The Bold Challenges’ Boost program, which supports transdisciplinary research projects that have a substantial potential for producing highly competitive proposals for funding opportunities, has opened applications for the fall 2025 cycle.
Boost is a semester-long cohort program that supports faculty teams with structured activities and deliverables on topics such as team collaboration, research communication and strategic planning.
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Teams accepted into the program receive staff support from a research development professional and up to $75,000 to conduct preliminary research activities, such as gathering background data and information and connecting with external partners. Researchers are invited to apply by May 30.
“Bold Challenges is one of the many programs at the University of Michigan that really exemplify the phrase ‘Look to Michigan,’” said Arthur Lupia, interim vice president for research and innovation.
“By creating an environment where leaders from different fields come together to solve the problems that impact communities across the globe, the university is working in truly innovative ways to accomplish its critical public research mission.”
Faculty researchers are also invited to join Food for Tomorrow, a pollination workshop on May 14.
Researchers spanning fields such as health, agriculture, technology, sustainability and complex systems are invited to attend the workshop to discover new collaborations and learn about external funding opportunities aligned with the Bold Challenges’ new theme.
After the event, researchers will have an opportunity to apply for seed funding of up to $10,000 to develop ideas and build collaborative teams.
This workshop theme was developed in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research’s Strategic Intelligence team to leverage the university’s research strengths and anticipated federal funding interest in research focused on the future of food systems, nutrition, disease prevention, food quality and access.
Launched in 2021, Bold Challenges is a primary component of President Santa J. Ono’s universitywide Strategy to Amplify Research and Scholarship.
Events hosted by Bold Challenges also allow researchers to connect with representatives from the Office of Research Development, Research Foundations Partnerships team and other U-M centers and institutes who can provide resources and support.
Teams formed during Pollination Workshops may also consider applying for the Bold Challenges Boost program for additional funding and team development support.
“Every year since this program began, I’ve seen truly incredible researchers come together to tackle complex questions in innovative ways,” said Jill Jividen, assistant vice president for research development.
“I’m confident that this year’s cohort will continue the trend and produce competitive and imaginative grant proposals that seek to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.”
