Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

What kinds of projects are we looking for?

• Showcase diverse ways of practicing science by researchers from underrepresented communities
• Provide training for researchers who are not underrepresented on how to be an ally/accomplice and provide consistent reminders of racism, sexism, and other inequities to scientists in the majority group who experience discrimination less frequently.
• Create a culture of inclusion and wellness for IGB community members
• Support members from underrepresented groups at the IGB
• Support service, outreach, and/or education work performed by IGB researchers and staff 
   

Requirements and criteria

Proposals must go beyond invited seminar speakers or existing programming. Awards will be available for 16 months and can be used as the awardee sees fit but should not be used to pay summer salaries or to purchase any gift cards. Applicants must have an IGB-affiliated faculty member involved as a collaborator or sponsor of the project. During the spring semester, awardees will be expected to present a poster at the IGB Fellows Symposium to share their project. 
 

Application

Please submit a three-to-five-page proposal, including:

• Project overview (2 pages)
• Who will be working on the project (other university groups/labs and/or external partners) as well as if and how IGB staff support would be needed to implement the project (i.e., Outreach/Communications).
• Proposed budget and justification (maximum of $5,000, 1 page). Sample budget can be found here.
• Detailed timeline and desired outcomes (1 page) 

All proposals will be reviewed by the IGB Professional and Leadership Development Advisory Group 

Who can apply?
Individuals affiliated with IGB and/or collaborative groups of faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students. Groups that have non-IGB affiliated participants are also welcome.

Submissions
Application submissions open September 2, 2025 and close October 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Contact
For questions, please contact ieaward@igb.illinois.edu