Grants Available for COVID-19 Research that Uses Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

Researchers can tap into $175,000 worth of seed money for COVID-19 projects thanks to the Office of Research, several UCF colleges and UCF’s new Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Initiative announced earlier this week.

Up to $175,000 is available to researchers who use AI or data science tools to tackle pandemic-related problems that are having a big negative effect on society. The projects can be in any field. Interdisciplinary teams and those projects that include an industry partner are highly encouraged to apply for the funding.

The intent of the program is to seed the development of preliminary results that will lead to additional external research funds. A single UCF researcher can request up to $25,000. If more than one principal investigator, including senior/key personnel, a maximum of $50,000 for the collaborative project can be requested. Intercollegiate/interdisciplinary teams are encouraged. Each faculty member may submit or be included in only one proposal.

Applications will be evaluated using the National Science Foundation’s two merit-review criteria: intellectual merit and broader Impact. The Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Seed Funding Review Board, comprised of academic and industry experts, will make the selections. Applications must be submitted through InfoReady. No emails will be accepted.

Deadline is July 27. Awards will be announced Aug. 17.

Faculty who obtain funding under this program must execute their proposals and provide reports to the vice president of research within six months of concluding the program. The recipients must also present their findings at the COVID-19 Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Seed Funding Research Forum, that will be scheduled in 2021. The forum may be in-person or online depending on the status of the pandemic.

The Office of Research, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences, and College of Business are sponsoring the awards.

Details about the program including criteria, deliverables, selection process and how to apply can be found at on the InfoReady website.

Questions about the Seed program should be sent to Ivan Garibay, director of the Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Research Initiative.

For questions about submitting the application, contact Madhavi Chokshi at the Office of Research.