Research Support

Supporting & Accelerating Applied Research

GRI exists to incubate and accelerate applied research at William & Mary so it can have an impact in the world. That commitment goes far beyond simply funding promising research and sending you on your way.

What sets GRI’s research support apart is human beings—professional staff who can help you navigate the research infrastructure at William & Mary and help identify ways to make your research sustainable. GRI staff provide fiscal and admin support to take things off of your plate and help the research process run smoothly. They pitch your work to the media so funders take notice. And they connect you to potential partners outside the academy who can use and support your research.

Current Research Portfolio

2027-2028 Application Cycle

Applications are now open for two research support programs to help accelerate research from idea to impact.

Key Dates

Application Opens: September 14, 2026
Proposal Deadline: November 1, 2026
Proposal Review: Nov – Dec 2026
Finalist Interviews: January 2027
Awards Announced: February 2027
Project Onboarding: March - April 2027

Seed Program

The GRI Seed program is GRI's early-stage investment in faculty and staff-led research initiatives. Seed awards provide up to $20,000 over sixteen months, along with significant institutional support, to help collaborative teams launch applied research programs.

Apply Call for Proposals Department Chair Approval Form

Accelerate Program

GRI’s Accelerate program represents GRI's most significant investment in faculty and staff-led research initiatives. Accelerate awards may provide up to $300,000 over three years, along with comprehensive institutional support, to cultivate research projects with exceptional potential for sustained, real-world impact.

Apply Call For Proposals Department Chair Approval Form

Information Sessions

GRI will offer four information sessions prior to the submission deadline to answer questions about the programs of support.

September 15, 1-2 pm in Hive Event Space, Swem Library
October 2, 11 am, virtual
October 14, 10 am, in the Ford Classroom, Swem Library, and virtually
October 21, 10 am, in the James Room, Sadler Center

You can also schedule a time to meet with GRI staff separately to learn more about the Seed and Accelerate Programs. Book a time to meet.