2023 Call for Seed Research Proposals

SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

Summary page: March 28, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

Full proposal, presentation slides, and short video: April 11, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

Proposal discussion with CIFE members: April 20, 2023

Our economic, environmental, and social sustainability depends, in significant ways, on the performance of the built environment. By formalizing impactful and scalable engineering and management methods, CIFE aims to improve the performance of buildings and infrastructure. These methods should not only minimize the negative impacts of the built environment, but rather move the industry towards measurably improving the sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness of the built environment.

 CIFE is seeking seed proposals that envision a contribution in this broad area of research. Proposals must be led by a Stanford academic council member and should last one year with an expected budget in the range of $80k to $120k. There is, then, an opportunity to apply for a second year of funding in next year’s seed proposal cycle. The intent of these seed grants is to enable a small research team to explore the feasibility of a larger research effort. The following topics illustrate focus areas that have been identified by CIFE’s Industry Advisory Board as particularly critical at this point. However, proposals can cut across these topics or address other topics in the broad research area outlined above.

Decarbonization of buildings and infrastructure

• Digitalization of decarbonization (e.g., BIM-based carbon management)
• Novel approaches for energy management of buildings and the grid
• Incentives for building and infrastructure owners and their project teams to advance decarbonization
• Novel project organizations and project delivery models for decarbonization

AI/data-driven design, fabrication, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure

• Integration of NLP and VR for design reviews
• Generative approaches for design space exploration
• Multi-disciplinary design optimization
• Supply-chain transparency for design optimization or reliable off- and on-site production
• Automated feedback loops, e.g., from building operation and use to design
• Autonomous operation of buildings and infrastructure
• Data structures for building operations

 Managing innovation and knowledge

• How to transition from a hero culture to post-heroic management with a learning organization
• Frameworks for knowledge and innovation management for project-based companies
• Methods for innovation assessment to address a question like: “How innovative are we really?”

Regardless of the research focus, all proposal submissions should clearly demonstrate how the proposed research drives measurable improvements across the industry. Several CIFE affiliates have expressed interest in working with Stanford research teams to define specific research opportunities.

If you want to be in touch with a CIFE member for a particular topic please contact us at cife-mail@stanford.edu.

Timetable and requirements for projects for funding during AY 2023-24