The American Educational Research Association (AERA) invites proposals for conferences in education research. AERA awards grants up to $35,000 to support research conferences intended to break new ground in substantive areas of inquiry, stimulate new lines of study on issues that have been largely unexplored, or develop innovative research methods or techniques that can contribute more generally to education research. Conferences may focus on conceptual, empirical, or methodological issues important to understanding the state of the knowledge and charting directions for future research. It is anticipated that research conferences will draw upon diverse disciplines and fields of inquiry where there is relevant scientific and scholarly expertise. The purpose of this program is to foster the accumulation of knowledge, to enhance dissemination, to encourage innovation, and to advance studies of the highest quality in education research.
Research Conference Format
Research conferences may vary in size, scope, format, and structure depending on the goals and the work to be accomplished. Some conferences may take the form of intensive research workshops of 12-18 scholars or may be larger in size to include 24 or more participants. Larger research conferences are feasible if appropriate to achieving the research objectives of the Call and if appropriate resources can be identified. Depending on size, scope, and objectives, these conferences are usually two days or may span over three days. Conferences should generally take place within approximately 12 months after the funding decision is made. This initiative is not intended to fund or supplement conferences that occur on a regular basis. In addition, public lectures or conferences aimed at dissemination, broad discussion of a topic, or professional development fall outside the scope of this program.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for the Education Research Conferences Program are as follows:
- The principal investigator(s) must be a member of AERA at the time of submission.
- The principal investigator(s) must be affiliated with an academic institution, research institution, or other organization that will be responsible for administering the award. Joint proposals from cooperating institutions are appropriate.
- Conferences may only be held in the United States or its possessions unless the principal investigator(s) is an AERA member at an institution outside of the United States and it is appropriate and cost effective given the goals of the conference.
- AERA Divisions or SIGs are eligible to submit a conference proposal individually or in collaboration. AERA entities seeking to submit proposals need to identify the principal investigator or investigators to develop and submit the proposal, as well as lead the conference, if funded. Under such circumstances, the principal investigator(s) need to make clear that they are advancing the proposal on behalf of one or more Divisions or SIGs. Submission through a Division or SIG is an option but is not required.
Where to Apply
AERA will accept proposals sent as an email attachment to [email protected] no later than 11:59pm Eastern Time onFriday, March 23, 2018. Direct any questions about the AERA Education Research Conferences Program eligibility requirements or submission process to [email protected] or 202-238-3200. Please visit the AERA website for information about previous awards. The application deadline is March 23, 2018.