Working Groups

The Humanities Center and
Office of Research & Innovation
Working Groups

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The Humanities Center and the Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I) are pleased to offer funding for interdisciplinary Working Groups to support innovative thinking and a trans-disciplinary research culture at Texas Tech University. As we recognize that strong work and effective collaboration often takes time and sustained debate, the Humanities Center and OR&I will fund groups to investigate a subject of common concern over three years of activity. Members should comprise a core group of tenured and/or tenure-track faculty, representing multiple disciplines; the broader group may also include post-docs, graduate students, and other qualified researchers (at least two-thirds of the group must be tenured or tenure-track faculty in humanities disciplines or areas).

Working Groups can request up to a total of $7,500 to be distributed over the course of three years. Applicants should indicate in a budget how the funds will be spent each year.  

These funds are intended to be used as startup money in support of developing a major humanistic research project, with an eye toward advancing national and/or international impact and showcasing the quality of humanities scholarship at TTU. Working groups should have a clear research-oriented purpose or theme. Some possible projects or outcomes include (but are by no means limited to):

1. A significant grant proposal with a major funding agency, federal or otherwise. Groups working on developing a grant proposal will be expected to work with OR&I and the Office of Research Development (ORD).

2. A book project, such as an edited volume.

3. An interdisciplinary conference to be held at Texas Tech.

4. A special issue of a scholarly journal on the Working Group's theme.

5. A digital humanities project, such as the creation of a database, digital exhibition, or archive.

6. Group presentation at a major conference related to the field or area of the Working Group's focus.

Those wishing to apply should prepare a proposal containing the following in a single PDF:

1. A Project Narrative of no more than 1000 words detailing the significance of the project to the humanities broadly speaking and the goals of the group for each year. The narrative should also explain what the proposed outcome or project will be, and how the group intends to achieve that goal.
2. A List of the core members of the group (with academic field specified for each) and an explanation of each member's qualifications and planned contributions to the project.
3. A Short Budget that details the expenses associated with the group's activities for three years as well as identifying likely sources of any additional funds necessary to achieve the group's goals.  Ideally, the funds will be distributed somewhat evenly over the three years of funding, but exceptions will be considered.
4. An Appendix containing very brief CVs (no more than one page each) highlighting each member's work and experience of direct relevance to the group's goals. 

Working Groups will be required to submit a summary report each year for which funding is granted by the Humanities Center and OR&I. Continuation of funding beyond the first year will be based on the successful completion of the group's goals as specified in the Project Narrative and Short Budget.

Please send proposals to humanitiescenter@ttu.edu. Send your proposal as a single PDF. Please use the subject line: (your last name) Working Group FY2025. (E.g., Garrick Working Group Proposal FY2025). Applications are due on Friday, March 22, 2024.

New Working Group for 2023-2024: Narrative Medicine & Medical Humanities

New Working Group for 2022-2023: Digital Humanities