CRFS Research Focus Groups - 2021 Call for Applications

Jan. 5, 2022

The Center for Regional Food Studies Research Focus Groups (RFG) program brings together faculty and graduate students with shared research interests from different colleges, fields, departments, and programs to foster the development of interdisciplinary research agendas. Convened by individuals from at least two departments/programs, the RFGs meet regularly (at least three times a semester) during the academic year to present works-in-progress, read and discuss texts and current scholarship, and/or plan, develop and implement common research projects. We also encourage agendas that include outreach and/or relationship-building with community-based partners.
 
Eligibility
Applications must be made by two individuals from two different departments; at least one convener must be a faculty member in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS). Priority will be given to interdisciplinary projects that open new avenues of research. 
 
Format
A central component of the RFG program is a commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among UA faculty members and graduate students around common research goals and trajectories. At least half of the RFG’s meetings should be devoted to research-related events such as works-in-progress presentations by UA faculty and graduate students and discussions of new works in the field.
 
Budgets and allowable expenses
The maximum allowable request under this program is $2,000. The program will permit the following types of funding when adequately justified: reimbursement for travel costs associated with bringing collaborators and speakers to UA, expenses related to the costs of meeting, and honoraria for guest speakers or community-based participants. RFG funds should not be used for cosponsoring departmental speakers and events unless these events are central to the RFG’s work.
 
Support
The CRFS will offer some administrative and clerical work needed to advertise group events and to keep the groups running smoothly. 
 
Evaluation and review
A subcommittee of the CRFS Community Advisory Board will review proposals for their quality, their interdisciplinary nature, and their promise of significant results.
 
To apply, submit a detailed description of proposed activities (up to 2 pages single-spaced), including:

  • The research interests of the group.
  • The names of the conveners of the group, as well as the names of faculty and graduate students who have agreed to participate in the group and/or strategies for identifying and recruiting members.
  • The activities planned for the year, specifying themes, topics, and materials that are likely to be covered. At least half of the RFG’s meetings should be devoted to research-related events such as works-in-progress presentations by local faculty and graduate students and discussions of new works in the field.
  • Names of outside speakers (if any) who will be or have been invited.
  • A proposed budget for activities during the Spring 2022 or Fall 2022 semesters.

Applications should be sent as a single PDF document by email to the Center’s Director, Megan Carney (mcarney@arizona.edu) and Assistant Director Laurel Bellante (bellante@arizona.edu) by January 28, 2022. Applicants will be notified of the status of their proposal by the end of January and funds will be available for groups immediately.