIT’s School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS) with other MIT units.
- Advance innovative educational practices and curricular transformation within SHASS.
- Foster generative and public-facing research in the humanities and related disciplines.
Funding is available for both full proposals (up to $200K direct costs) and smaller planning grants (up to $30K direct costs), with significant total annual allocations. Projects may include research, educational innovation, events, performances, and collaborations with external partners (though funding must be managed at MIT).
