Research Workshop Fund

Research Workshop Fund

The Tobias Center for Innovation in International Development invites proposals for scholarly workshops that advance research in international development. This competitive funding program supports up to two workshops per academic year, bringing together scholars to workshop manuscripts and foster intellectual exchange in core areas of international development.

Program Overview

The Workshop Fund supports intensive 1–2-day gatherings focused on developing and refining scholarly manuscripts related to international development. Successful workshops will:

  • Convene scholars working on cutting-edge research in international development
  • Provide structured feedback on works-in-progress
  • Foster intellectual community and potential collaborations
  • Engage Center affiliates and students in scholarly dialogue

Funding Details

Selected proposals will receive up to $15,000 to support relevant workshop expenses. Please note that awardees are expected to organize the workshop through their home department’s administrative staff. Awardees are strongly encouraged to also apply for matching funds through the IU Research and Creative Activities Grant and other internal funding sources for which they are eligible. Relevant workshop expenses may include:

  • Travel and accommodation for visiting scholars
  • Meals and refreshments during the workshop
  • Administrative and logistical support
  • Participant honoraria

Eligibility

  • Principal organizers must be Center affiliated faculty members, instructors, or researchers
  • Proposed workshops must align with the Center's core research areas
  • Priority will be given to workshops held on IU Bloomington’s campus.
  • Events must be open to Center affiliates and students to attend, and their additional participation as moderators or discussants is strongly encouraged

Proposal Requirements

  • Submissions should include:

    1. Workshop Overview (max 2 pages)
    • Workshop theme and rationale
    • Alignment with Center's research priorities
    • Expected outcomes and deliverables
    • Draft schedule and format

    1. Participants (max 2 pages)
    • List of confirmed and potential participants
    • Brief biographies highlighting relevant expertise
    • List of confirmed and potential Center affiliates and students who will serve as moderators and discussants and/or attend

    1. Budget and Logistics (max 1 page)
    • Detailed budget breakdown
    • Proposed dates

    1. Supporting Materials
    • CVs of principal organizers
    • Abstract of manuscripts to be workshopped (if available)
    • Letters of commitment from key participants (if relevant)

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Scholarly merit and innovation
  • Alignment with Center's mission and priorities
  • Feasibility and organization
  • Potential for lasting impact
  • Engagement of diverse scholarly perspectives

Submission Process

  • Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis, until funds for that academic year are exhausted. Priority Deadline for the 2025/26 AY is May 15, 2025.
  • Notification of decisions: within 30 days of submission
  • Submit complete proposal package to: tobiasdv@iu.edu

Questions and Contact

For questions about the Workshop Fund or proposal process, please contact:

Sarah Bauerle Danzman, Center Director at sbauerle@iu.edu

The Tobias Center for Innovation in International Development promotes scholarly research and dialogue that advances understanding of international development challenges and solutions. Through programs like the Workshop Fund, we aim to foster innovative scholarship that shapes the field and informs practice.