Track 2
ForecastedInternal — Stanford University only
Track 2 supports Stanford-led teams pursuing social science projects and multi-project agendas that combine actionable research with stakeholder engagement to address urgent social needs and improve lives.
Funder: Stanford University
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (LOI deadline)
Funding Amounts: $350,000–$650,000 for up to three years
Summary: Supports Stanford-led social science projects and multi-project agendas that address urgent social needs through actionable research and stakeholder engagement.
Key Information: Teams must include a PI-eligible Stanford faculty leader and already partner or actively engage with stakeholders outside academia.
Description
Stanford Impact Labs (SIL) supports social science research that directly responds to social needs and aims to improve people’s lives. Track 2 funds individual research projects and multi-project agendas that deliver rigorous, actionable answers to urgent social questions. Supported work must have a clear, direct path to impact, whether through developing or testing solutions and interventions or generating insights that shape policy and other key decisions.
The program emphasizes science, impact, and partnership. Engagement may involve deep collaboration with a small number of partners or broader public consultation with key stakeholders. Rather than prescribing one research model, SIL prioritizes research designs and engagement approaches suited to the proposed scientific and societal goals. Larger investments carry higher expectations for scientific contribution, impact, and partnership.
