Applications Open: Research Cluster Initiative | 2025-2026

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 at https://kenkennedy.rice.edu/research-clusters. The PIs of the research clusters and aspiring clusters participated in the Ken Kennedy Institute Research Council to discuss on-going research activities and grant proposals. These meetings will continue in the future with the newly selected cluster PIs.

Funding Categories

Given the feedback that we obtained by our members, three mechanisms of support are offered in this round:

• Research Cluster — Funding up to $100,000. The funding is renewable for a second year upon review, and up to four years in truly exceptional cases. Applications due May 9.
• Aspiring Cluster —Funding up to $2,000. The funding is non-renewable, as the team is expected to build collaborations and move into one of the other categories during the following cycle. Applications due May 9.
• Proposal Working Group — Funding up to $15,000. The output of the project should be a medium or large-size proposal (or proposals) to external funders (see definitions below). The application will be open year-round and should be utilized for each funding opportunity that the individual/group seeks.

Definition of Medium and Large Proposals

A medium proposal is in the $2M-$5M range, and a large proposal is above $5M. For researchers outside engineering and sciences, the corresponding numbers are at ¼ of the above levels if the grants are not directed to NSF, DOD, DARPA, or NIH.

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Expectations

Research Cluster Expectations

1. Proposals must address either (i) fundamental research in AI and Computing that ideally involves more than one department, or (ii) the transformative use/development of AI and Computing in another discipline. In the latter case, the proposal should involve both AI researchers and domain experts who are willing to push both AI development and application.
2. Clusters must articulate a coherent and compelling research vision. Please avoid significant overlap with existing clusters that are seeking renewal and other proposers, to the degree possible. Do not hesitate to contact the Executive Director for Research Initiatives for guidance in this regard. The resources are limited and the Institute wants to make the best effort to allocate them.
3. Clusters are expected to have a few core Rice faculty (3-6 is a guideline) who will use the funding for the benefit of all involved. We strongly encourage involvement of faculty from different departments.
4. Clusters must have an identified leader (PI). Cluster PIs form the Ken Kennedy Institute’s Research Council and meet monthly with leadership to discuss and plan Institute-wide initiatives and opportunities. Hence, significant involvement is expected to deliver the Institute's mission.
5. After selection, clusters will be asked to provide a narrative and slides to the Institute for promotion purposes. Clusters may be asked to represent the Institute in various events and functions.
6. Clusters will present their plans at an Institute luncheon and a summary of their progress at a year-end retreat.
7. All clusters will be evaluated yearly. Key performance indicators will include: (i) number of proposals submitted and awarded, as well as execution details of the medium/large proposal(s) that the cluster has undertaken (if any); (ii) publications, scholarly outputs, and creative works acknowledging the Institute; (iii) number of students involved; (iv) external collaborations; (v) meetings and workshops organized; and (vi) outreach and visibility indicators (partnerships, speaking engagements, awards, etc.). A primary goal for clusters should be the drafting and submission of substantial proposals. The Executive Director for Research Initiatives at the Ken Kennedy Institute will actively assist with proposals.

Aspiring Cluster Expectations

#1-6 above. Aspiring clusters cannot be renewed. They are expected to work towards the capacity to draft and submit substantial proposals in the following cycle.

Proposal Working Group Expectations

All activities should center around the submission of a medium or large-scale proposal (or proposals), as defined above. The >10% travel restriction (see budget details) does not apply to this funding mechanism, as awarded funding can be used to travel and meet program managers.

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Eligibility/Restrictions

This call is open to Rice University full-time tenure-track faculty; the primary appointment must be full-time at Rice to participate in any capacity. Given the limited resources of the Institute, it is very unlikely that proposals on the same topic will be supported. The interested faculty are encouraged to combine efforts.

Determining Participation Status

A Rice faculty member can participate as PI, Co-I, or Associate in a research cluster or aspiring cluster. PIs and Co-Is can benefit directly from the allocated funding, whereas Associates cannot receive direct support from the allocated funding. Associates indicate that they commit to active participation in the research and proposal activities of the research cluster or the aspiring cluster, as they deem these important and beneficial to their own success and Rice’s research preeminence in AI and Computing. Although the Ken Kennedy Institute does not want to put restrictions on how many clusters a faculty member can be an Associate in, we also want our clusters to leverage as much of our members’ expertise as is feasible. It is recommended that each faculty member carefully consider their time commitment to avoid weakening proposals by committing to too many. The clusters are primarily a mechanism for the submission of medium to large research proposals and when faculty members commit to a cluster in any capacity, they need to be aware of this. The PI and Co-Is should be a sufficient team for achieving the proposed outcomes. Associates are welcome to contribute, but the success of the endeavor should not overly rely on their efforts.

Regarding faculty member participation:

• For all three funding categories, the team should have a single PI.
• A faculty member can be a combination of PI/Co-I in up to two clusters with the following restrictions:
  • A faculty member can be a PI in only one cluster, either a research cluster or an aspiring cluster.
  • A PI in a research cluster can be a Co-I in an aspiring cluster, but cannot be a Co-I in another research cluster.
  • A PI in an aspiring cluster can be a Co-I in a research cluster, but cannot be a Co-I in another aspiring cluster.
  • A faculty member can be a Co-I in one research cluster and one aspiring cluster.
• A faculty member can be an Associate in as many research clusters or aspiring clusters as they are able to commit to. The Ken Kennedy Institute will assume their active participation.
• A faculty member may participate in a proposal working group independent of their cluster activities.
• When in doubt, please direct your questions to the Executive Director for Research Initiatives at the Ken Kennedy Institute. The Institute will review exceptional circumstances when these are brought to its attention.

Funding Details

View the funding details below and information relevant to all funding categories:

• All awarded funds must be utilized within one year of receipt unless an extension is requested.
• Allocated funds can be used for research salaries (Rice graduate students, postdocs, and research staff), administrative/clerical costs (event organization/on-site management), grant writers, meetings, and other costs that contribute to research and proposal writing. With departmental approval, we will consider teaching release to submit a large proposal. With prior approval, summer faculty salary can be added when leading the effort to write a large proposal (>$5M). For out-of-the-box ideas that foster research or if you are unsure about what is covered, please contact the Ken Kennedy Institute.
• The following are not permitted: F&A costs, faculty salary, honoraria, bonuses, reducing teaching responsibilities for Rice faculty (except as indicated above), administrative/clerical support salary, capital equipment >$2,000, travel costs >10% (restriction applies for clusters but not for proposal working groups), and subcontracts.
• If your submission is awarded for funding, the Rice University PIs are required to initiate a record in Cayuse, list the Ken Kennedy Institute as a both a sponsoring organization and an affiliated unit, and follow the guidelines for University Funded Research Awards.
• Besides the funding, the Institute will support the operation of the clusters with its Executive Director for Research Initiatives and administrative staff. Help will include connections/trips to funding agencies and other institutions, active involvement in putting together large proposals, and priority assistance for activities such as workshops and meetings. Additional benefits may encompass support in setting up working group sessions and other collaborative ventures, spurring innovation and group ideation for proposals.
• The Institute will promote the work of the clusters in collaboration with their departments and schools.

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How to Apply

Research Cluster and Aspiring Cluster applications are due Friday, May 9 at 11:59pm CT. Clusters selected for funding will be announced in June 2025. Proposal Working Group applications are open year-round. Note that proposal working groups that overlap with research clusters will not be supported.

Designated Webforms:

Apply through the designated webforms once you have compiled the appropriate required materials. Submissions that do not adhere to the requirements listed below will not be considered.

• Research Cluster Application
• Aspiring Cluster Application
• Proposal Working Group Application

Research Cluster Application Requirements

1. Title page that includes (i) funding category; (ii) submission title; and (iii) list of PI, Co-I(s), and Associate(s) with their primary departments.
2. A page with 1 paragraph (~350 words) on the long-term research vision.
3. A 2-3 page project summary (11pt) following the Heilmeier Catechism questions and aligning either with (a) fundamental research in AI and Computing that ideally involves more than one department, or (b) the transformative use/development of AI and Computing in another discipline. For 1-year projects, address the following:
   • Your objectives, devoid of jargon
   • Methods and their limitations
   • Novelty in your approach and its potential success
   • The significance of your success
   • Possible risks
   • Budget allocation
   • Success metrics
4. Biosketch and Current & Pending support documents for every PI, Co-I, and Associate. NSF or NIH formats are ideal (but other formats containing similar information will be accepted).
5. A page titled “Planned Medium or Large-Scale Proposal” that includes one concrete call for a medium or large-scale research proposal that the cluster will target. Definitions for medium and large proposals are given above. Please include expected date of submission and indicate what help you might need from the Ken Kennedy Institute to help our planning. If you have not identified such a call at this point, please leave this page blank. Additional calls can be included in #6 for research cluster applications.
6. A concise, 1-page strategy outlining the path to larger funding, pinpointing essential milestones and actions.

Aspiring Cluster Application Requirements

#1, 2, 3 (but only a single page is required), 4 and 6.

Proposal Working Group Application Requirements

#1, 2, 3 (but only a single page is required), 4 and 5.

Note that the budget restriction on allowed travel does not apply to this funding mechanism. Money can be used to travel and meet program managers.