Research Cluster Faculty Fellowship
The Research Cluster Faculty Fellowship supports faculty research and creative activity that aligns with Utah State University’s Research Clusters, a network of interdisciplinary scholarly communities that brings together faculty and students from across the university and from all fields of inquiry. The fellowship is designed to strengthen cluster based research by supporting interdisciplinary research that is informed by and contributes to Research Cluster communities. Faculty are encouraged to apply whether they are long standing participants in a Research Cluster or newly engaging with cluster based inquiry.
Awards of $1,500 annually are available to support faculty at Utah State University from all departments, colleges, disciplines, and campuses, whose projects contribute to the intellectual goals of one or more Research Clusters and reflect shared values of interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological rigor, mentorship, and publicly relevant scholarship.
Eligible Activities
Fellowship funds may be used to support a wide range of research and creative activities, including but not limited to:
- Substantial revision of manuscripts, chapters, or creative works for submission
- Preparation, presentation, or performance of scholarly or creative research
- Archival research, data collection, or other research activities necessary to complete a project
- Conference, workshop, or other related academic events that relate to research and/or pedagogical practices and development
Proposals that contribute to Research Cluster conversations, support an exchange of works in progress, or lay the groundwork for future collaborative or external funding proposals are especially encouraged.
Research Cluster Focus Areas
Proposals must clearly align with one or more of the following Research Clusters:
- Race, Ethnicity, and Indigenous Studies
- Sexuality and the Body
- Global and Transnational Issues
- Environment and Climate Justice
- Feminist Inquiry Cohort
- EcoArt Working Group
Applicants should articulate how their project engages the questions, themes, and/or approaches central to the selected cluster(s) and how fellowship support will strengthen both the project and the broader Research Cluster community.
Application Requirements
Proposal (Maximum 2 Pages)
The proposal should include the following components:
- Research Cluster Alignment and Project Description
- Describe the research or creative activity and clearly explain its alignment with one or more Research Clusters. The description should outline the project’s goals, research questions or creative aims, methods or processes, and a realistic timeline for completion. Applicants should explain how the fellowship will support engagement with that cluster’s themes, questions, or scholarly community.
- Scholarly and Professional Impact
- Explain how the project will advance the applicant’s research or creative trajectory. Applicants should describe anticipated outcomes (e.g., publication, exhibition, performance, conference presentation, proposal submission) and explain how engagement with the Research Cluster enhances the project’s quality, visibility, or long‑term impact.
Applicant Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be part of a Research Cluster to apply?
Yes, but that’s easy! If you are not already a participant in one of the Research Clusters, you can fill out a form to join. The fellowship is open to all USU faculty, and applications are welcome from those newly engaging with a cluster as well as from established participants.
Can I apply if my work spans multiple clusters?
Yes. Projects that meaningfully engage more than one Research Cluster are encouraged. Applicants should indicate all relevant clusters and describe how the project connects to each.
What if I’m unsure which cluster best fits my project?
Applicants should select the cluster that most closely aligns with their project’s primary focus. Projects that introduce new perspectives or approaches to an existing cluster are welcome.