GES Seed Funding supports collaborative, interdisciplinary projects led by NC State researchers that investigate the environmental, social, or economic impacts of novel biotechnologies across areas such as food, agriculture, forestry, the environment, and the built environment. Projects should also aim to engage relevant stakeholders and advance responsible research and innovation.

Award requests may be up to $15,000 per project. The number of awards will depend on the number and quality of submissions. Funds will be awarded by September 1, 2026 and must be expended by June 15, 2027.

Proposal deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

Submit a Proposal

Apply for GES Seed Funding at https://go.ncsu.edu/ges-seed-funding

Eligibility

Proposed projects must be collaborative and interdisciplinary, including at least one investigator from the natural sciences, engineering, or another STEM-based field and at least one investigator from the social sciences or humanities. At least one investigator must be a GES Affiliate.

Investigators must also commit to:

• Presenting the project at a GES Colloquium during the Spring 2027 semester
• Writing a blog post for the GES website describing how the project advances investigation into the societal dimensions of novel biotechnologies and what was accomplished with GES funds

Supported Activities

GES Seed Funding may support a wide range of research, outreach, and engagement activities aligned with the GES Center’s mission, including but not limited to:

• Research projects, including data collection, analysis, writing, and presentations
• Hosting workshops or symposia
• Travel support for conferences or symposia
• Public engagement activities, such as stakeholder engagement meetings, art exhibitions or performances, games or simulations, and public events
• Extension activities, such as Extension Agent trainings on genetic engineering in food or agriculture

Funds may be used for graduate student support, equipment and supplies, travel and conference registrations, event hosting, and appropriate food and non-alcoholic beverage expenses. With appropriate justification, faculty salary and course buyouts may also be supported. Indirect costs are not allowed.

Proposal Review

Proposals will be reviewed by faculty and staff on the GES Center’s Executive Committee. Submissions should be written in plain language for reviewers from a range of professional backgrounds.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Fit with the GES Center mission
2. Novelty of the project
3. Evidence of new interdisciplinary collaboration
4. Prospects for future external support, including traditional research funding, private philanthropy, or other sources
5. Quality of the research or outreach plan

Required Submission Materials

Applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes the following materials:

1. Cover Page

Include the project title, names and affiliations of investigators, an abstract of up to 250 words, and the total budget request of up to $15,000.

2. Project Description

The project description may be up to three (3) pages and should include:

• Specific goals or objectives
• Background and need for the work
• Project plan, approach, and timeline
• Alignment with the GES Center’s mission
• Future directions or plans for external support
• References cited; no page limit

3. Budget and Justification

Limit one (1) page. Budgets may include normally allowed and well-justified costs for research, travel, event hosting, and engagement activities, including faculty salary supplements and course buyouts. Indirect costs are not allowed.

4. Biosketches

Include biosketches for all investigators. Limit one (1) page per investigator.

5. Optional Letters of Support

Letters of support may be included to establish need for the work or provide evidence of potential future external funding. Limit one (1) page per letter.

Submit a Proposal

Complete proposals are due by Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Submit a Proposal

Awards will be announced by June 30, 2026, with funds transferred by September 1, 2026.