International Research Accelerator Grants

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per project.

Purpose and Eligibility

As global challenges from climate change to food security demand innovative solutions, interdisciplinary plant science research across borders has never been more critical.

International Research Accelerator Grants support new collaborations that advance NC State’s research excellence and global visibility. The thematic focus for the 2025-2026 program is interdisciplinary approaches to plant sciences. Examples include plant-microbiome interactions, agricultural engineering, plant-based materials science, environmental genomics, agricultural economics and policy, food security anthropology or agricultural education research. These grants will accelerate projects with high potential for external funding proposals, joint publications and sustainable international research partnerships.

This funding opportunity is open to NC State faculty of all ranks and appointment types, including tenure-track, clinical, teaching and research faculty across all colleges and departments. Successful proposals will address the following goals of the funding program:

Expected Outcomes

1. Preliminary studies and/or pilot projects that position the research group for external funding
2. Development of joint research proposals and scholarly publications
3. Clear pathways to longer-term, sustainable international research collaborations
4. Increased international visibility for NC State’s interdisciplinary strengths and Plant Sciences Initiative

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of NC State faculty members with expertise in interdisciplinary approaches to plant sciences and international partnership development.

1. Innovation in approach to international collaboration
2. Impact potential for faculty and students 
3. Sustainability beyond the funding period
4. Feasibility within the proposed timeframe and budget
5. Interdisciplinary elements that leverage diverse expertise

Allowable Expenses: Please note that projects will be supported with state appropriated funds and must be completed within the 2026 fiscal year.

• Travel expenses for international collaboration
• Research materials and supplies 
• Hosting costs for visiting international researchers
• Publication and dissemination expenses
• Project related workshop/symposia costs

Please note that the following expenses are excluded from this program:

• Faculty or staff salaries and benefits
• Graduate student assistantships
• Equipment to be used at collaborating institutions
• Indirect costs or administrative fees

2025-26 Timeline

• Call for proposals: September 2, 2025
• Application deadline: October 10, 2025
• Award announcements: November 7, 2025
• Funds must be expended by: June 30, 2026
• Final report due: December 30, 2026

Important Note: Since this is an internal NC State award, applications should NOT be routed through PINS (Proposal and Information System). Submit applications directly through the process outlined below.

1. Review the application guidelines above 
2. Complete the online application form
3. Submit all required documentation by the deadline of October 10, 2025
4. Applications should include:
   • Project narrative (max 3 pages)
   • Budget and justification (1 page max)
   • Letters of support from international partners
   • Implementation timeline
   • Evaluation plan

Reporting Requirements

All grant recipients must submit a final report documenting outcomes, challenges, and future plans by December 30, 2026.

Note: To remain eligible for future funding from the Office of Global Engagement, all previous grant reports must be completed and submitted.

Contact Information

For questions about this funding opportunity, please contact:

Dr. Leah Peck, Office of Global Engagement
lpeck2@ncsu.edu
919-515-3201