Research

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Future Interdisciplinary Research Explorations (FIRE) award program receives funding from the ACES Office of Research. This grant encourages creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration between ACES faculty and other research partners to conduct research to generate/gather preliminary data and results for use in obtaining external funding. Inter- or intra-departmental/college collaboration is expected. Beginning in FFY2027, this grant is restricted to associate or full professors (tenure-track and specialized) with a primary appointment in ACES and requires participation in a Multistate Hatch project.

Award: Up to $60,000 for a 2-year period. The Office of Research anticipates funding up to four proposals through this solicitation for the 2027 federal fiscal year.

The program solicits outstanding interdisciplinary team research proposals to initiate new and enhance existing collaborations among faculty. The expected product of the FIRE seed grant program is the generation of preliminary data or results to support a fundable extramural interdisciplinary research proposal. The lead Principal Investigator must be a faculty member within ACES.

The aims of FIRE proposals are for faculty to:

  • Develop interdisciplinary exploratory research ideas 
  • Identify a research theme or question that expands the PI's research portfolio
  • Participate in a Multistate Hatch project appropriate to the project
  • Collect preliminary data or other relevant information to address research questions
  • Prepare, develop, and submit research proposals for external funding

Projects are expected to fall within USDA NIFA's Science Areas and Knowledge Areas Crosswalk and contribute to a Multistate Hatch project.

Projects are expected to achieve milestones and actively seek significant external support through proposals to NIFA, NIH, NSF, DOD, DOE, or other federal agencies, industry, or foundations. Applicants can request a maximum of $60,000 over 2 years (FFY2027: Oct. 1, 2026 - Sept. 30, 2027; FFY2028: Oct. 1, 2027 - Sept. 30, 2028). Investigators can also request funding for a single year (up to $35,000) for FY2027. Two-year projects will require a progress report to release Year 2 funding. All projects will require the completion of a final report.

FIRE awards will utilize USDA NIFA Multistate Hatch funding and are subject to federal grant regulations. To receive these funds, the Lead PI will need to initiate or have an active Multistate Hatch project with NIFA tied to the regional Multistate project of which they are a member. NIFA has annual reporting requirements which must be followed in addition to the FIRE report. For questions about joining a Multistate Hatch project, contact Chris Lugardo in the Office of Research. 

The FY2027 RFP and FAQ documents are now available. The deadline for submission of FIRE proposals is February 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM CT. Submit proposals online through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI) Special Programs site. Questions? Contact Barbara Godlew in the ACES OR for additional information.

 

Start the FIRE grant application process