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For Faculty and Researchers
GRI's Next Chapter: Supporting and Accelerating Applied Research
GRI has spent 20 years supporting applied research. In 2026, we’re excited to expand that mission, launching a new research incubator that will facilitate collaborative research at every stage—from good ideas to sustainable research enterprises. This new model will support research with the potential for real-world impact in Virginia, the United States, and the wider world, touching topics from across departments and schools at William & Mary.
GRI’s four-tiered system of incubation will:
- Engage Make available training and resources to all W&M faculty as part of GRI’s ongoing programming.
- Explore Catalyze emerging research ideas and/or show proof-of-concept.
- Accelerate Support and invest in high-potential projects.
- Sustain Ensure continued external funding and a successful transition to permanent homes across William & Mary.
Funding Opportunities
To support these goals, GRI is opening three funding opportunities for researchers for the 2026-2027 academic year, backed by the significant administrative support of GRI’s staff.
There are three kinds of funding available: Pathfinder Groups and Seed Funding will help faculty and staff explore new and developing research pathways. Accelerate Funding represents GRI’s most significant investment in applied research. This overview of the available pathways (pdf) can help faculty and staff select the program that matches their research and goals.
- Applications (available below the table) open January 15, 2026 and close February 15, 2026, at 11:59pm.
| Pathfinder Groups | Seed Funding | Accelerate Funding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for... | Exploring broad research interests/themes with collaborators | Testing ideas with pilot studies in order to seek external funders | Scaling proven research programs |
| Award | $1K stipend ($1.5k for facilitators) | Up to $20,000 | Up to $300,000 |
| Staff Support | Support from the Director of Research and a dedicated Senior Research Manager | Support from the Director of Research, a dedicated Senior Research Manager, Grants Specialist, Comms & Finance Team | Support from the Director of Research, a dedicated Senior Research Manager, Grants Specialist, Comms & Finance Team |
| Duration | 9 months (one academic year) | 1 year | Up to 3 years |
| Format | Monthly cohort meetings | Early-stage research project with strong potential to attract external funding | Major research program seeking to become a sustainable initiative/project/center |
| Proposal | 2 pages | 3 pages | 5 pages |
| Deadline | February 15, 2026 | February 15, 2026 | February 15, 2026 |
| Start | September 2026 | September 2026 | September 2026 |
| # of Awards Anticipated | Up to 4 cohorts | Up to 3 projects | Up to 2 projects |
Apply
Explore additional application details for each pathway and apply below.
Pathfinder Groups
This program allows teams of researchers and students to spend a year considering “big questions” around a core theme, providing space to explore potential research directions and build relationships with other scholars without the pressure of immediate deliverables. This program provides a stipend ($1,000 for faculty/staff participants and $1,500 for facilitators) to participate in these seminars over the course of an academic year.
Application Instructions Apply FAQS
Seed Funding
Seed Funding awards of up to $20,000 support pilot projects to generate preliminary data, test innovative methodologies, and build the foundation for larger external grants. This funding is flexible, and can be used to collect data, fund student researchers, or pay for travel related to the research, among other expenses.
Application Instructions Apply FAQS
Accelerate Funding
GRI's most significant investment in research, Accelerate Funding provides up to $300,000 over three years to grow research projects into sustainable research enterprises. Researchers can use this funding to support course buyouts, research team salaries, travel, and other expenses.
Application Instructions ApplyFAQs
Questions?
For more specific inquiries, to schedule an individual consultation, or to request a GRI staff member visit your department meeting, please contact GRI Associate Director [[dmtrichler, David Trichler]].
GRI leadership will also hold three information sessions during the application window at the Hive Event Space in Swem Library.
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 12:30pm
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 5pm (Virtual option also available at this link.)
- Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10am (Virtual option also available at this link.)