The goal of these groups is to go beyond what is supported by other Taft award categories (e.g., groups cannot only organize lectures). Additionally, these research groups are not intended to be funding bodies but rather interdisciplinary research groups that work together collaboratively to decide upon group activities. The Taft Research Group review committee will prioritize groups that propose deliverables.

Applications are limited to 1,500 words) and must include the following:

• Interdisciplinary orientation: Group are lead by Taft-eligible faculty and must include faculty from at least two different departments, both if whom commit to the following:
• Including participants from at least three departments, at least two of which must be from Taft departments
• Holding regular, open meetings at Taft Research Center at least once per semester
• Providing an annual report summarizing group activities by April 26, 2022
• Be collaborative: Groups are intended to be inclusive, open to others joining the group. 
• Demonstrate potential public impact (e.g., addressing publics in and beyond UC, potential for leveraging external funding, among other possibilities)
• Include a budget and timeline of possible activities
• Work toward a final product (e.g., edited volume; research result dissemination into public discourse via, for example, op-eds, social media platforms; other activities that promote dialogue within and/or beyond the proposed research group

To qualify for renewal, groups must provide evidence of advancing the group’s research goals.

Visit the Research Groups page to see past and current sponsored groups.