The Humanities Research Centers on Artificial Intelligence program is a grant designed to promote a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern world.
It aims to support the creation of new humanities research centers focused on exploring the ethical, legal, or societal implications of AI. This program is open to eligible institutions in the United States.
Each center is expected to bring together scholars from various fields to collaborate on AI-related topics. However, the focus must be on humanities questions, and humanists should lead these centers.
These centers will help conduct research on AI and share the results with the public through educational and outreach activities.
Scholars may come from one or more institutions, but the research should be focused on the humanities. International collaborations are welcome, but scholars at U.S. institutions must play a significant role in the project.
Important Dates and Small Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | Humanities Research Centers on Artificial Intelligence Program |
| Funding Amount | Up to $750,000 |
| Eligibility | U.S. institutions, with international collaboration welcomed |
| Focus | Ethical, legal, societal implications of AI |
| Submission Deadline | October 2, 2024 (Prospectus) |
| Application Platform | Grants.gov |
| Prospectus Submission Email | aicenters@neh.gov |
| Subject Line for Prospectus | AI Center Prospectus |
| Award Announcement Date | On or after October 1, 2024 |
Benefits of the Grant
- Significant Funding
The program offers up to $750,000 in funding to help establish new research centers on AI. This funding can support various research activities, workshops, lectures, and the development of educational tools. - Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The grant encourages scholars from different disciplines to come together to explore the ethical, legal, or societal implications of AI. This collaboration can lead to unique perspectives and findings. - Educational and Outreach Activities
The centers are expected to share their research with the public through educational programs and outreach efforts, helping to spread knowledge about AI’s impact on society. - Focus on Humanities
While AI is often discussed in terms of technology, this grant focuses on exploring its impact through the lens of the humanities. This ensures a well-rounded and holistic understanding of AI in modern society. - International Collaboration
The program welcomes international scholars, as long as U.S.-based scholars contribute significantly to the project. This allows for a broader range of ideas and perspectives to be included in the research. - Establishing Sustainable Research Centers
Successful applicants will work toward establishing sustainable research centers that can continue studying AI’s impact beyond the grant period. This ensures that the research can have a long-lasting effect on our understanding of AI.
Key Requirements for the Program
- One Application per Institution
Only one application per institution is allowed. For the purposes of this rule, branch campuses are considered separate institutions and may submit their own applications. - Activities Must Focus on AI’s Implications
The centers must engage in at least two activities related to AI’s ethical, legal, or societal implications. This could include collaborative research, educational programs, mentoring, or the creation of digital tools to aid scholarly discourse on AI. - Optional Prospectus Submission
Applicants have the option to submit a prospectus for feedback before submitting their final application. The prospectus must be submitted by October 2, 2024, to the email address aicenters@neh.gov, with the subject line “AI Center Prospectus.” Only one prospectus per institution will be reviewed per competition.
Application Process
The application process consists of five key steps:
Step 1: Review the Application Package
Applicants must read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (2025) to understand the expectations and requirements of the program. This document, along with other application materials, can be found on the program’s website.
Step 2: Register for SAM and Grants.gov
Applicants must ensure their SAM (System for Award Management) registration is up to date and create an account on Grants.gov. This system is used to submit applications for government grants.
Step 3: Complete the Application Package
Applicants must carefully follow the instructions provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity to complete their application.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once the application package is complete, it must be submitted through Grants.gov. Applicants will receive a confirmation email from Grants.gov upon successful submission.
Step 5: Verify Email Confirmations
Applicants should ensure they receive all confirmation emails from Grants.gov, which indicate that their application has been accepted. These emails may be filtered into spam or junk folders, so it is essential to check those as well.
This grant is part of the broader NEH initiative called Humanities Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence, which supports research into AI’s impact from a humanities perspective. Applicants should also be aware of changes to federal grant regulations that will take effect on October 1, 2024. These changes may affect the application process, so it is advisable to review them in advance.
Conclusion
The Humanities Research Centers on Artificial Intelligence program offers a valuable opportunity for scholars to explore the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI from a humanities perspective.
With up to $750,000 in funding, the program supports the creation of new research centers at eligible institutions.
These centers will foster collaboration among scholars and share their research with the public through educational and outreach activities. By focusing on the humanities, this grant ensures a holistic understanding of AI’s impact on society.