The Ken Kennedy Institute Research Cluster Initiative | 2025-2026

Note: Research Cluster applications have closed; only Proposal Working Group applications are open year-round. Ken Kennedy Institute Members that are full-time Rice faculty are invited to apply.

The purpose of this initiative, which is sponsored by Rice University, is to further strengthen the research identity of the Institute, identify and develop distinct research capabilities in the fields of AI and Computing that elevate Rice to the global scene, promote faculty to leadership positions within the Institute and, importantly, focus the limited financial resources of the Institute to key areas where we can attract significant external funding. The initiative will help faculty solidify collaborations and nurture breakthrough ideas that will lead to bigger initiatives and funding in the rapidly evolving field of AI and Computing.

The initiative was rolled out for the first time in 2024. Information about the clusters that were supported as well as their activities can be found here.

Applications Details

This year's call is open to Ken Kennedy Institute Members at Rice University that are full-time tenure-track faculty; the primary appointment must be full-time at Rice to participate in any capacity. There are three funding categories available for this cycle:

• Research Cluster — Closed
• Aspiring Cluster — Closed
• Proposal Working Group — Open year-round. This funding category is geared for efforts towards a medium or large-size proposal (or proposals) to external funders. The application can be utilized for each funding opportunity that an individual/group seeks. Note that proposal working groups that overlap with research clusters will not be supported. Please contact our Executive Director for Research Initiatives, David Pynadath, with any questions.

Ken Kennedy Institute Members: Access the application guidelines and webforms in Box by logging in with a Rice University NetID and password.

• 2025-2026 Research Cluster Initiative