UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Center for Human Evolution and Diversity (CHED) is currently accepting proposals for grants to support projects occurring during the 2024-25 academic year.

CHED seeks proposals for small grants (up to $5,000) from multi- and trans-disciplinary research teams — representing at least two Penn State departments — working on projects related broadly to the understanding of human evolution and diversity. Successful proposals will describe new or ongoing projects which require a piece of equipment, reagents, and/or funds to pay for undergraduate research assistance needed to advance a promising project. Applications from new research teams or teams who have been previously awarded CHED seed grants are welcome.

Proposals should follow NSF or NIH style and comprise a one-page summary, biosketches of all co-investigators, a budget, and a project timeline. Grant applications should be submitted to CHED Co-director David Puts on or before Nov. 29.

CHED anticipates funding five to six proposals, with final selection of projects being done by a panel of CHED-affiliated faculty in December. Funds awarded for successful projects will be disbursed in January and will need to be spent completely no later than June 30, 2025. No-cost extensions are not possible and unexpended funds will be forfeited.

Questions regarding ideas or logistics for potential projects should be sent to Puts or to CHED Co-director Mark Shriver.