PENN STATE UNIVERSITY has announced two new funding opportunities aimed at enhancing research capabilities and community engagement at its Commonwealth Campuses. The initiatives, sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses (OVPCC), are the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Discovery Initiative and the Community Impact and Engagement (CIE) Seed Funding Program. Applications for both programs are due by December 12, with funding supporting projects from January 1 to June 30, 2026.
Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor, emphasized the significance of these programs, stating, “AI’s rapid evolution, paired with our deep responsibility to serve communities across Pennsylvania, underscores the importance of investing in both emerging technologies and public-impact research.” Engel highlighted that these initiatives aim to empower faculty to enhance their skills, explore innovative methods, and fortify partnerships benefiting both the University and local communities.
The AI Discovery Initiative aligns with the leadership of Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos, who seeks to position the institution as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. This initiative is designed to support faculty across all disciplines in expanding their expertise and incorporating AI into their research and outreach efforts. Notably, prior experience with AI is not a prerequisite for participation in this program.
Faculty members can submit proposals through two distinct tracks. The first track, AI Faculty Fellowship, offers up to $3,000 for professional development related to AI, including courses, workshops, conferences, and meetings. The second track, AI Discovery Seed Funding, provides up to $5,000 for integrating AI into research or outreach projects, covering costs related to AI tools, pilot data collection, and student assistant wages.
In tandem with the AI initiative, the Community Impact and Engagement Seed Funding Program is also being launched. This program is part of a broader effort led by President Neeli Bendapudi, who is actively involved in a national coalition reimagining the future of public-impact research. The CIE program emphasizes the importance of amplifying societal impact, enhancing public engagement, and elevating community leadership in research priorities. It aligns with Penn State’s mission as a land-grant institution by transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions for public benefit.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available through the CIE program, with faculty encouraged to collaborate with community stakeholders, including nonprofits, schools, industry partners, civic groups, and municipal leaders. Such partnerships aim to identify pressing community needs and co-develop impactful solutions, further integrating the University’s research initiatives with real-world applications.
Detailed submission requirements and criteria for both funding programs can be found on the University’s official website. Through these efforts, Penn State is not only fostering academic growth among its faculty but is also reinforcing its commitment to community service and engagement.
As the role of AI continues to evolve rapidly, initiatives like these underscore the importance of equipping educators and researchers with the necessary tools and resources to engage effectively with both technology and their communities. This forward-thinking approach is poised to enhance the University’s contributions to society and elevate Pennsylvania’s standing in the fields of research and innovation.
