The Center for Political Economy at Columbia World Projects accepts applications from Columbia faculty, students, and student groups for small awards to support conducting new research, organizing and hosting conferences, workshops or other convenings, or purchasing data or computing resources.
Applications submitted under this awards program must demonstrate the project’s relevance to the Center’s mission. In particular, the Center seeks to support projects that (1) deepen multidisciplinary discussions and broaden the field of economics; (2) think conceptually about power, equality, and uncertainty; and (3) strengthen connections between academic knowledge and policy knowledge, influencing public policy and political affairs.
If your project aligns with one of the Center’s Idea Labs, you should apply via the Faculty Grant or Graduate Student Grant opportunities.
In evaluating proposals, the Center’s faculty co-directors will prioritize collaborative and multidisciplinary projects, those with the potential to break new ground in understanding the intersections of economics and political and social processes in the U.S. and those advancing theoretical, conceptual and methodological innovation.
Eligibility: The Center will accept proposals from Columbia University students, student groups and full time faculty and researchers.
Duration: Award funds must be spent within one year of receipt.
Award Amount: Columbia University full time faculty and research staff may request funds up to $5,000. Columbia University students and student groups may request funds up to $2,500.
Deadline for Proposal Submission: Proposals may be submitted at any time. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed promptly and receive a response within 60 days of submission.
Topics
Projects may address any area of political economy, understood broadly. In particular, the Center seeks to support projects that (1) deepen multidisciplinary discussions and broaden the field of economics; (2) think conceptually about power, equality, and uncertainty; and (3) explore connections between academic knowledge and policy knowledge.
Columbia University faculty and graduate students whose proposals align with one of the Center’s Idea Labs must apply through the Faculty Grant or Graduate Student Grant opportunities. Columbia student groups must always apply through the Political Economy Small Award process.
The Center encourages projects with some or all of the following features:
- Interdisciplinarity. While proposals can be submitted by one Columbia University faculty member or graduate student, we recommend proposals teams that include at least two faculty from at least two schools, institutes or centers;
- A leadership role for early-career scholars;
- A clear demonstration of how the proposed project supports the development of a new political economy;
- The inclusion of external collaborators as appropriate, e.g. universities, government agencies, bilateral agencies, civil society organizations or private sector partners;
- Diversity in the composition of project teams and in the engagement of partners; and
- The potential to seed the development of ambitious longer-term projects.
Proposal Requirements
A completed application includes the following:
- A project proposal of no more than two pages;
- Completed budget (i.e., a summary table with a clear description of how the funds would be spent); and
- Contact information and curricula vitae for project team members.
- Students and student groups must submit a brief (no more than one-page) letter of support from an advisor or other faculty member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, students, student groups and full time faculty and research staff from all Columbia University schools and affiliates are invited to apply.
Yes, all full time Research Scientists and Postdoctoral Research Scholars employed at Columbia University and its affiliates are invited to apply.
Full time assistant and associate professors, full time research staff and postdoctoral research scholars who have received their highest academic degree within the last 10 years are considered early career scholars.
Applications for the Political Economy Small Awards are accepted on a rolling basis. Review of applications is prompt and a funding decision may be expected within 60 days of submission.
No, you may return to the application as many times as needed. Once your application is submitted, no additional changes can be made.
In order to apply for the Political Economy Award, you must submit a project proposal that is no more than two pages, a completed budget (i.e., a summary table with a clear description of how the award funds will be spent), and contact information and curricula vitae for all project team members.
Students and student groups must submit a brief letter of support from an advisor or other faculty member. Letters of support may be emailed directly to [email protected].
You must submit your application via Submittable.
Awards may support research and convening activities. The funds may cover a wide range of expenses including, but not necessarily limited to:
- Purchasing data or computing resources
- Hiring student research assistants and consultants
- Conducting new research
- Organizing workshops, conferences, lectures, and other events
- Covering domestic or international travel
- Purchasing supplies and equipment
The Center’s faculty co-directors endeavor to review applications and provide a funding decision within 60 days of submission. In reviewing applications, the co-directors will prioritize collaborative and multidisciplinary initiatives with the potential to break new ground in the field of political economy.
Please send us an email with your question.