Request for Proposals

Purpose

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to advance NJIT's research in artificial intelligence while promoting student engagement and development. Funding will primarily support students with the majority of the funding geared toward undergraduate students and a modest amount geared toward graduate students who are actively engaged in the proposed research. Funding for this program is made possible by a $3M endowment and a $3M gift to NJIT that allowed the creation of the Grace Hopper Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at NJIT. This program is intended to support all aspects of research in artificial intelligence across all of the institution.

Eligibility

All full-time faculty members and staff affiliated with NJIT are eligible to submit proposals.

Research Focus

Proposals should focus on any aspect of artificial intelligence, including but not limited to machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, AI ethics, and applications of AI across various disciplines.

Use of Funds

Individual projects are eligible to receive funding of up to $50,000. Multi-year projects will be considered with each year's funding limited to $50,000. Funding beyond this first year is not guaranteed and both an evaluation of progress and an application for continued funding is necessary. Funding should be primarily used to support student stipends, tuition and fees, travel for conferences, and other research-related activities which directly involve students. At least 80% of the requested budget must be allocated for direct student support. Funding must be used within one calendar year from the date of the award.

Applications that utilize cost sharing or serve as supplements to other externally funded projects are especially encouraged.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should be no more than 3 pages in length and must include the following sections:

1. Project Summary (250 words maximum): Brief description of the research goals and relevance to AI.

2. Research Objectives: Detailed explanation of the research questions and methodology.

3. Student Involvement: Description of how students will be engaged and supported through the project.

4. Expected Outcomes and Assessment Plan: Anticipated research contributions and student development outcomes with a clear assessment plan.

5. Budget Overview: A list or table of how the funding will be allocated (including student support).

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the relevance of the proposed research, the impact on student engagement, the feasibility and quality of the proposed research, and the budget justification.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals should be submitted via email as a PDF file and sent to: Iris Pantoja (iris.pantoja@njit.edu) with the title "GHRI Research Proposal." Proposals may be submitted at any time but awards may be made in groups at regular intervals throughout the year. Please specify any time sensitive constraints within the proposal.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or questions, please contact Atam Dhawan (dhawan@njit.edu) or John A. Pelesko (jpelesko@njit.edu).