Research Travel Grants

This program supports expenses associated with faculty travel for the purpose of conducting scholarly research or fieldwork.

The review committee takes a broad view of the arts and humanities, in which the key factor is the nature of the creative activity or the central question posed by the research, not the departmental or division affiliation of the faculty member(s) submitting the proposal. In determining whether a proposal falls within the falls within the parameters of the humanities, the committee generally is guided by the definition provided by the NEH.

The most important consideration is that your project or travel purpose center within the methods or perspectives of the arts or humanities. For instance: an economic analysis of the impact of the arts on tourism is not eligible for funding through the Presidential Arts and Humanities (IUPAH) program, since the methodologies used are not humanistic or artistic (the same methods would be used for an analysis of the impact of athletics, retail, or restaurants on tourism). A proposal to create art for installation in a business facility, however, would be eligible for funding, since the methods used are artistic, regardless of where the art will ultimately be exhibited.

 We are interested in reviewing proposals addressing research or creative works that will result in the production of new artistic works or development and/or advancement of knowledge in the humanities.

 The committee recognizes that the division between the humanities and the social sciences is not rigid. If your proposal has social sciences content and you wonder how the committee will assess its eligibility, please contact the program officer for advice.

• Funding requests may not exceed $4,000.
• Funding may be used to support travel expenses associated with conducting research and field work.
• Funds may not be used for hosting conferences, workshops, or similar symposia.
• Priority will be given to proposals that articulate how travel to another site, location, archive, library, museum, etc. will enhance one’s current research or creative activity. Please also consider applying for research funds from the Grant-in-Aid program; the College Arts & Humanities Institute (Bloomington); IUPUI Arts & Humanities Institute; or your campus research or faculty affairs office (regional campuses).
• Funds not spent within 18 months of award can be considered for a one-time six-month extension with a justification request for approval, after which time all remaining funds will be returned to the funding pool.
• Funds cannot be used to reimburse for expenses paid before the award is granted.
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year or until funds are exhausted.