Research Continuity and Transition Fund — Round 2 Call for Proposals

Dear Colleagues,

We write to invite proposals for the second round of the Institute Research Continuity and Transition Fund. Established in June 2026 to provide temporary financial support this fiscal year (FY27), the fund assists principal investigators (PIs) and research groups most directly and significantly affected by reductions in federal research funding and facing acute challenges as a result.

In the first round, the fund received 50 applications. Following review by DLCIs and the fund’s review committee, 39 applications were approved for funding—nearly 80% of those submitted.

Federal funding pressures are still affecting research activity across the Institute. While MIT continues to advocate for sustained federal investment in university research, we also recognize the immediate need to support research commitments that are at risk in the near term and provide time for groups to pursue more sustainable funding strategies.

Eligibility and timeline

Anyone with permanent PI status at MIT may apply for support for critical research needs resulting from federal budget reductions, including enabling current graduate students to complete thesis work, maintaining ongoing experiments that would otherwise be severely disrupted, and supporting transitions to research efforts with stronger funding prospects. Funding is limited, and we will not be able to meet every request. As in Round 1, applicants, their DLCIs, and the schools, college, or the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) are expected to contribute available discretionary resources where possible.

Proposals for Round 2 are due Friday, November 13, 2026. Applications must include a completed budget template and be reviewed and prioritized through the appropriate departmental and school, college, or OVPR channels before consideration by the fund’s review committee. We anticipate communicating funding decisions by December 9 to support spring student appointment processing.

Full details regarding eligibility, funding, applications, and the review process are available in InfoReady. Questions may be directed to rct_fund@mit.edu.

Local units are an essential part of this effort. Contributions from schools, DLCIs, and OVPR augment the central support from the Institute Research Continuity and Transition Fund. We thank the deans and department heads for contributing to the success of this shared approach.

Sincerely,

Anantha Chandrakasan
Provost

Ian A. Waitz
Vice President for Research

Glen Shor
Executive Vice President and Treasurer