Apply for AI and the Workforce Faculty Research Grant Program

The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) invites applications from academic scholars conducting research on how artificial intelligence (AI) affects employment and the workforce over time. This Request for Proposals (RFP) supports research deliverables such as peer-reviewed publications, policy white papers, and shareable research databases. The application deadline is December 15, 2026. IHS states that there is significant debate about how AI adoption affects work, and that more long-term research and data are needed. This RFP is designed to help fill that gap by supporting scholarly research on AI and the workforce. IHS is particularly interested in proposals that bridge disciplines and produce research outputs that can inform public understanding and policy discussions. Awarded scholars may receive up to $20,000. IHS also notes that larger awards may be considered for exceptional projects. Supported research deliverables can include: IHS also specifies that funding is intended to cover certain research and dissemination costs, while excluding other expense categories (see “Eligible Activities or Priority Areas” and “Who Is Eligible?” for expense examples). IHS invites applications from academic scholars whose research pertains to how AI influences employment and workforce-related outcomes over time. IHS lists the following as eligible types of research and project expenses: IHS states that the following are not eligible: If you are unsure whether a specific expense qualifies, the source directs applicants to the Funding FAQ or to contact IHS for clarification. (The Funding FAQ link is not provided in the source text.) IHS is specifically interested in research proposals addressing: IHS also emphasizes interest in proposals that bridge disciplines. This RFP targets a research gap: long-term, data-informed understanding of how AI adoption changes work and workforce outcomes. By supporting scholarly outputs such as peer-reviewed publications, policy white papers, and shareable research databases, IHS aims to strengthen evidence that can be used by researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Detailed instructions (such as required documents) are not specified in the provided source text. Applicants should consult the official guidance on the opportunity page and any linked application materials. What is the “AI and the Workforce” opportunity? It is a Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) supporting academic research on how AI influences employment and workforce-related outcomes over time. How much funding is available? Awarded scholars may receive up to $20,000, and larger awards may be considered for exceptional projects. What is the application deadline? The application deadline is December 15, 2026. The source does not specify a time zone or submission time. When will decisions be announced? IHS states that decisions will be announced on January 15, 2027. What types of expenses are eligible? Eligible expenses include travel for conference presentations and archival research, research collaboration costs (such as hiring a research assistant), datasets and certain LLM subscriptions, and publication/dissemination costs like journal submission fees and copyediting/indexing. What expenses are not eligible? Ineligible expenses include living expenses, hardware purchases, retroactive expenses, conference travel without a scheduled presentation, and institutional overhead or indirect costs. Where can I find the application instructions and link? The source indicates an “Apply Now” button, but it does not provide the direct URL or document checklist. Applicants should use the official opportunity page for the complete application instructions and any linked materials. If your research examines how AI affects employment, productivity, occupational change, economic opportunity, or innovation over time—and you can produce outputs such as publications, policy white papers, or shareable research databases—review the official IHS RFP guidance and prepare your proposal and budget using the eligible and ineligible expense categories described by IHS. For more information, visit Institute for Humane Studies.